A Glutton for Punishment

Saturdays, I love 'em!  They're my "sleeping in days".  Technically, Shane and I "take turns". But I'm sure if you ask him, it's not really "turns" as much as "Amy sleeps in".  Po-tay-toes/Po-taah-toes.  Even when he does "get up"...he sleeps on the couch.  Anyway...that's not the point.  The point is: Saturdays are great!  ESPECIALLY in the winter.  What's better then staying all cozy under the down comforter for a little bit longer...undisturbed?  Nothing!

So why did I decide to do the Franklin Lakes Reindeer Run on Saturday?  I'm a glutton for punishment, apparently!

Last year, Cool Shannon* and I ran it to kick off our prep for the Half Marathon in May.  This year, we're just another year dumber and thought it would be fun.

* For those who are not aware of the orgin of Cool Shannon's name...I'll explain another time.  She's a friend of mine.

Since neither of us were exactly "gung ho" to run it this year, we didn't register online...we decided to go early on Saturday and register at the door.  It was 34 degrees and cloudy when we left.

Pre-race...doesn't Cool Shannon (L) already look cold?

That's her daughter Emily (R) we dragged her along too!

After getting our numbers and shoe chips, we went to Starbuck's...breakfast of champions, my friends!

My goal wasn't really to "race" as much as it was to FINISH.  About a month ago, I rolled my ankle pretty bad while I was out on a run.  Not. Fun.  I've never (that I can remember) been in that much pain from an injury.  I sat on the side of the road for 15 minutes and begged God not to let me pass out.  So, here we are, about a month later, and it's still not 100%.  All braced up, my goal was to 1) finish, 2) not re-injure my ankle, and 3) not run slower than 10 minute miles.

Mission accomplished!

I came in at 29:27.  About 9:30/mile.  Without hurting myself!  Woo Hoo!

LOVE these girls (L to R: Kayla, Emily and Erin...all of which are 12-14)! They have so much energy and are fun to run with.  They all finished in about 27+.  Way to go, girls!

Even afterwards...Cool Shannon still looks cold!

Who's up for the run next year???