The 1/2 Marathon went great! I actually had a lot of fun this past weekend. I was able to enjoy the race because I wasn't all concerned about getting a good time. The course was beautiful, it started and ended right on the lawn of the capital building. What a neat place.
I didn't walk. Surprise surprise. Paige Jaquish doesn't walk. In fact I didn't really notice any pain in my foot until after I finished my race. I had a good time, considering I hadn't ran at all since Wednesday May 8th. I came in at 1 hour and 51 minutes. That is a pace of 8:30 min/mile. When I received the slip with my time on it, I about cried. Even without running or training I was still able to do so well. I was proud. I think this run was the most enjoyable of them all. I ran free. No pressure by the clock. I was able to enjoy the scenery around me, I was able to enjoy my fellow competitors, I was all there. In the moment. I think my favorite part was when I ran past a Police Officer, he was standing guard, monitoring traffic for the runners. I looked at him and gave him a big smile. He smiled back and gave me a thumbs up.
After I finished the run, I found Pops and we took a few pictures of the Capital. It really is a beautiful building. I can't even imagine the amount of hours spent on it. It is a marvel.
I was famished so we went to Pedro's, an authentic Mexican restaurant. We were almost able to conquered there 3 pound burrito between the two of us. I will say that it was the best burrito I have ever had. Did I mention we got fried ice cream too?! With our bellies full, we went to meet up with my friend April. She took us to Bratfest, I festival mainly known for the outrageous amount of brats consumed. (I think it is in the Guinness Book of World Records. Maybe?) Most of the proceeds went to local charities, which was pretty cool. They had live music and there were tons of people.
(This is April. We found a willow tree….. and she proceeded to swing from it's branches calling it Grandmother Willow.)
(It is ok if you don't understand us. It is a common occurrence, sometimes we don't even get ourselves.)
The clouds started rolling in, and we knew it was time to get going. Sure enough, as soon as we got on the highway, it started to rain. Wah wah. It was only a little sprinkle at first, then it seemed to let up a bit. We stopped at a gas station for some fuel and water, and we ran into a man that said the rain would pass quick. He was sure of it, so we believed him. Little did we know the downpour that would follow.
I was so cold that any amount of movement sent new waves of chills through my body and II couldn't see without squinting. It was miserable. I am sure I looked just hilarious sitting on the back of that Harley. All tensed up, eye closed. What a sight to see. At least I had a helmet, poor Pops was without.
We pulled into a McDonalds and we both warmed up with coffee and hot chocolate. The rain seemed to let up, and soon, as promised, we were out of it.
I was wiped out by the time we got home. My Grandma came to meet me at the door with a big hug. She said I looked exhausted. (She was right.) I ate a little dinner before my head hit the pillow and I was out.
This was us before the rain. 🙂 Thanks for the great trip Dad. I had a lot of fun. How many other people get to say that there Dad took them on the motorcycle to Madison to run a race? I am one lucky daughter. Love ya Dad.
