Missions Half Marathon 2015

Purpose. Race. Events. is a local race organization that I've come to love in San Antonio. My first introduction to them was with Spa Girl, but they have a Half-Marathon series (with 5K and/or 10K options), women only runs, and have expanded to a few other cities for a few races in Texas and Arizona. I really like them because they are friendly, really care about just getting people out there and being active, and they have a cause. The support is amazing ... from friendly, easy packet pick-up to lots of happy course support. The races are small enough to feel personal, but large enough to never be alone ... and that's important if you are a turtle. Each race supports something important. This year they began the Missions Half Marathon. Of course, I signed up. There were lots of reasons to be excited for this race. In my years in San Antonio, I have not traveled the Mission Reach to see all of the Missions and this race gave me the opportunity to travel by foot along the river and through Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, and Mission San Juan de Capistrano. 100% of proceeds raised from this race were to support La Misiones Permanent Fund to help restore, preserve, and maintain these important parts of our young history. Beautiful history. Also, this was going to be Sorority Girl's very first half marathon. I was going to do it with her, at her pace. 

Thursday after work, I headed down to Whole Earth Provisions at the Quarry for packet pick-up. It was the usual smooth process. Find my number, sign my waiver, pick up my bag and bib, pick up my shirt. The swag is always good, well thought-out. Nice reusable bags. Nice tech Ts without lots of sponsor logos ... shirts I will wear. The tagline was "Running through the Soul of San Francisco." 

Since my last race, I was honored to be selected as an official ambassador for INKnBURN. I have always felt like an unofficial ambassador since I love their artwork on running clothes. Not just pretty, but really very comfortable. The Dry I.C.E feels like silk. The technique for printing never fades, trust me, some of my shirts have been washed and dried many times. I was so excited to wear my new spring designs. I have converted Sorority Girl to the INKnBURN line and she doesn't wear anything else anymore, either. And there is a reason. We both were wearing our new clothes. We were noticed. I can't tell you how many times we were stopped and asked ... are you running in jeans? Can I feel those pants? Lots of oooohhhh aaaaaahhhh!!!! And, remember those really awesome volunteers? Lots of cheering for how awesome our wildflower pants were.

We started out at Mission Concepcion. If it wasn't for Sorority Girl, I might have bailed. It was sub-freezing temps and sleet. Not bad, but bad enough. It stayed cold and the clouds spit off and on, but overall, it was not bad. Pleasant, in fact. Mostly because of the company along the route. 

The race started in the usual way for Purpose. Race. Events. A prayer. The participants raising their voices in respect to sing the National Anthem. And we headed out. I love the way they start their events. 

We ran through Mission San Jose and along the river. Our friend Heather was doing the 5K and we ran with her until the split. Despite the weather, the views were absolutely gorgeous. Before the river, we did run through a part of town that doesn't showcase the city in the best light, but on a Sunday morning, it does remind me to be thankful every day for the gifts I have. 

We continued on the Mission Reach and entered San Juan de Capistrano where we turned around. I love the Park Rangers cheering us on as we entered the Missions. One ranger said to me, "weren't you in muscles last week?" Yes, I may never be famous for my speed, but INKnBURN gets me noticed. We maintained a decent pace for the first half, but then slowed down a bit on the return. I knew my left leg was dragging and I felt knock-kneed and pigeon toed. Well, more knock-kneed and pigeon-toed than usual. I think my hip is weaker while recovering from prolotherapy. Those damaged tendons are connected to weakened muscles. But, I think it's going to be better in the long-run.

By Mile 11, we were walking. Oh well, remember, Sorority Girl's first? No matter what, any pace, even crawling ... she was finishing happy and proud!!! As we entered the finisher chute, the announcer made a comment "who will come in first?" I looked at her, slowed down and pointed and said "this is your's ... celebrate." She slowed down with me and said "no way, we are doing it together." She grabbed my hand and we ran the finish together. Not my PR, but one of my proudest moments. The only time I've ever been emotional at the end of a race was when I was crying in pain, not for pride. I felt like a proud mama. We got our medals and our food (Conchas are appropriate) and began the mosey to the car. I know that it was not expected to be this cold for this race. It's rarely this cold in San Antonio. But, in true form, Purpose. Race. Events. managed to find space blankets to wrap around to ensure we didn't chill when we stopped moving. It's those little thoughtful things that make such a big difference in an organization. And, did I mention, race photos are FREE!!!

It's not so soon to sign up for next year. 

And did I mention, they raised OVER $15,000 for La Misiones Permanent Fund!!!