Marj and I had another fun and warm weekend in Tampa. If you've read Bob's comments you already know about our dinner and how we couldn't get together with Dive Chief and Arf. However, we did thaw out in Tampa while New England was in a deep freeze. We almost cancelled our Tampa plans since we're off this coming weekend for a week of cross country skiing in Quebec. But a reasonably priced flight helped change our minds. Saturday morning we flew down in time to hit the expo, encounter Bob as he was heading into the Convention Center and solidify our evening plans. Sunday morning we awoke in time to reach the starting line for a 6 a.m. start. The first hour was in the dark as we ran along the intercoastal shore. I started out at 11's and Marj soon moved ahead. The course was beautiful and flat. I seemed to slow down about mile 5 for no particular reason. I was feeling good but just couldn't maintain my usual pace. About mile 8 Marj spotted me as she ran on the opposite side heading toward the final stretch. I kept going at a 11-12 pace but as I hit the wind in the last couple of miles I slowed down even more. A final sprint gave me a finishing chip time of 2:30:54 (another PW). Marj finished in 2:17:50 (almost a PR). She finished 5/24 in her age division. I finshed 8/14, disappointing but having really enjoyed the race. We spent an overnight soaking in more rays and a easy flight home-back to the chill. Now, all we have to do is climatize back to the cold for our next adventure.

Henry, Sounds like you and Marj had another wonderful get away event in IRC....plus you met Bob. WTG. Re: your speed I was in Tampa 2 weeks ago. At first I thought the flat terrain was wonderful but then it got boring. Throw in IRC on top of the flat and what motivation does a MA resident have? No ice to dodge, no hills to challenge...even the traffic stops at pedestrian lights...Glad you took it all in stride and enjoyed yourselves. Now come back from Quebec in one piece (or both of you come back in two whole pieces!) Sue

IRC??????

For those of you who may not have seen the other thread about the race that Henry was talking about, here is a picture of Henry and Marj enjoy their well deserved reward after their half. Yes, they are as adorable as they look! And just as funny too! Dinner and conversation was great the night before the race, and I'm really glad I bumped into you guys both during and after the race. I'm glad you guys had a great weekend and have fun on your trip up north. Next time you are in my neck of the woods, give me a shout.

What a great pic of you two! Glad you had so much fun at the race and Way to Go Marj! So sorry we missed seeing you guys. As Divechief mentioned, I had surgery 10 days before, and realizing when I was on the plane and bleeding heavily that running the next morning would probably not be the best idea I ever had, I still had high hopes of meeting with you and having a relaxing holiday in the sun. My biggest regret is not getting together. Have lots of fun cross-country skiing and I hope to see you both sometime soon. arf

Henrun and Dromedary, IRC=ideal running conditions.... not to be confused w/ icy rainy cr@p

A weekend in Tampa at this time of year sounds fun anyway, but add a race and a Boomer meeting - what more could you ask for?

congrats, marj and henrun.