Chapter 2 page 184 - New friends part 1 of 3

I'm back - miss me?

I will be putting together a race recap later this week when time allows, and posting pictures maybe next week once I get them all together from the multiple cameras that we used.

Until then, I would like to say how much I LOVE racing. I never win, I rarely PR, I utterly hate the pain and the mental struggle that is required to dig deep and finish - but . . . I LOVE meeting encouraging, happy, and positive people (I love corrals because everyone in there with you is a lot like you). This post will be about some of the awesome people I encountered and met during the Women's Half Marathon this past weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida.

For starters -
"C" and I met the author of one of my favorite blogs Momma of 3 on the Run. Christina and her friend Heidi were the neatest people EVER! You think she's personable and fun on her blog - you should meet her in real life. She and Heidi are gems! We enjoyed a relaxing pre-race pasta dinner together. It was awesome to finally meet her "in real life." Christina was amazing. She completed her first half marathon despite several physical ailments. Read her race recap here. I have one true regret about the WHM and that would be at the finish line. Christina was so positive, inspiring, and fabulous. She cheered "C" and I on at the end. Seconds after I crossed the finish line (which is truly a blur - details to come in my race recap later this week), we walked over to see Christina. She introduced her ADORABLE children and sexy husband to us. We spoke briefly - way too briefly. I truly regret that I wasn't more clear headed and able to stand there longer to talk . . . and more importantly, to celebrate her HUGE accomplishment. I was totally dead - totally done and just wanted to get my medal and sit down. I'm sorry Christina that we weren't able to talk more. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to talk with you super cute children and tell your husband how much "C" and I appreciate you and how proud of you we are. I rarely have regrets, but the short exchange at the finish line is definitely one.

On Friday, in the restroom -
"C" and I had to use the restroom (is that TMI?) and were commenting on the overhead pipped in Christmas music. When, from another stahl, a women with a southern accent said "they have to play the music so early 'cuz it's so warm here." We continued the conversation with her out in the hallway, learned her name was Linda and even met her husband who is a tri-athlete. 2 days later during the race, Linda pops up from behind us and says "Hey girls!" We were near each other for pretty much the whole race. A quick potty break can turn into a new friend - and race day cheerleader.