Recap/Lesson Learned/Friends Forever

Once again I registered for the Cooper River Bridge Run, a 10k two hours away from my home where you run over an amazingly beautiful bridge and right into the heart of downtown Charleston. This year Lindsay and I headed down to Charleston a day early to spend time with friends and enjoy the day relaxing...not thinking about running over this b**** of a bridge.

We were silly along the way and talked, sang songs, ate pita chips and ignored the fact that we were running over a bridge that we were in no way prepared for and more than that we didn't officially have a plan for where, what and how the whole thing was going to play out. I'm okay with flying by the seat of my pants....Lindsay- notsomuch but I was so proud of her, she managed the lack of a plan really well. Mostly because she knew that when we got to E.'s store E. would insist and set a plan in motion!!!

We arrived at E.'s store and lo and behold Lindsay and E. are wearing the same outfit....so cute! Lindsay and I tried on new "running the bridge outfit's", which we bought because who doesn't want to run a race in new prettiness!!

Downtown Charleston...prepping for runners who can't hold their tinkle. I'd have to be DESPERATE to use one of these-DESPERATE! That is why I don't really eat or drink the day before or the day of the race, not the best pre-race plan....but it works.

We hit the Expo to see what we could see and of course had to stop and see H. at the iFitness booth, where we convinced E. she could not run the race without one of their belts....they are the best running belts, there's no wandering up, they hold a ton of stuff....and their customer service can't be beat!!!

We may or may not have seen the Weinermobile and chased it down to grab a photo.

The morning of the race...I knew I hadn't run outside enough, had done all of my running on the treadmill and wasn't going to be ready for it....but I tied my shoes and promised myself I'd do my best!

Gathered in E.'s kitchen, Lindsay and I crashed here for the night, slept great and had a great time with E. and her family....the most generous, kindest, lovingest people ever!!! Plus her kids could not be more presh!!

Waiting a thousand hours before we could run....FREEZING our booties off. People, it's the south, why can't it be warmer sooner???

Snuggling for warmth with my sweet E.

Lindsay's dear friend, R., her parents were in Japan at the time of the earthquake and tsunami....but far enough away that they were and continue to be safe. But R. was wearing a, handmade by her, tee shirt to remind everyone to keep Japan in their thoughts and prayers!!!

Not ready to run. And I have no idea why I didn't have my earplugs in normally yet-weirdo.

End of the race. I was 10 minutes SLOWER than last year. Bummer. But I ran, walked the bridge because, like Lindsay says, "Someone made that bridge taller and longer this year." And then ran some more.

Note the weinermobile behind us.... hilarity.

After the race we all parted ways, my mom, auntie and sweet Ken were at the race to cheer me on (best thing ever) and we stopped at possibly my most favorite restaurant ever. Five Loaves in Mt. Pleasant....seriously people, the food....there aren't words. I snapped a picture before I ate mine but everyone else...wiped their plates clean!

Lessons Learned:

1. Training should involve indoor AND outdoor running.

2. Maybe a sort-of-plan is ok.

3. A cute outfit made me feel ready to run.

4. I have the best family. Ever.

5. My friends. I have so few and the ones I have....I am truly blessed by their encouragement, support and love for me and the tolerance of the crazy that I bring to each day!!