Rock N Roll San Antonio Half 2015

Waking up this morning was not easy. I'm actually kind of tired from the weekend. Mostly because I am so untrained. Really, seriously, untrained.  Did the same routine as the morning before. I headed out early to meet Sorority Girl at her house. Her fabulous husband drove us to the start. This time we couldn't quite make it to the same easy drop off because of road closures, so there was a little stress. But, we made it just fine. Took a few pictures. Met some INKnBURN Ambassadors and took a few pictures.

  Of course, we had requisite porta-pottie time. Lined up in our corrals and planned the 1-minute run/1-minute walk rotation for as long as we felt like it. 30 minutes (ish) after the first corral started, we got started. We had a brief second to catch a selfie with Meb. One of the nicest guys and greatest US marathoners of our time.

Then it was a trek through San Antonio. I remember just not ever feeling into the race ... at all. I really have lost my mojo. But, there were some fun sights to see. San Antonio really does have lovely things to see.

My brother taught me ...
never turn down candy from a child

 But there were some fun things. As the morning developed and people started waking up, we found ourselves downtown with the smells of breakfast. I needed a bathroom and why not stop for cookies at a pastry shop/breakfast cafe? We appreciated the bubble machine, that was really fun.

 We ended up walking most of the race. I just can't get into it right now. Burnout? But why? I haven't been pushing myself hard. I think it's job stress. I am especially stressed out these days. Anyway, we eventually reached the turnoff for the marathoners. We were careful to stay left ... didn't want to make a mistake and find ourselves on the wrong course and going further. But, it didn't matter. By the time we actually got there, it was blocked off. We had missed the cut-off. Good thing we weren't aiming for a marathon finish today. And I'm glad I had company that was feeling as "motivated" as I was. We were both slogging it out, but didn't really want to be there. Eventually, we found ourselves at the finish at the Alamo.

Collected medals ... yes, two ... for the half and for the remix. Surprised and happy that the Musician had met us at the finish line, with large cups of Iced Tea. Took the required finish pics that we always do.

  This weekend was 22.4 miles and I'm really tired.

Christmas in the Caverns 5K 2015

So ... the weekend is going to be packed. After eating and showering and a quick nap, it was time to head to Natural Bridges Cavern. I had talked to the Musician about walking a 5K with me. It's a trail in the dark at the caverns during the holidays. What could go wrong? We need to spend time together. Just a leisurely 3 mile stroll. Now, remember, I may have low grade chronic injuries, but he is having a difficult recovery from a big knee injury earlier in the year. We talked about it, but decided we weren't signing up until day of ... just in case.

So, we drove out and signed up. I didn't have enough INKnBURN holiday kits for the whole weekend, but I was feeling a little steampunk.

It's kitschy, right? The Musician went out and bought us Santa hats for the evening, so steampunk Santa? Registration and packet pick-up went easy. Included in registration is a ticket to Caverns entrance in the future. Nice perk. We went to the car and set up our bibs and headlamps.

Then we waited for the start. We got to explore the grounds a bit while we waited. I do like it here. The Grinch was out and about causing havoc, too.

Some race announcements were made and the sky was getting darker and the temperature was dropping as we headed out. The course quickly turned onto trail and it got dark. Good thing for headlamps. During the 3.1 miles, we passed many lighted displays.

Sometimes I ran ahead, sometimes I lagged behind. We chatted with other back of the packers who were also going a leisurely walk-pace. We joked about what was lurking in the darkness, but saw no eyes glowing in the dark staring past us. I loved the peacefulness of it all. Too soon, we were back on the main grounds and it was festive. The tree was lit up and music was playing. The lights on the tree changed colors throughout the songs. Holiday cookies and hot cocoa were being served. We picked out our own medals made of geode slices.

But, since it's an early morning for me ... we headed out quick. I put on my jammies and fell asleep almost immediately.

Rock N Roll San Antonio 10K 2015

So ... you know I'm a big fan of extra bling. So ... Remix challenge? Extra medal? OK.  Friday I snuck out of work a little early and met Sorority Girl at the Expo. I changed into INKnBURN because it's way better than my BDUs. Picked up packet for the race weekend and we explored the expo. Tested some gear. Bought some gear that I probably don't need. Tried not to get suckered into buying things I definitely don't need. Some of the folks are pushy. Said hello to some friends. Signed up for next year. Didn't see Meb. Time goes really really fast.

  Saturday morning, got up early, I don't know what time. Drove to Sorority Girl's house and her hubs drove us to the Alamodome. We wandered, found corrals, used porta potties. Finished coffee. Used porta potties again. Yes, I need the pre-race coffee to take care of certain pre-race needs. Found a spot in a crowded corral. It's packed with people.

 Eventually our time came. I swear it takes a good 20-30 minutes to get us across and I'm not even in the back of the pack. Our plan had been to take it super easy today so we didn't hurt tomorrow. Both of us have been battling chronic injuries. We were both in holiday versions of INKnBURN and we did get tons of compliments. No surprise. INKnBURN is the best!!! Comfortable, wicking, made in the USA, and C.U.T.E.

I freely admit, I don't actually remember much of this race. It was crowded, I think, most of the 6.2 miles. Nothing particularly spectacular or terrible. It just ... was.

We finished by the Alamo and got a few pics before calling to ask the Musician to come pick us up.