Race Eight ...

                                  The Donut Dash Gang

Ah, my kind of race. The Donut Dash! Don't you just love a race with that kind of name, how could you not? It's like donuts, EVERYONE loves DONUTS! This was one of those small, family and friends oriented race, everyone is welcomed, strollers and dogs too. The idea is you run two miles to Marie's Donuts and eat either four donuts or six donut holes. I opted for the donut holes. There were so many participants that towards the end they ran out of donuts and had to give out vouchers. Thank goodness I was "fast" (wink wink) enough to get there early for my donut holes. I noticed most people were taking their donuts back to the finish with them and not eating them there on the spot. Me, my thinking was, "When in Rome..." So I ate all six donut holes and ran the two miles back to the finish! This was a kick in the pants. I did not even get sick and I ran my best time! Hmmm, maybe that is the key, more donut holes as pre-race carb loading!

The second cool thing about this race, I was at the finish line second in our large group. What a totally different experience to stand at the finish line and cheer your family and friends on as they cross that finish line. I was ALL smiles! Kevin had a great run and was first across the finish in our group, nice job Kevin. Thanks to all for joining me in this silly but fun run. Patty and her daughter Ryan; Kevin and his parents, Bruce and Karen; Genaro; Lindie; Lisa; and Allyson. This race was developed to raise funds for the Child Life Program at Sutter Children Center in Sacramento, proceeds go towards programs and activities to help children and their families cope with their medical expenses. This race deserves a 5 out of 5 shoes, I had one sweet time! See you on the trail.

Race Seven ...

                             The Shamrock'N Half Marathon

Ugh.  Well, that one word says it all, UGH!  I guess I really should not complain, at least I completed the half marathon, right!?!  The only problem was my time, a very sad time indeed.  But this whole experience is about honesty, working towards a crazy goal and well, having fun.  I'm just having a hard time writing about the time, but I need to just say it, like ripping off a band-aid, just go for it...3:48:31 (three hours, forty-eight minutes and 31 seconds).  There, it's out there, I said it, I feel OH so much better!  LOL 

Seriously, it was another fun experience.  Amazing bands along the course, the ever helpful volunteers and the cheering crowds.  Genaro ran the whole race and had an awesome time of 1:45 (yes that is one hour and 45 minutes, way to go Big G)!  My friend Lindie and I started out "running" and then after the first porta-potty stop decided to walk.  Lindie is a very fast walker and I had to work to keep up with her.  Believe it or not but walking is very different than running and I think I would have been better off running.  My leg muscles were very tired and sore but when I came around the corner and saw that Tower Bridge at the end of the race, I could have cried!  But something incredible happens that last quarter mile, strangers are cheering you on and you suddenly become energized and you pick up your pace and smile a little more and next thing you know you are crossing that finish line and holding your finishers medal!


If you have not completed a half or full marathon, I encourage all of you to give it a go.  You will be amazed what you can accomplish.  It is like anything else we do in our lives, a little training, time and determination; and you will have it in the bag, and oh what a feeling you will have, like nothing else, no matter how long it will take you to finish.  The Shanrock'N gets a 4 out of 5 shoes.  Till next time, see you on trails.