Wildwood Half and 8K

My journey to sign up for the Wild Half 8k event came about while I was driving in the car with Lauren on our way home from Northern Virginia from Annie's baby shower. She encouraged me that I could do it. I also spoke to Brian and a few others and with some more encouragement I figured if I could run 4 miles I could do the 4.97 miles. Brian said I'm in my best shape and I could do it! So I signed up and later on in the week we decided we would wear matching shirts!

8k runners (4.97)

Meg

Staci

Me

Half Marathon runners (13.1)

Colby

Sean

Caitlyn

Lauren

Dave

Devon

The night before it was pouring...thunder...lightening... loud enough to wake me up! I normally can sleep through anything. That sure didn't happen. We actually thought it might be canceled from the weather! Needless to say God was good. The sun slowly made its appearance and we were able to run without interruption. I actually wore a hat for the first time running because I didn't bring my sunglasses. I figure I'd wear a hat to keep the rain out of my eyes. But really it kept the sun out and the sweat. 

~Bright and Early~

The half marathon went first starting at 7:30 and the 8k started at 7:45. We started off together, Meg, Staci and I soon fell a little behind and I was ok with that. I wanted to keep my own pace. Running down the boardwalk wasn't so bad. I was getting into my groove and all of a sudden we hit the end and had to turn around in--- an ankle deep large water puddle from the rain the night before. I wasn't too happy but I survived. I actually forgot that my feet were wet at times. I guess I could never do a mud run. I was using Pandora to keep me going and Mapmyrun. I kept 12:30 minute miles so I was great hearing the voice come over and tell me what I did at each mile I hit. I also had my watch on my wrist that I started to look at around 42 and 52 minutes I kept telling myself I'm almost done. The best part of the race was when we were headed back through the start line and I could see & hear that Staci & Meg just went by the overhead PA announcer said "Go Staci! Go Meg! They have their names on there shirts for a reason!" then I came trailing behind and she said, " Way to go run your own pace Steph." That made me smile! The worst part was running without anyone near me along Wildwood Crest and all the hotels. Not many spectators and I was starting to get tired. But then I heard and saw people doing Zumba that gave me some energy and I saw Timmy and Madison. Seeing a familiar face helped. Then it was on the homestretch...SAND!! Thank goodness it was WET! I wouldn't have been able to finish as well if it was dry. I think my legs would have been JELLO.  

~I'm almost there & finished~

~Staci & Meg after the race~

~almost finished Laur & Sean~

~Colb & Cait~ 

I missed getting pictures of Dave and Devon. Dave finished #34 out of 2000 runners!! I finished not too long before he did!! He ran 7 minute miles. I snapped my camera too late on Devon. I caught her foot in the photo!

Madison & Gavin playing

Colb, Cait, Me, Meg, Laur, Stac, Sean

After we finished the race and had lots of water we walked back to the house in North Wildwood. It was a long walk but I'm glad we did it. It probably helped me muscles relax after the long five mile run. It ended up according to mapmyrun 5.16 miles and according to the race officials I finished in 1 hr. 5 mins and 13 seconds. Mapmyrun sid 1 hour 3 minutes. Hey...2 minutes is two minutes! We ate some lunch and headed off to Morey's Pier for the water park. Part of the sign up fee included passes to the rides and water park. I experienced the water park for the first time and riding the tram car!! Watch the tram car please!!! It was a good time. I'm really glad we did this all together. I think we're going to make this an annual event!!

1st time riding the tram car!

Can't forget to post the professional photos that they wanted me to pay over $19.99 to get a digital download!! Next year we will have someone ride a bike around watching for us!! I'm happy for the memories!