Baltimore 10-miler

Yesterday, Tony and I ran the Baltimore 10-miler for the 1st time. We haven't done an organized race since October 2005 when we did the Baltimore half marathon (13.1 miles). It was such a horrific experience for me that I shunned organized races for almost 6 years! In short, I had been running, Tony hadn't. The night before the race, I got sick and felt terrible on race day. With no training, Tony ran the entire thing. I ran half and walked half. I spent the rest of the day barfing and neither one of use could hardly walk for 3 days...

Fast forward to now. Tony does do physical activity, but does not ever run. The last time he ran was in November for 30 minutes. I run 5 times each week or more. We signed up for this 10 miles race in March. Tony didn't do anything to get ready. I trained and practiced and even did an effortless 8.4 miles the week of the race. But, I'm a headcase about it. What to wear, what time to leave, what to eat, how much to sleep, if I should take a few days off before race day, and OH MY GOD I'm at the starting line but forgot to bring gum (superstitious much?!?)...

Anyway, it was supposed to be a 91 degree day. The morning went perfectly and we got to the Baltimore Zoo where it started with the perfect amount of time to pee, stretch, get into position, and wait about 5 minutes before we started.

The first 2 miles were hard and seemed slow, because there were soooo many people to dodge or get around. From then, the people thinned out but even though the race began at 7:30 am, it was sunny and getting warm fast. And OH THE HILLS!!! I was prepared mentally for that though. They don't call 'em the "dreaded druid hills" for nothing. The race was a hilly out and back course from the Zoo to Lake Montebello and back. I couldn't believe how well Tony did (how is that possible???!!!???). I was holding him back for sure. Around mile 8.5, he pulled ahead and I caught up with him after crossing the finish line. My time was a little slower than I thought it'd be, but I met my goal - no walking and to RUN the whole way. And I did! Next year, I'll try to beat the time by a few minutes :)

As irritating as it was to know Tony could beat me at the race with no training, it was all well worth it today when his every move hurts like heck, and I don't even have a single sore muscle.
Happy Father's Day, have an aspirin! Oh, and Mommom and Pop kept the kids overnight Friday night. Thanks guys! We went downtown with Matt and Beth and carb loaded at a BYOB thai place and then we could get up and get out of here fast in the morning. But it figures, the first time we leave them over night in what seems like forever, they both end up with fevers :(