Where, Oh Where, Is the Next Water Station?!

Sunday I traveled to Council Bluffs, Iowa with Bud for my half marathon.  It was the second year for this race, and since it was in May and not in October (prime deer hunting season) I thought I would get my race out of the way for the year and Bud wouldn't miss any hunting time in October.

Bud and I had a lovely time in Council Bluffs and Omaha, NE which was literally across the river and about two minutes away from our hotel. I picked up my race packet at Harrah's Casino, and we ended up in Omaha for dinner.  Downtown Omaha was a pleasant surprise.  There's an area called Old Town, which is about 4 blocks of restaurants and odd little shops.  A great place to walk and browse with your sweetie before picking a restaurant to eat.  We ate at an Italian restaurant which I would have liked to move back home!  Our pizza was scrumptious--pesto, chicken, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, and alfredo sauce.  Very light crust and very yummy.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Race day dawns windy, very humid, and warm.  The kind of conditions I dread.  I'm a cool weather running kind of gal--60-65 degrees is ideal for me!  So I was prepared to sweat, and Bud brought his bike to follow me along the route (not with the runners, but on the sidewalks).

What a mess I quickly became!  I made it five miles before I had to stop and walk for a few minutes.  I was running directly into the wind for awhile, then having the wind hit the side of my body for another few miles, all with the sun popping out to beat down on all the runners.  I had sunscreen on, which was a blessing since I think I would have had a fierce sunburn without it.

Anyway, I finished, but way past my goal time.  I was pretty disappointed, but very much a happy camper when it was all over.  Bud was my wingman, telling me I was doing well even though I wasn't, and there at the end to give me a hug and his special smile.  After shedding a few tears over my showing, we headed out  (I hobbled) to the post party, which wasn't much.  I had a quick sample of beer--it was the only ice cold thing around!  Bud ate a bunch of peanut butter cookies.  My appetite was shot, and sweets just did not sound good.  I know, I know, it's a miracle--I didn't want sweets!

After a cool shower, I felt better, but still no appetite and golly, my knees and feet hurt!  On the way home, we stopped in Des Moines, and by that time, I was ravenous.  I wanted Mexican, so that's what we ate before making it home last night and collapsing on the couch.  Both Bud and I were tired, but happy to have spent the weekend together.  Now I have another run on June 12th--the Run the Flood Race in Cedar Rapids.  It's 7 miles.  I ran it last year, and did pretty good for myself.  I'll shake this run off, and work harder for the next one.  This is probably the first race I've ever run where I really wasn't as well prepared as I should have been, and the weather was not ideal.  I can only improve, which is what I plan to do!  I can't have the shame parade come to my house again :)

Today, I feel pretty much back to normal, with just a few aches.  Back to running this week!