It’s been over a week now since that crazy California weekend. I managed to get the first half of the recap up last week. This one has taken a little longer. It’s been harder for me this week to get some focused blog time. So it’s 10:30 at night and everyone’s asleep so let’s do this (before I fall asleep).
The morning of the race, we were up and walking to the start by 5:00 (I think). Since we missed the expo we had to pick up our bibs the morning of the race with the THOUSANDS of others that were trapped by the wildfire. Then we headed over and met up with the We Run Social Crew. Have I mentioned how awesome this crew is?!
I was especially excited to reunite with Kristin and Marlon. We ran the OC Half Marathon together last year. Kristin is one of my favorite BLENDS and anytime I get to hug her I will! Also, note that’s Smitha (RunningWithSD).
I can’t even imagine how much iCloud storage was used before the race. 🙂
We all started the race together but I fully expected to get left in the dust but somehow a group of us all decided to take it slow and ended up running about the same pace.
After a couple miles we decided to stop for pictures with all character and all beverages and donuts we could find. I couldn’t remember the order these went it but here are just a few.
Our legs were sore but our spirits were high. We had more fun than I can tell you about!
There was Champagne, Beer, mixed drinks, you name it…we drank it. Then there were donuts, red vines, fruit and more!
We kept running into the November Project group and that’s when I realized that the founders Brogan Gram and Bojan Mandaric were among them. I’ve seen pictures of these two and thought they look huge but they really are. Super sweet, nice as can be and made the last few miles even that more fun!
The last few character stops were so great. Love this one of Kaella , David and I.
The race itself was as great as advertised. The Rock ‘n’ Roll team does an excellent job of creating a party atmosphere while keeping it all buzzing without a hitch. Even the bib pick up before the race was excellent. With all the people who needed their bibs we were afraid it would be a nightmare. Not so.
By the way did you notice the awesome ProCompression Socks? They were a HUGE hit at the race!
After the race, I met up with a family friend I haven’t seen literally since we were 6 maybe. It was so heartwarming to see her doing so well!
Then Sharpie and I headed back to our room to get cleaned up and head to the We Run Social Meet up. More fun was had (I need to track down some pictures) and lots of good drinks and conversation. We left and headed to get a bite to eat before I headed to the airport. After the brocolini the night before we couldn’t think of anything else so we (and Sara RunningMomOnEmpty) went back and were rewarded with an experience even better than the night before. We met the chef, learned about how they made our food and promised to come back!
I’ve been trying to think of a way to poetically sum up the weekend and I realized I really can’t. In some ways I’m still speechless. So many beautiful people (inside and out), enjoying the very thing that brought us together, together. We all looked different, we all ran different but we all crossed the same finish line. Celebrated the same and now have the same memories to relive whenever we need a little motivation and inspiration. No matter how many miles separate us, we will always have these days to bring us back together (if only virtually).
HUGE thanks to Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego for the race entry, ProCompression for the socks and Plantronics for the earbuds to giveaway during the social. If you want to run a Rock ‘n’ Roll race, you can save some $$ by entering MOMSLRB at checkout ($15 off)
What’s next? Not sure. I think I have a coupe triathlons in July then not much on the agenda till October. I need to get back to focusing on life around here. Travel is stepping up again, and kids are deep into summer activities.
You’re welcome ANYTIME! Also, STL might really be a serious thing 🙂
Awesome recap, great photos (i’m a little biased =P) and even greater times. Paula, the boys and I are so glad we met you!
awasome !! snaps !!!really