Holland Michigan Tulip Festival 8K

When I got up yeterday morning to feed the puppies at dark o'clock it was raining cats and dogs and I thought, oh goody!  (not!)     But, I had hopes of it clearing up by race time and I sure wasn't going to miss out on the opportunity of meeting Steve and Tag the Avenger Doggie!

On the drive down to Holland I told my neighbor that we have to look for Steve - but he shouldn't be hard to find with his batman attire and of course the batman cape on Tag.   As soon as we got there I spotted them and I hugged Steve and let Tag sniff all the puppy smells on me.   His wife and daughter are as sweet as can be, and it was also DD's birthday.   Many people and especially kids wanted to meet Avenger Doggie and Steve is more than willing to introduce them and show them Tag's tricks.

I felt very out of shape for this race, so I went into it thinking I'll just enjoy the tulips and if I have to walk, so be it.   It was a little unorganized and we all got a late start, but the rain had stopped, so that was not a big deal.   Steve and Tag went to the back of the pack, so to speak, and off we went.   Just about 1/2 mile into it I could hear pant, pant ... pant, pant... and here comes the twosome to pass me.    It wasn't long though, and Avenger Doggie had to make a pit stop, and I never saw them again until the finish line.  

Mile 1 - 9:24 - uh, oh - this is kind of fast for me, but I feel good

Mile 2 - 9:48 - still feeling good, but wishing I didn't have my rain jacket on

Mile 3 - 10:02 - slowing down a bit, but I have my sights on Miss Green shirt and black shorts

Mile 4 - 10:13 - here there was a nice downhill and I passed Miss Green shirt, but what goes down, must go up and she passed me on the uphill - drats

Mile .97 - 8:58 - I gave it my all the last couple of blocks, never to catch Miss Green shirt - but to finish proud.

Overall time 49:08 which I was VERY happy with - 9:54 pace.    I never walked once!!

I knew I gave it my all as I felt like I was going to hurl at the finish line.   I walked over to the fence line and my neighbor saw me and knew she should leave me alone for a few minutes.    Once I got it together we headed over to the finish line to watch Steve and Tag finish:

Tag gave it his all and was one pooped out puppy:

It was a great day and and I am so happy the weather cooperated.   Steve has a picture of the 3 of us together, which I'm a bit afraid to see. 

Oh, afterwards, my GF and I went to the local running store.  While there another couple came in and she said to me "we were behind you the whole race", and I said, "oh, so I was your target huh?" and they say, "yep, we were watching your butt the whole time".   Great!   Diet starts tomorrow ......  

Happy Sunday everyone!

I'm jealous, hopeful.  You had a great race and meet up with Steve, Tag, and family.  Congratulations on a speedy race and a good time.

TomS

Great race.  Especially when you can be pleasantly surprised with the finish time.  That dog sure looks content with the world.  The 8k seems to be popular.  There were 3 races of that distance on this side of the state already this year.

You ran a sweet race Mary and it was great to finally meet you!!!