Running in NC

Yes, folks! I even run on my "vacation" during my visit to NC to see my new nephew. Today's low was 76 degrees. Today's high was 102 degrees. OUCH!

I was blessed to have my sister's friend, Patty invite me to join a group of women who were going to run 9 miles. I had to run 13, so either I was going to run 4 after or before. With temperatures predicted to be record breaking, I opted for earlier.

I was up by 4:45am, waiting for the sun to rise so I could start my run. At 5:15, I got antsy and headed out. I had to run 4.3 miles to Patty's house. Most of the 4.3 miles was run in the road as here in NC, there wasn't much of a shoulder. Since it was early, I was however, only passed by 5 cars that got over generously. At one point, I saw a black animal cross the road in front of my. I thought... are there really Panthers in NC? I know that Carolina Panthers are not that good in the NFL... but was that just a name? As I got closer, I saw that it was a small black cat. It look much bigger farther away. LOL!

Patty and the gang were starting at 6:30, and I made it with time to spare. I walked around a little and texted my sister to let her know that I made it. Patty was warm and welcoming and once Stacy arrived we were off. Let me just tell you that these two ladies are FAST. Mile 5 for me was 8:45. I had to slow down as there was no way I was going to make it to 13. Mile 6 was 9:13.... slow down. Mile 7, they were about 1/2 mile ahead of me and I still clocked 9:45.

I just focused on running my run and the rest of the miles were around 10 minutes, except mile 11 was 11:05. It was a nice run through the Greenway. Got a little eye candy around mile 9 that was nice - put a little pep in my step. As the ladies approached intersections or forks in the path, they either waited for me or circled back to make sure I was okay. That was very nice of them. I hope I did not slow them down too much.

It was so hot. I drank all of my gatorade and dumped my water over my head. When we got back to Patty's house, my Garmin read: 13.1 - 2:18:01. I felt good... my legs ached. Patty allowed me to use her bathroom as I waited for my sister to come pick me up and gave me the two best glasses of cold water a girl could ask for. Here we are in our glory after finishing. They sure look good for just running 9 FAST miles. Look at my hair... a totally HOT MESS. And notice we are all in our socks... we did wear shoes, just shed them to go inside Parry's gorgeous house.

Janet arrived and brought my EAS protein drink and a cold wash cloth. I drank it slow as the water that I drank fast at Patty's house was getting to my belly.

I was thrilled to be finished, but really REALLY missed my running buddy, Bob!