8k Review!!

I finished my first 8k and I loved it. I was totally nervous and puke-y again before the start. When does that go away?? We got there and parked and picked up my bib and packet. The medium shirts were gone, so they are supposed to mail me one. The smalls looked like they might fit Maddie. Not even teeny-tiny Mary could have fit in one.

After registering I went to porta potty lane. Tim held the bags while I went and then I held them while he went and Dinger from the Rockies, Whooly from the Mammoth and Crusher from the Crush were all going to the porta pottys too. When Wholly came out he was funny....he acted like it was terrible and wouldn't let people go in that one. HAHA.

So then I got in the line to start and Tim was by the side. I was nauseous. The we started. The first half of the race is one giant slow hill. I once again started out very fast and then was passed by seemingly everyone. I need to learn to start at my pace and stay there. When we passed my car I wondered about quitting, but I didn't. And it got a lot better. That hill from the river all the way up to Pearl St and 19th or so is killer. I was about 1/3 of the way done when the leader ran back through the other way. She was fast!

At the second water table I got a cup of water and a cup of Gatorade. It was underneath the Denver Pavilions and in the shade so I walked and drank a few sips. Gatorade always makes me want to hurl, it is so darn sickly sweet. Then it was down 15th to Larimer. At Arapahoe Tim was waving to me and he ran with me the few blocks to Larmier. He was so fun to see and really boosted me when I needed it!! He said he would see me at the finish line and I was doing great!! He was so positive and happy for me!

Then I turned and ran through Larmier Square. I love that area. Then there was more water at the walkway down to the Cherry Creek Bike Trail. We ran that to Confluence Park and then had about a block left. I had just enough left to run the last bit and people were everywhere cheering on all the runners. It was awesome. Such a great feeling. Tim was waving and had a HUGE smile for me. It was so fun.

They handed out water when you gave them the bib tag and then everyone got a medal!!! I love that I got a finisher's medal. So COOL! I want to wear it all day!

I am so happy that I ran it and am looking forward to my next race. I need to find some more to do, but I might stick to smaller ones. This seemed large.

I ran a total of 5.26 miles and it took 51:39. I kept thinking we were going to be done, because I thought an 8k was 4.97 miles, but the finish line was farther. I hope they post the results soon!!