Highjacked Race Photo of the Week

Well, we did it. Another race come and gone. Despite the EARLY wake up call (4:30 AM old time - OUCH), it was a wonderful day. My dad "slowed down" to run with me, and we (ok, I) were able to get a new PR of 1:51:42. Note: this was a half marathon. I am neither super fast (if you're assuming I ran a full), nor super slow (if you're assuming this was a 5k). I was pretty happy with my time, although I was less than thrilled with all the zig-zags around the Cotton Bowl at the end. People can't really hear you when you mutter under your breath, right?

As I've mentioned before, I love the race day energy at these events. Way too many people up way too early to wait in line way too long for a porta potty . . .but somehow I can't get enough. I did momentarily question my sanity when I found myself lingering in the porta potties and over grates in the sidewalk just to stay warm. The energy and pump up music at the start line is especially great. However, I wasn't quite sure how these ladies fit into the whole start line scene . . .


I guess nothing says go get 'em like daisy dukes and cowgirl boots, right? Sadly Dad and I left ours at home, so I guess we weren't really all that pumped for the race.

The photo I jacked off the web I happen to love . . .and just ignore that whole copyright part across the bottom.

Nothing like running 13.1 with your old man and ending it with a fist pound. Sadly, not long after crossing the finish line we encountered this, which has both of our hearts quite heavy today. It was such a painfully shocking reminder that we truly aren't promised anything, and that each moment is an undeserved and precious gift. So Dad, I love you - thank you for teaching me how to love things that are hard, and showing me that they truly make me better. Mom - thank you for being someone who loves in such abundance, you never cease to overwhelm me with your generous heart.

Whew, ok, I gotta stop there. I am still processing what we saw, so my emotions are just below (or all over) the surface. Please just pray for this precious family, as I cannot even begin to imagine what they're going through.