The Big Event -- Friday

So, Friday started out great. Andreas and I went down to the Lakeshore Trail here in Birmingham and ran a 5-mile out and back course. It even drizzled a bit at the start and as I had my hand on the car door to turn around and go back home, my wonderful husband turned to me and said "Suck it up!"

So, off we went. I don't know if it was fear of messing up my hair, proving to Andreas that I wasn't a wimp or just a good day, but I clocked my best times ever! I ran 11-minute miles to the turn-around point and felt great! Unfortunately, my heart rate monitor said otherwise. I had gotten up to a max heart rate of 197 bpm. Just to be safe, we decided to walk the next 1/4 mile. After a little breather, it was back to the 11-minute pace. I have to tell you, I felt like a rock star!

Next, it was home to eat, shower, pack and head out. We picked up my bike from the shop, dropped it off at Sherry's house and then Andreas dropped me off at my teammate Vallery's office. Vallery and I then headed back to Sherry's house so that we (Vallery and me, Sherry and our other teammate Greg) could all drive to Memphis carvan-style. We made it to Memphis around 7PM and headed to The Rendezvous for their world-famous ribs. After dinner it was back to the hotel and lights out!

I have to say that I was feeling pretty sorry for myself Friday night and Saturday morning. I was the only one on my team who didn't have family or friends there to share the experience. It felt strange too given that I was in Memphis -- the birthplace of BOTH my parents! Well, as luck would have it, I scored a single room. After checking with Sherry, I called Andreas and BEGGED him to bring the boys a day early. They had a birthday party to attend Saturday morning, but promised to be in Memphis by 4PM on Saturday! Woohoo! On top of that, Peter made me feel all warm and fuzzy when he told me that his teacher, Mrs. Krueger, had all of the kids say a special 'Hail Mary' for me at the beginning of afternoon prayers -- and she even gave him a special hug to pass along to me! How cool is that?!

Coming up next, Saturday's adventures . . .