EXPO & LUNCH:
We met Jill and Diana to carpool up to Seattle for the Expo. I LOVE Expos!! I really need to plan better so I have more time to just wonder around. I felt pretty rushed the whole time and like I did not get to see too much.
HIGHLIGHTS:
-Meeting Cheryl at Razzyroo, she has soooo many awesome pieces.
-Posing for a potty-inspired photo and WINNING the hourly photo prize through Brooks.

-Picking up 4 VIP Porta Potty Passe with Brooks HERE
-Watching Kerrie HERE pick up her bib
-Spending time with Stacie HERE
-Meeting Julie HERE
-Buying Sof Sole socks 3 pairs for $5
-Giving Chelsea HERE her ceremonial Tall Mom Half Marathon magnet, she did the miles so in my book she earned it!! See Jane Run will make it race clock official.
After the expo we headed to lunch at the Edgewater Hotel at Chelsea's idea! Props to Chelsea this was amazing, I did a little work for my Big Girl job, then settled for a nice lunch.
The AMAZING folks at Onlineshoes HERE offered to sponsor our Bloggy Meet-up Swag Bags!! SCORE!!! Onlines shoes is GREAT, FREE Shipping, FREE Exchanges and 365 day return, go shop there!! We went to the loading dock to get the bags.
Jess and I got home and had a few minutes to refresh then we were back in the car. The traffic was GROSS!! Friday city traffic with 26,000 folks makes a BIG DIFFERENCE. I was stressing about being late, but there was nothing I could do. Jess got to hear me freak, I called Kerrie who was a bit ahead, that made me feel better. Jess was not feeling well, read the DETAILS HERE.. After a quick pit stop we were fashionable late.
I was not 100% pleased with the space as one LONG table makes it tough to move around and talk, as an Event Planner I am HARD on myself for the little things.. But it was free for a large group, so we made it work. While setting up I saw Amanda and had to pause, a lot has happened the last few months and I needed a HUG from my good friend...She gives great hugs, we were both tearing up...LOVE HER!!
I made a few Welcome remarks then we went around the room with introductions. I love love love meeting new people and spending time with my buddies. We had a GREAT group!! 33++ folks including a few spouses, race crew and kiddos.
Alma- http://averagewomanrunner.blogspot.com/
Amanda- http://5mls2mt.blogspot.com
Amy- http://www.dailymile.com/people/AmyB48
Amy S.- http://www.dailymile.com/people/Astrick
Chelsea- http://ballardbitter.blogspot.com/
Christine- http://www.dailymile.com/people/ChristineM10
Cynthia- http://rundreamlaugh.blogspot.com/
Harmony- http://harmlove.blogspot.com/
Jess- http://www.blondeponytail.com/
Jesse + Tressa- http://trackcoach-tressaabe11.blogspot.com/
Jill- http://running2sanity.blogspot.com
Jill- http://www.runwithjill.com/
Kasey - http://blondemomruns.blogspot.com/
Kerrie - http://momvsmarathon.blogspot.com/
Lauren - http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/
Megan - http://www.mymarathondiaries.com/
Stacie- http://stacie615.blogspot.com/
Stacie - http://skippinginseattle.wordpress.com
Tiffany- http://www.musingsofarunnergirl.blogspot.com/
Zoe - http://www.runzoerun.com
Kerrie made her famous name tags, Alma added some fun things to the gift bags, Amy contributed Avon products from her Mom, and Zoe pulled out some MAJOR CREATIVITY!! Trading cards!!! They were awesome and the intent was to get people to go around and chat, it worked, photos of the trading cards soon. All in all it was a great night!! Clearly Megan had fun :)
Special thanks to our Sponsors!!
- http://www.onlineshoes.com/ - AMAZING Gift Bags with a Puma Water Bottle, Clarks Travel Mug and T-shirts.
- http://www.nuun.com/ - Sample tablets
- http://guenergy.com/ - Samples
- Scape Suncreen HERE sent some samples that were in my mailbox the next day :( If you NEED Sports Sunscreen check it out, this stuff works, I battle tested it on a Marathon in 85 and did not get itchy or burnt.
We ended at about 8:30PM and set out. I realized that there was a card in my purse…hmmmm… I opened it and it was from Chelsea thanking me for being her coach with an amazing gift card for relaxation. Her words and sentiment made me CRY! So I called her, she and Jill were being silly in the parking lot so I hopped out to give her a thank you hug.. This is what happened..
RACE DAY
The moment I found out that Amanda HERE was coming to run Rock N Roll Seattle I knew that my only goal for the race was to be her lead/shadow for 13.1. I have found in my short racing "career" that I enjoy the races I have run WITH my friends a million times more than racing for PR Glory. Yes I can go fast, but what is the point when I cross the Finish Line alone?? Then have to wait for others. I didn't care about the pace or Finish time, I wanted to enjoy with my dear long lost friend. We all met up to carpool, Amy had her camera and snapped our picture.





RACE HIGHLIGHTS:
-A Goat Couple sitting in Lawn Chairs with coffee Mugs, so funny, they were in character and even made "Baaaa" noises.
-Flags and photos of fallen heroes made us all tear up.
-Sign which read "That is not sweat it is your fat cells crying."
-Awesome cheerleader groups
-An Alaska Airplane which made me think of the Little Studs

-Spotting Chelsea and her crew with big smiles.
-Getting fun action shots!
-Seeing Amy and saying "Is that Amy" over and over, looking like a dope

-Feeling strong and taking in the sites, smells and excitement.

