Did You Say a Dwarf?

I love to run. I absolutely love signing up for races. It's a chance to set a goal and physically and mentally push yourself. It feels so great to work so hard. Then, when race day arrives, it is just a blast with all of the adrenaline and fellow runners. It's kind of addicting. I've often joked with friends that once you get to the race, every other runner becomes your best friend. You find yourself being so friendly with each other with encouragement, high fives and so forth...it's like you've known the stranger next to you your whole life. (Not cool when they start talking about their hysterectomy.)

I signed up for my fourth half marathon in Flagstaff, AZ (3 hrs away) with my good friend Christine Olsen. She had a baby about 6 months ago and wanted to use this race to get back into the swing of things. We booked a hotel in Flagstaff and hauled our families up for our big day. Poor Willy...he's always such a good sport.

I really felt a blog post coming on with this one. I could barely contain myself; I was so ready to type! Where do I begin?

Okay, Christine booked our hotel on the Internet. All I have to say is FALSE ADVERTISING! Foul smelling, 1955 popcorn ceiling with leaky water bubbles, bathtubs with...uh...hair that's not on your head...you name it.

Here's her daughter Paige and Taylor in front of it. Can you say, "Norman Bates?" Oh, we got a kick out of it. But this is the best part...

Every runner knows that it is very important to get a good night's sleep the day before a race. This is a clip from the door of our room at the beautiful and peaceful view of the infamous Route 66.


Here are some other highlights:

1. We woke up at 5:45 a.m. to get to the race that started at 7:00 a.m. Oops...just kidding. The race started at 7:30 a.m. One hour to kill. They weren't even all the way set up!

2. We needed to use the port-a-potty before the race. We stood in line. I totally opened one up THAT WAS GREEN AND UNLOCKED only to find a grandma squatting yelling, "HEY!!!" Do people think those port-a-potties lock themselves? The only thing that made me feel better was that she cut in line. I know...a grandma cutting?....c'mon.

3. The race was on a trail up a mountain. We climbed 1000 feet in the squishy mud with rocks everywhere. The elevation definitely got to us too, and we had to slow down a bit. I had to check my competitive side at the door and just enjoy the ride. Christine makes it easier to do that.

4. At mile 4, an old high school friend was volunteering. When we saw him, we realized that we were lagging behind a bit. In an attempt to make excuses for ourselves, I pointed to Christine and said, "SHE JUST HAD A BABY!" And she yelled, "SHE IS BACK HERE BECAUSE OF ME!" Why must we feel we have to make excuses? Two words....HIGH SCHOOL.

5. An hour later than expected, we crossed that Finish Line. One of the best things for me is seeing my family cheering and welcoming me, although they had been waiting there awhile!Christine and I had a great time though with no pressure, beautiful scenery, and great conversation.

6. Now this is where I am bewildered. Out of 135 people (in all age groups, mind you) Christine and I ended up 133 and 134! WHAT!? Oh, it gets better. Willy said that a couple of old ladies (65+ years) came in before us...and they were walking! Oh, it gets better. Christine's husband, Brian, said that he saw a handicapped person cross...(here comes the climax) AND A DWARF! I didn't even see a dang dwarf. Those little legs must have been cruising! I've run many races...I can't say I've EVER been beaten by a dwarf. That's just wrong...it's WRONG!

So, yes, my competitive side along with some pride has been tarnished. However, on the bright side, it was a great way to run a race...with a wonderful friend, beautiful scenery and a dwarf.