The Sweet Smell of Success

This weekend WTR and co. traveled to Tyler, Texas to watch MB complete the Tyler Half and MM and Jen participate in the 5k. We had a blast. Hopefully, MB can post a run-down of the actual race.

MB, Karen, Jen, Liz and Tristen traveled down together. We watched movies and enjoyed the hour and a half trip.

After picking up our race packets and T shirts, we drove the Half Marathon course. It looked fairly ok with a couple long hills. Then we headed to dinner at Johnny Carino's. Yum.

Once back at the hotel we took a swimming trip and then played Farkel. This family loves games! Tristen beat us all!

Steve, Jaz, Matthew & Olivia arrived around 12:30pm and we finally hit the sack. Race morning we headed over to the site and watched Dad & Steve take off on the Half Marathon. It was exciting to see everyone take off and we got the first chance to show off our fun signs. After that, the 5k started and Nadene took off on her run. Jen, Jaz, Liz and the kids started the 5k walk.

MM ran down two girls at the finish - it was exciting! Then we all hung out and played cards and waited the two hours until the boys would finish. Tristen and Matthew were so fun copying all the runners and then racing from tree to tree. They had so much energy!

We had some fun signs. Since Steve wasn't running as many miles we had this fun one saying 'Practice is for Losers' with a picture of a doctor running and one that had our blog anthem 'Stand Me Up at the Gates of Hell - No I Won't Back Down'. Check out the pictures for more.

Because of the shape of the run course, we got to see Steve & MB three times before the actual finish and we had fun looking for them and yelling out when they passed.

Finally, at 2 hours and 30 minutes, Steve & MB finished the half looking good. Below is their finish video and our cheering group.

We are so proud of their accomplishment and steady determination. It was fantastic to watch them take on this challenge and complete it. And it was great to see everyone and have a fun family weekend.

Defeat...more than a state of mind

I did some calculations and in the interest of protecting myself at this crucial stage of getting back to running, I'll likely be bowing out of the Tyler Half.

My therapist and I talked last night after some examinations and I'm starting back running this weekend. But at no more than 2 miles on a track. Running only the straight sections and walking the curves. If I increase at 10% a week, which he fully believes I should stick to so as to avoid further injury during rehab, I am no where near even 6 miles in the seven weeks left until event day.

Since I am already registered, I could possibly walk the entire thing which might take somewhere near four hours. There might be a possibility I would run the first 4 miles and then walk from there. This would put me at about 3.5 hours. But I do know for sure I will not be running.

I'm reallllllly trying to keep upbeat because I was SO looking forward to completing this. But I have to remind myself there are other feats of festivus to be accomplished next year. Either way I'll still be at the finish line cheering and congratulating MM and MB!

Keep training and maybe we can do something in the early spring! And we might be able to do the Turkey Trot 8!