You Go Girl ~ A Surprise 10K Story

I woke up this morning to the sound of pouring rain.  I went ahead and got dressed in the same outfit I picked the night before.  I wasn't going to let the rain stop me.  I picked up Tressa and we were on our way back to Tacoma.  Amanda was great and offered to let us meet at her house so we could get a ride to the start.  

 We all met in front of Tully's for some pictures.

Jump Photo.  You would think us taller girls wouldn't have an issue with something like this :)

Tressa and I putting on our chip timers.

BTW, we'd like to thank Rosanna P, and Heidi T for letting us use your bibs.  Thanks!!!

Part of our group before the start, Tressa & I, and Tressa & I just starting out.

After the group shots at Tully's we all made our way to the race start.  Tressa needed the gear check to get rid of her jacket.  As much as I wanted to do the same, I kept mine so I could safely carry Tressa's camera, my phone, and some GU Chomps.  That's what I get for forgetting my race belt.  I'm so glad I decided to wear it.  I was able to snap a few pictures to document Tressa's first 10K.  That's right her FIRST.  I'm so proud of her.  She had never ran over 3 miles before this and she had a few injuries as well.

We all lined up for the start.  It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen with no one lining up in the front.  Tressa and I safely chose to line up between the runners and walkers.  We had no idea what to expect.  Tressa thought she would have to walk a lot.  I know how competitive she is and thought she'd do better than she was predicting.  The race began and Need For Speed aka Garmin freaked out.  I don't know if it was because of all the rain but it refused to work.  I grumbled about that several times along the way.  We started out at a nice steady pace.  It was an out and back so we were able to see almost all of our friends.  That made it so much fun.  We made it to the turn around and headed back.  The course had more hills than I was expecting but I really didn't mind.  We had a pretty steep hill headed up to a park.  The running path was a mud bath so I mostly ran off to the side in the grass.  I actually loved this part of the course.  It was fun to run around stuff and pass other runners.  We hit mile 4 right before leaving the park and hitting all the down hills that would take us to the finish.  I took a picture of Tressa at this milestone.  We had really only walked a couple times and not very long.  It was fun to try and be supportive/coach Tressa.  I wanted to do more but I didn't want to annoy her.  I just always tried to make sure she was close.  I knew we would need to walk at least one more time before the end.  I was hoping we could keep going as long as possible.  We started walking somewhere between mile 5-6.  Finally we confirmed that the finish was ahead.  Of course, there was a turn so it was a little farther away than we thought.  We kicked it up at the end and finished together.

Our official finish photos.

I know I said it before but I'm very proud of Tressa.  It was great getting to run with her.  I loved not having any pressure and just being able to enjoy the run and everyone else running too.  It was a great experience.  Even better since it was completely unplanned.  

After we finished we were able to watch most of our other blog buddies finish too.  Usually I'm either by myself or I'm the one everyone else is waiting for so it was great to be a spectator/cheerleader for once.  So much fun!!!

My hair got a little wild from the rain.  It was crazy awesome.

After the race and yummy food at The Rock, we headed back to Amanda's for a partial change before hitting the road.  I had an amazing day.  I'm so glad we were able to share in such a great run/girls weekend.  Amanda is the best.  So nice of her to share her home and help us get everywhere we needed to be.  Thanks Amanda!!!!  I really wish you weren't moving.  So thankful for having more time to hang out and get to know our running friends better.  Such a great group of girls.  

Official Stats

469/787

1:18:26

Since we were running under someone else's name the age group, etc. isn't accurate :)

Congrats to all the runners and their great races.  So impressed with all the sub 2's.

Don't forget my Skirt Sports Giveaway HERE.  Ends Tonight!!!!!