Monday, March 16, 2009

A Fun Weekend

This post is about me. Not the kids. So if you're looking for something about them, with cute photos, you'll have to come back later. Sorry Mom!

Anyway, I had a fabulous weekend!

It started with a mini-reunion with some of my sorority sisters and former roommates. Three of us got together for dinner on Saturday night, and I don't think I've seen them since I graduated 9 years ago. In that time, we've all had to grow up more quickly than our peers due to medical complications. Lindsey's husband had a brain tumor and was treated at Stanford. He recently had a scan and is tumor free! Kristina is still fighting her battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed last May with stage 3 cancer and has been taking aggressive steps in her fight against the disease. Kristina is still undergoing radiation and will likely start oral chemo once that's finished. But it was truly inspiring to be around her and hear that she's not going to let this get her down. She has a very positive attitude and is spending her time doing things that she loves, being with people she cares about. She's going to win this fight! And she even let us try on her wig!

While we did spend some time talking about serious things, we also got to reminisce about our time in the house and all the funny antics we got into. Kristina and I were roommates in the dorms freshman year and she used to make us eggs on her hotplate in the mornings. Lindsey was my roommate in the house junior year, there were three of us in one room! But she scored because Melissa and I had boyfriends that we spent most of our time with, so she practically had the room to herself! Anyway, it was great reconnecting with them, and I hope we can do it again soon!

Andrea, Lindsey, Kristina

Lindsey with Kristina's hair

Andrea with Kristina's hair

The next morning was my Shamrock'n half marathon. When my dad and I got up at 6:00 it was a little rainy and cold outside. I was not sure I wanted to run 13 miles in the rain and was wondering where our beautiful weather went overnight. We got dressed in layers and headed out anyway. We got to Raley Field a little past 7 and were set to run at 8:10. I spent a good twenty minutes in line for the bathroom, while my dad just walked into the men's room. I will never understand why they don't build twice as many women's facilities as men's!

Once we got down to the start it wasn't raining, but looked kind of like it could at any time. It ended up being perfect weather for running, except it was a tiny bit windy. The race was really well organized and fun! My goal was 2 hours ten minutes, which would be a ten minute mile pace. I figured I might not be able to keep that up the whole 13 miles, but I wanted to be faster than 2:20. I ended up at 2:14 exactly so I was happy with my time. But I did have to walk a few times near the end, which was a bit disappointing. The finish was on Raley field and they showed the finish line on the jumbotron. Pretty cool! Got my shamrock finisher's medal, and my snack bag and headed home to warm up! Then we went out to a celebratory breakfast/lunch, sat in the spa for a while, then got a pedicure to fix up my sad feet. The calf massage felt wonderful!

Me and my Dad, trying to stay warm before the race

Mile 10 mile marker

Just finished-we made it!

My sweet family came to see us finish

Me and my dad- we're tough!

My feet post-race, pre-pedicure
I have a bruise on the top of my left foot, and a black toenail, on the right side I'm about to lose my second toenail. Gross, I know.

5 comments:

DeAnna said...

Great job Andrea!!! Sounds like an awesome weekend!

The Portas said...

Great job with such a great finish time! I love the pics, and how cute that your sweet little family went to watch you. :) I'm glad you got to have some time with old friends, too. That's always so nice...and needed. Have a good day! oxo

Leslie said...

oh my gosh, how fun to see the girls! glad you guys had a great time. and i love how much you look like your dad.

Gina and the Gang said...

You are crazy-awesome...out with your gals and then up at 6 to run 13 miles...you go girl!

Mindy said...

Congratulations! My hubby and I were watching the news yesterday morning and saw their coverage of the start and I was hoping we'd see you. Way to go on your finish!