the first half...

Let me just start by saying I get it. I get why people race. Why it is SO much more fun than going out your doorstep and cruising 12 miles around your town. There is a chance I may be hooked.



What would you ask for when you are doing your first real half-marathon?

An almost summer-type day in November?

Three of your dearest friends running too?

Your kids happily taken care of by your partner who got the day off work to be there with you and took all kinds of great pictures?

A beach for a playground for them to play on?

How about 1200 women to run alongside you?

A body that felt just the right amount of strong and rested, able and willing?

How about if you got all of it?



A three hour drive, a little bit of nerves, the sun rising high with the promise of warmth, a happy albeit, un-napped toddler...we head into the gym to find these incredible women. Sandi said, "Can I just say how lucky I feel that I have friends who run marathons?!" (Author's note: these women are all members of the other 3 families that we feel at least somewhat responsible for moving to Hampden.)

Ready to go.

We are all excited and anxious to start. Mindy, the real trooper of the day, had been battling flu-like symptoms for the past 24 hours.

Maya getting a good view from up on Charissa's shoulders. Plus it had the added benefit of us not needing use the dog's leash to keep her with our group.

First few minutes of the race it was a thick sea of women (there was a lottery and "one lucky guy" got to race with us.) Mindy was there but hiding behind someone. In front of us, the back of one woman's shirt said, "Marriage inequality is so gay." Awesome.

Our cheering squad. Packed in the stroller and ready for the first stop cheering spot.

Mile 3.5. Mindy looking amazingly strong for her poor, flu-riddled body. I was ridiculously happy and high-fiving everyone and anyone that was willing. I told Mindy I felt like a parasite feeding off the crowd. She said it was a symbiotic relationship but I'm pretty sure I took more than I gave.

Meredith and Emilie looking strong. (This is Emilie of just finished the San Francisco Marathon 3 weeks ago-and my running muse-and Meredith who is doing her first marathon in February.)

No joke- this was our view...

Time for the kids to ditch the running moms and go play!

Can I bottle this joy please?

And then back in the stroller to be cheerleaders... bummer.

Mile 8.

This is where poor Mindy started to really struggle. There was not enough water on the course, for anyone, but especially for her already dehydrated body. I opted out of the photo of her looking like she was suffering. (Hope that is okay Min. Scroll down for your moment of glory.)


What we were all aiming to get into our line of vision...

Here they are, all glammed up. Check out Emerson's cheek. It looks like a tatoo you would find on a guy who smokes cigarretts, listens to classic rock, and has longer hair that you do.

I finished in 2 hrs. 15 minutes. Very proud.

Here come Emilie and Meredith. That is me holding my arm out. I was REALLY excited. Their time was 2 hrs. 22 min.

And pulling it from who knows where...

Looking strong and fantastic (and probably wondering where the closest bed was to crawl into) Mindy came across a mere 15 minutes later. Tough as nails.

What more can I say?

How about Memorial Day weekend 2010. Vermont. Full Marathon.

That is why the blog header says "Start." This is only the beginning.