Monday, May 17, 2010

Leapin' Lambeau

OK, so I didn't actually attempt a "Lambeau Leap" this past weekend — but I did think about it! In the final half mile of the race I ran on Sunday, the course looped into the players' tunnel at Lambeau and out to the field. I still can't believe I was on the ground inside Lambeau Field, home of my beloved Green Bay Packers. I was absolutely exhausted from the 12.5 miles I'd run leading up to the point, but the experience gave me enough of a rush to sprint across the finish line a couple minutes later.
I finished the race in 2:03:50, which is only about a minute slower than my PR. I had no plans to set a new best time at this race, so I was thrilled to come as close as I did. My training was far from perfect, thanks to all of the added responsibilities in my life these days. But I take great pride in being able to run as fast as I did!
And my little brother, Ben, did amazing in the full marathon — as usual! He didn't hit his goal time, but still finished 11th place (out of 7,000 runners) with a time of 2:30:40. He's awesome.

(I'll add pictures later, but our camera is being weird...)

Here are some of the highlights from our family trip up to Green Bay this past weekend.
A few firsts:
  • My first time hearing "Go mom" from the race course sidelines — and having it apply to me, and not the other, older women running nearby! Kinda weird and awesome. Brian and Ellie (and future sister-in-law, Candice) really pumped me up by cheering at miles 4 and 10.
  • It was also the first race in which I had to budget extra early-morning time to nurse before heading to the starting line... That meant a 5 a.m. wake-up call, but Ellie is worth it :)
  • When I really started to hurt during the run, it was the first time I could think to myself with real assurance: "My body can do something much more painful than this and get by!" After experiencing childbirth, I think a lot of things sound easier.
  • The first race where I really felt like my dad was running alongside me. He's the main reason I work so hard at running and to stay healthy. And he's certainly the reason I cheer so hard for the Packers! I know he was looking down from heaven and, in a way, was with us at the race Sunday. He was such a Green Bay fan that I know he would not miss it.

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