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| Shayna's sign |
We got to one of the LPC buildings to park only to realize that I'd probably miss seeing cousin Shayna at the swim start. Michael suggested that he keep the signs and the blanket and I just run to try and get there. I had my running gear on (along with my backpack too!) and so I just started running. I hit my watch "Start" so this would count for my 45 minute run that day. ;-) I made it to the swim start when her heat actually started so I didn't get to wish her well before she swam.
We set up at the swim exit because there was a lot room to see and anticipate people coming out of the water and just a few yards away was the start of the run course. Unfortunately, as the day went on, we missed all our people running out of transition, though.
Shayna was doing the sprint and was the first person we saw in our quest on Sunday. She was SO HAPPY when she saw us and our sign and was smiling the whole way. She swam very well and completed her first sprint in an excellent time!
Next, MB laid down on the blanket to read and nap and I went for the remainder of my run (30 more minutes or so). I ran down to the Aquarium and cheered on the participants from the overpass for a few minutes and then ran back to our spot. This was a few minutes prior to when our second friend, Eric would be running out of the water. He is a fast swimmer and we caught him in time. Eric was pretty intense out of the water and didn't really say anything to us as he ran buy. He did tag me with his goggles so I know he saw us! Just after we saw Eric, his wife Sarah and their parents showed up and we chatted for a bit before they went towards where I had stayed for awhile to catch him on his run.
After that, we both laid down for awhile to wait for Wade and Ali's heats which were some of the last ones for the Olympic distance and the crowds built up around us after that time. We managed to see both of them and got their signs in their faces too! Ali did very well and has improved her swim over the past year. Wade kicked butt! It was so great to just watch them race this time...
After that, we walked all the way to the finish line to see the Max Multisport tent and meet up with my coach. She said she had something to give me... it was an Ironman gift. It is a light up Velcro strap, that I can put on my arm while I'm running the marathon portion of the race at night. She said it flashes blue in color and will be easier for my friends and family watching to see and "find me" as I run by. It was totally unexpected and a nice treat that I wouldn't have bought myself.
Michael saw some of his swimmers who reported to him that they had their personal best swim times from his coaching this year! They wanted him to confirm he will continue coaching this season (he will). In fact, he is going to be coaching their new Masters Swim Team (Max Multisport Marlins) which will also be co-ed. I think that it's going to be interesting! I haven't decided if I'm going to do this team or not either. The practice locations are not located ideally and not along a convenient L line, so we'll see. Plus I have no idea the costs yet...
After the long morning downtown at the race, we went back north towards home to Magnolia Cafe on Wilson near Truman College (city college) in Uptown for brunch. IT. WAS. AMAZING. I would highly recommended checking it out! After brunch, I spent the better part of the afternoon just laying around and it was glorious!
I was actually supposed to swim before the run, but I skipped the swim all together. This taper is amazing. Well, mostly because I'm just laying around a lot. haha
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