First of all, thank you to all of you! For you who read my blog and have been following my progress, for you who called, texted, posted on Facebook, emailed me, for you who thought of me on Sunday. I felt your support; I truly did and it brought me to tears. It was simply amazing! I qualified for Boston and PR’d by 10 minutes!
I’m still wrapping my head around the experience and promise to post about it soon. I followed a smart race plan and I know many of you will be interested in what that was. Email me if you would like it asap and I will make sure to get it to you.
I highly recommend the Detroit International Marathon. It was a fun get-away with my running girls so I must first tell you about the other girls and our pre-race fun!
from L to R: Terzah, Tina, Me, Kathy, Melissa
Kathy from Got to Keep Running Long I met this past June at the Slacker Half Marathon. I had been following her blog for a few months so it was fun to finally meet in person. She is wife to Eric (homemade gnocchi connoisseur) and mom to 2 cool kids. She has only been running for like 2 years but is a proven Marathon Maniac- take a look at their standards- Nuts!
Melissa,vegetarian and girl after my own heart with her knowledge and love of crafted beers. Melissa is so fun to be around. She is actively involved in the Distance Divas and coined our “International” cheer – anytime people would say Detroit, we would immediately flash our jazz hands saying “International” – annoying to others, hilarious to us.
Tina, the planner and most thoughtful person you will ever meet. The best way to describe Tina is to say she is like a wedding planner – whatever you need, she will have it! Pair of tweezers, extra gloves, scotch tape, water purifier, room freshener, antioxidant drink concoctions, she’s on it! This was Tina’s 10th marathon.
Terzah is the master behind the BQ by 40 blog. If you haven’t read her blog you should; like now. She’s the mom to 6 year old twins, wife to Dan (adoring husband) and a great runner who has been battling injury this year. She ran the half marathon in 1:46 smashing her PR by 10 minutes. It was awesome to feel her excitement and confidence build after this race. She is on her way to her BQ, I just know it!
Rocking the Photo Booth
This was an International race meaning that we crossed into Canada for a few of our miles. We had to bring our passports with us to the expo to pick up our registration packets but other than that, easy peasy. The expo was great! The energy at those things are so fun! There was a photo booth there and we had lots of fun with that. It was called Rock the Booth! And that we did! Several times! For dinner Friday evening, a friend of Melissa’s suggested Pizapoppalus in Greek Town where we ate Chicago style pizza (thick deep dish crust, cheese on the bottom, sauce on top). We had a vegetarian pizza plus a deep dish chocolate cookie for dessert, naturally. We also wanted to test out some local beer. I give you the Ghettoblaster! Yes, I totally picked this beer off the menu based on its name, but it’s actually really good!
Saturday we all went out for a 2mile jog before hitting up the expo again (last minute shopping and to Rock the Booth).
Afterwards, Kathy and Eric played great hosts at Eric’s parents’ house where we were treated to a lovely lazy afternoon and homemade gnocchi with a marinara sauce, lots of garlic bread and a cannoli. I stuffed myself silly! Melissa and I also creeped down the neighborhood to have a closer look at some halloween decor in someone’s front yard. Very creative!
After we got back to hotel (we stayed at the Marriot just a few blocks from the start/finish line), we all gathered our gear, figured out breakfast and then it was off to bed early for a 5:00am wake up call Sunday morning ready for my big race!
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I’m so glad I got to meet you in time for your big BQ!! Congratulations and even though you told me about it I’d love to see your race plan.
Sure thing. I will send it to you! Awesome awesome to meet you and Dan! We must run together soon!
I love Terzah and Kathy! I was lucky to meet them both at the Houston half. What a sweet bunch of girls who got to hang out with! And you all ran some amazing races. Looking forward to your full report!
Thanks Laura. It was a good day. It totally helped being surrounded by some awesome ladies.
Amazing!!! So cool. When you come to Boston, we should meet up! Congrats!!!!
Thanks. We should totally meet up. How fun!! You will be running it too, of course
Congrats on Boston! Awesome job!
Thanks Beth!! It was a good day!