Ok....we DID IT! Hillary and I completed the Race into the New Year! It was a blast! Lots of people (almost too many at times)...but what an awesome experience.
It was a little chilly...but no breeze...which was a blessing since we ran along the river. There were several hundred people...all ages...who decided to enter into this New Year by doing something not only good for the heart, but good for the soul as well.
The run started at 11:45...a little slow at first, but the pace picked up after the first 1/2 mile or so. There were people in costume, people in crazy hats, and people dressed in flashy. glittering outfits. All out to have a good time. No grumpy runners in the bunch. For those of you who have ever run..you know that runners often get a little grumpy when someone is weaving all over the course or whatever. Last night you just had to dodge some of the little ones and take it all in stride.
As we crossed the 11th street bridge and made the turn onto Riverside the REALLY fast guys were already headed back. What a sight to see....(and let me tell you, there were some good looking guys hauling butt!) We all cheered them on as they ran in their shorts and t-shirts..while the rest of us were bundled up like we lived in the Arctic.As we continued down the trail and the midnight hour was approaching...the fireworks started over the river and the sirens went off at the power plant at exactly midnight. Problem was...the lights along the trail go off at 12:00...which made for some interesting moments. Hillary and I were side by side at the stroke of midnight, took in the fireworks as their reflections lit up the water and had a brief moment of hugs and Happy New Year wishes. As we approached the turn around point there was a tent with lights that was serving champagne. We briefly stopped and got a glass to share and then continued on back to the west side of the river. With ipod earphones in our ears we continued the journey together ( I was such a mom and was always making sure I could see Hillary...just to check and make sure all was ok.) As we approached the finish I thought to myself "Wow! what a great way to bring in the coming year." I also said a little prayer that we will all have a better and less worrisome year than 2008. We could all use that.
The finish line area was crowded but we made our way thru that and onto a table that was filling water bottles with your beverage of choice...Healthy? ...you got apple cider. Not so healthy?....more champagne. I chose the champagne.( Imagine that!) We then hung around for a little bit, had our picture taken, ( which I hope to post later today)and then made our way back to the car to much appreciated seat warmers. Hillary had gotten some text messages and answered them with info about what we had just finished. Needless to say...her friends thought we were a little crazy...( but what is life...if you don't do "CRAZY" once in awhile?)
So everyone....Here is to a great New Year! May you all do something a little off the beaten path in the coming months....It does a body...(and mind) a world of good.
Blessings to all....
PS...Hillary...thanks for indulging your mom. Love you a bunch! :-)
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