Friday, June 7, 2013

Niagara Falls Fun

Posted by CheapRunnerMichelle

So right now I should totally be packing...so no small talk mmmkay - let's just dive right in.

So our race/last weekend actually started on Friday night when CRR picked me up from work. We headed to Bangkok Pad Thai for dinner - they had a dinner special on for $25 buckaroos - where you got your choice of wine, beer or non-alcoholic beverage, appetizer, entree and dessert - we ordered something different for everything from each other - so that we could share everything...it was soooo good and we ate EVERY. LAST. BITE. Then we headed to Old Navy where they had a 48 hour sale...tee's for $4 and tanks for just $2 (we are called the CheapRunners after all)...check out this totally cute tank we found


Love Key West

So I've decided that maybe if I wear this everyday CRM will get the hint that I really wanna go back to Key West ASAP...you think it'll work?!?

Then it was time for Kiwi Kraze, CRR had a coupon for buy one get one 1/2 off - score!...except they have a weight of the week, and if your froyo weighs exactly that...you get it for free...CRR sure knows how to figure out oz's and got hers for free!!!


Kiwi Kraze

Now it was time for a night cap...off to Crabby Joe's for some $4 martinis


How do you beat $4 Martinis?

Then Saturday morning it was off to Niagara Falls for race packet pick-up and expo. (If ya wanna see what awesome stuff was in our swag bags check it out here)

Then we got checked into our very large hotel room


Our room at the Best Western

...not bad for staying the night on "points". It was a great location - and thanks to my mom - we got FREE parking for the weekend at the casino!!! Score

We got a little sight seeing done before we got caught in the rain


We went to bed nice and early, so that we'd be well rested, and before we knew it - it was time to head out.

It was dry - yay! - since it was calling for 70% chance of rain, and overcast - pretty much perfect weather for a long run. CRR and I wished each other luck and headed to our appropriate start areas. The race started right on time! Just before the 1km mark I came upon someone that seem to be settled in at the same pace I was hoping to run the race in - so I asked her what her goal finish time was - and then asked if I could be her running buddy for the day...luckily she said yes (otherwise that would have been totally awkward) Brenda and I became quick friends - and I really appreciated having someone to talk with and be a distraction! It was truly such a blessing, and so inspirational getting to know her and her journey to this race!


It was a beautiful course - since 95% of it was us running along the Falls and then up the waterfront to Chippewa. The km's just kept ticking along (thanks to my new friend), and at the water station just before the 9km mark - they were handing out jelly beans and fresh orange slices - a nice little pick-me-up! By the 10km mark I was in some serious pain due to the blisters I could feel developing on my feet, so just after the turn around at the 14km mark - I sat down to really body glide to my feet..I was able to keep pace with Brenda for about 1 more km...but after that I my sore feet just couldn't keep up - so I told her to go - I didn't want to be holding her back from reaching her time goal. I just kept chugging along - knowing that I would probable see CRR waiting for me (much later after she finished the race) at km 19...and when I finally reached that point I was BEYOND excited to see her, and hear about her run...she even became my paparazzi and took some pics of me


I crossed the finish line in 2hrs 43min...not quite my goal BUT 9 min better than my last 1/2 - so hey - I'll take it!!!

Look who even waited to see me finish



Finish Wine Pics

Despite the fact I couldn't walk on my feet for the rest if the day - it was an awesome race - and one I will definitely be doing again next year!!! (I think I've even convinced my MIL and SIL to sign up for it as their 1st 1/2!!!)

And I leave you with the very ugly proof of my pain...enjoy


 

 

 

5 comments:

  1. Sugar Coated SheridanJune 7, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    Wow!! Ouch!!

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  2. Charlotte@CommitnessToFitnessJune 7, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Congrats on the race! You guys look great! and yay for race buddy brenda! thats so awesome it worked out that way. also: um, what is the secret to knowing how many ounces of froyo and toppings you put in your cup?? that is talent right there:) have a great weekend!

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  3. LOVE the new hair Michelle! also, just busted a gut at the "matching your shoes to your outfit" comment!

    ReplyDelete