-Keeping a Vibram HERE count, I saw 6 pairs.
-People introducing themselves along the course.
-Not taking the right turn toward the I-90 bridge for the Full Course
-Not taking the right turn to Aurora for the Full Course
-All the Determination people cheering for Amanda and her amazing fund raising efforts for Cancer.
-Taking a picture of Amanda sig pose mid race.

-Taking a picture of the Blonde Ponytail bouncing in front of me.

-Not Running the Full Marathon :)
-Seeing the Finish Line and sprinting with my friends.

RACE LOWLIGHTS:
-The Tunnel was HOT, I felt like my sweat gland were expanding and I could hardly breathe. It was loud and creepy.
-Amanda and I were not wonderful on the hills, we tried to keep up with Jess.
-Nearly puking just after the finish line for no reason??
POST-RACE
Having only run the Full Marathon in past years I did not know the excitement and CROWDS that are there for the Half Runners. It was busy!! We Finished and found Amy, she had her awesome camera out and snapped a few photos, LOVE HER!!







Then there they were!! I rang Kerrie's Cowbell and we SCREAMED!! I started to tear up knowing the feeling of pride and accomplishment for my good friends. They ran every step of the 26.2++ together. We ran down to catch them and take a few more pictures. My heart was racing. Zoe looked so beautiful with her freckles shining. Kerrie was cool calm and collected, almost less tired than our lunch runs, which was pretty amazing!! More group pictures (WILL POST HERE SOON), family pictures then Zoe's family had to leave. I made it my mission to take care of Zoe because I know how nice it is to have someone take care of you after a race. We went to get her drop bag and she got asked about her Garmin, changed into Recovery Socks and Crocs and she ate some food. We hung around for a bit then headed out to Chelsea's car, As we walked I heard "Mel!!" Kerrie, who had just run a Marathon was sprinting after me because I had her keys.. FRIEND FAIL!! It was All over and the day was PERFECT… well not quite.
SLUMBER PARTY! To be continued...
21 comments:
Hi Mel...you guys all took great photos! I emailed you but not sure if it went to the right email.
I live in Spokaloo (Spokane)... I found your blog about 2 weeks ago. I follow Skinny Runner and I found Jess (Blonde Ponytail) from there and I found you through her blog. I know you've been here and had some meet-ups for some *running* etc...so the next time you're in town, let me know and we can meet up. I can give you my cell # privately. I teach at a local gym, too so mabe you guys can come in and take my cardio classes.
I see that you're running See Jane Run as well. I'm thinking about doing it...not quite sure yet. I should just bite the bullet and do it. I'm giving myself overnight to decide.
So happy to get to know some WA bloggers (finally)!
What a fun post. So very proud of all you guys!
What a FUN weekend! I big blogger meetup like that looks amazing! I can't wait for August to meet all of you!!
I enjoyed reading about such a fun race. I actually have considered signing up for Seattle RNR next year. Hmmm...
First Q, since you are a See Jane Run Ambassador will there be a meet up for that? I am grumpy still I missed the photo op at least (and dinner).
Second, OMG I Hate the I-90 tunnel. It is like a sauna, the air is musty...and it's just gross. Plus you lose Garmin connectivity... my strategy this year was to put on my most inspiring song to get through there.
Holy crap - all the fun! I'm exhausted just reading it all!
Wow, very cool!!
It would be so fun to meet up with so many bloggers and get some sweet gear. I must admit I am a little jealous.
This sounds like such an awesome weekend! And LOVE the photos. Too funny.
Maria @ Asphalt Tales
Sounds like you had the most amazing time! So cool to get to meet everyone and get to know them and run with them :) Great pics and great telling of the tale! Gets me all excited for something similar ;-)
SO MUCH FUN! I have to admit, it is bitter sweet to read all of this. I am so sorry to have missed the fun. That was the best weekend last year. Glad you all had an awesome time!! Everyone looks HAPPY and that's what counts!
Wonderful recap. Sounds like you all had a wonderful time!
Thanks for sharing all the great photos. Congrats on another great race with friends.
Sounds like you all had an awesome time together!!! It is incredible that you were all able to do the race together and meet up!!
Thanks for sharing all the fun pics!!!
Wait, were you happy to NOT be running the full?
Also, was Jess mean like me and did she facebook/tweet about your driving woes?
Joking aside, it looked like a blast. I loved reading all about it. Can't wait to come see you! Less than 2 months!!
What a great recap! It was really cool meeting all of my favorite running bloggers in one place. I agree about the I-90 tunnel, its a little trippy in there.
Thank you for organizing such a great blogging dinner!
I loved meeting everyone and getting to sit next to you at dinner was awesome :)
Looks like a great race when you get to run every step with some of your bestest friends.
I love all the photos!
I am LOVING every recap from you girls and especially the pictures. Sole sisters rule!
You have the best smile, Mel!
Wow, after reading all of the recaps for this I am wishing I would have been there. So FUN! And what a group!! Loving all the pictures and stories. Hoping I can meet up with you all someday...especially since you're so close.
Great pics! Looks like you guys had a total blast...awesome, awesome recap!
That looks like such a fun time! That's the marathon I would love love love to do someday.
Missed ya - sorry I have been quiet.
This looks like SO MUCH fun. Yea for meet ups!
I ran today, so I hope to be back on the roads soon. Send healing vibes.
If you have some scape, I would love to try it. It is hard to protect yourself on the bike!
You are so good with the deets my tall, beautiful friend! I was SO HAPPY to run with you and Amanda and wouldn't trade a minute of it!! Truly a blessing.
Thank you for putting forth an abundance of energy to make the weekend spectacular. You truly aspire to inspire.
Definitely my "pay it forward" friend!
Great race! What a great recap! It sounds like you had such a great time. It was nice meeting you. I know I looked so disheveled afterward so sorry if I scared you. lol
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