THANKS

It's not easy to run a 10K, at least not for me. So I want to give a shout out to the things that made today's second 10K a little easier to endure....

*The thoughtful party people located just before mile 3. Thank you for gathering many of your friends so early in the morning and blasting high energy tunes from your porch. I couldn't run with my music this race because it was raining. I've NEVER ran without music and it was really hard for me. My music is what motivates me at times. The music from this house really helped. And luckily, that part of the course looped back, so I got to hear it a second time.

*The people that took the time to make stupid funny signs that were around mile 4. Some examples: "I trained 6 months to hold this sign", "Yes, your butt does look fast in those shorts", and my favorite "No, you aren't close to the finish".  Thanks for making me smile.

*The 4 man brass band standing out in the rain playing patriotic tunes at the turn around point, which put us into the home stretch. They were all of an advanced age and were wearing the cutest red striped vests. Thank you for braving the rain to keep us motivated.

*The people dressed up as superheroes that popped up at the beginning and end of the race. I believe I saw the entire Avenger clan, The Incredible Hulk, Snow White, Batman. Thanks for putting on silly outfits so early on this rainy day and cheering us on.

*The family handing out small bottles of Gatorade between miles 5 and 6. Everything on me was so wet I couldn't get the thing open and I had to put it down on the sidewalk, but I totally appreciate the thought.

*Any and all people that gave me a high five from the side of the course. Isn't it great to high five complete strangers?

*All the people at the mile markers who yelled out our times and told us to keep it up.

*The 2 fireman running in full gear!!! Whew! Made me feel bad for being tired. Amazing!!!!

*The group of men running with a pretty large American flag. They took turns carrying it the entire race. Reminded us all of what this day means.

It takes a lot of volunteers to set up a race like this and it means so much to the runners to have complete strangers line the course and give support. It really does help and I hope they know how much. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!