Ok, ok, so I know it’s been a week and a half since the half marathon down in San Diego. I had all sorts of good intentions of getting my race report posted as soon as I was back from San Diego, but it just didn’t happen. Better late than never, right …. RIGHT?

First and foremost, I was to thank each of you who so generously supported my fundraising efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). For those who weren’t able to help financially, I still want to say thank you for your moral support and tremendous encouragement during my training. I just simply can’t thank you all enough!

Now, on to the report … My race training plan didn’t go exactly as planned. I battled a couple of minor injuries early on in the training, but the real kicker came when I developed a pinched nerve in my back about a month ago which dramatically affected my ability to train. Despite the injury, I decided I still wanted to go ahead and attempt the race since I’d put in all the months of training and fundraising.

Things started off pretty well. I was feeling strong and was maintaining a decent pace. Unfortunately, I started having back spasms about 2.25 miles into the course. I finally had to call Uncle and stop at the medical tent at mile 3.5, but said they weren’t really equipped to do much at that point in the race. It seemed like they were pretty much handling smaller things like people who forget sunscreen or were having allergy issues, etc.

The next stop for me was at the medical tent at mile 7 where I was checked over by the sports medicine guy there. At that point, he told me I was pretty done for the day and put me on a shuttle that took me to the main medical facility at the finish line area. Once there, I was given some Tylenol and hooked up with a massage therapist who gave me a sports massage to loosen up my back which helped tremendously. Even though I didn’t “officially” finish the race, I still got a medal which was really nice. (Thank you, and you know who you are. )

Even though I wasn’t able to finish the full 13.1 miles, I was still pleased that I got out there and gave it a try despite my back issues. The Team in Training experience was absolutely amazing, and I’m so thankful that I did this. I really can’t say enough wonderful things about this organization. If you have ever thought about participating, just do it!!! It’s worth every bit of training and fundraising effort.

Speaking of fundraising, between the 13 of us on Team Shrinking Jeans, we raised $43,695 for LLS. Overall, the approximate 4000 Team in Training participants at the San Diego race raised over $12 million for LLS!

Here are a few of my favorite pics from race day that I thought you might enjoy seeing:

At the Inspiration Dinner with Coach Joe

At the starting line yelling “Goooooooo TEAM!”

Starting line madness – it was over an hour before my corral started

A sea of purple Team in Training shirts

My motivation – my dad & coach John, one of the local TNT coaches

Everyone’s motivation – the Mission Mile of honor boards

At the finish line showing off our bling

Thanks again so much for your support! Until next time …