the girls:

About three months ago Jill began encouraging/pushing a group of runner girls to get together to run the Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon.  Upon initial invitation I jumped at the idea – registered – and then began my slow descent to the hell known as ‘summer running’.   Whatever.  That’s just complaining and now is not  the time. 

Back to Jill.  She did a great job getting us all together.  Even though I flaked on the ‘girl’s weekend’ part, I did not back out on the fun.  Jill picked Marcia up at the airport on Thursday and then picked Tara up on Friday to register for the run – apparently Tara needed to meet Marcia and I to see if we were worthy of spending a weekend with before she committed her cash to the race.  We fit the bill.

We met up in Idaho Springs for some carbo-loading at BeauJo’s Pizza:

 

Thankfully I brought along my ‘diva squad’ for some photo ops without having to bother the common folk for snaps. 

After lunch Jill, like a proud Coloradoan Coloradian person from Colorado, drove us down much of the course, causing me to think “what the hell?” and “I think I’m coming down with something“.  We stopped at the starting line to make a plan for the morning and how we would meet up.  We took pictures of the scenery and Tara’s ability to balance on one leg – I really should have known she was faster when she pulled out these moves:

The next morning we all met at the starting line for what we thought would be plenty of time to use the crapper.  UNFORTUNATELY for some of us (Tara) that never happened.  LUCKILY for some of us (Tara) there are plenty of crappers along the course.

Mr. Garmin didn’t even notice I was about to let loose on his shoe.  And Marcia? Well, she apparently didn’t have to go as bad as Tara and me.  This is also the point when Tara and Marcia begin discussing their planned ‘pace’ and I start my ‘I hope I don’t die’ mantra.

The race happened – but you knew that. 

What you didn’t know is that after holding hands across the finish line (Marcia – YOU ROCK!) Marcia and I followed the crowd toward refreshments.  As we entered the area we see Jill and Tara.  Tara is sitting on the ground, sipping a margarita and being fanned by two tan men wearing banana hammocks.  Because she had complained of stomach issues and a possible DNF at the starting line I was concerned.  I asked her “WHAT HAPPENED!?!?”  She said, “What???”  My response, “Are you okay?”  And here it came. “Yep.  I’m done.”  Oh.  Tara finished 10 minutes earlier and had taken two crap-breaks along the course.  ATTA GIRL!!! 

The diva squad quickly caught up and we lumbered our way through the crowd to find water!  While waiting in line for some alfalfa-smelling, green-colored, fruit-drink I spotted a familiar face – BETH!! Remember, Beth and I spent 4 hours looking for each other at the BolderBoulder earlier this year.  I hollered at her and she turned around and gave me a big hug.  Finally, we met.  We started talking like next-door neighbors.  Our husbands awkwardly stood aside smiling politely and pretending they know what the hell we’re talking about.  We introduced them to each other and talked about our periods and how I had dodged the bullet for this race (don’t worry – I started that afternoon) but Beth took one for the team.  She still ran a PR! 

After Marcia grabbed some alfalfa drink she joined Beth and me for more talk of female functions, 13 year old erections, band-camp, and crap:

Beth, Marcia and me

We chatted a while and caught up with Jill and Tara who had been handing out flyers.  We all enjoyed conversation for a few minutes before I realized I needed a shower and food FAST!  This is where we say goodbye and all go our separate ways *sniff*.  I wanted to chat forever but Beth & Ken had kids to pick-up, Jill & Tara had to get Marcia to her date with Dimity, and The Hubs and I had other ‘plans’ – eating and drinking.

Ken, Beth, Tara, Marcia, and Me

Side note: I have a habit of changing out of my sweaty shirt immeidately following a run.  I get cold quickly.  What I forget is that I want to look awesome and fit like everyone else in their technical clothes.  Therefore, in these pictures everyone looks like a fit, fast woman (except for Ken) and I look like I just woke up in my favorite t-shirt. Next time. Next time.

Not only was the time with the girls fun – I know I will get to experience it again in two months at the Denver Rock ‘n Roll Marathon & Half-Marathon!

Ladies – I can’t wait!  You each hold a very unique place in my heart.  Tara – you can hock snot farther than any other girl I know & while running!  Marcia – you got me across that line in more ways than one!  Jill – you brought me up to that line and believed in me.  Beth – I did the math. If Dean says, “Happy Birthday Shana!” at the start and every .5 after, he will have said it 41 times as he crosses the 20 mile mark.  😉  And, please, share the dump photos.

Next up?  “the trip”