Friday, November 23, 2012

Run Turkey Run Half Marathon, Day 1


Today is the first day of the Run Turkey Run series, put on by Tracy's Racing. I wasn't planning to run this series, as it is one week before CIM, but Tracy dangled the carrot in front of me. Seriously, show me some bling and I'll run your race. I'm that easy. Since this was going to be the first half marathon of this 52.4 mile weekend, I thought I'd take it at a leisurely pace so that I could save my energy for the Brazen Quarry Turkey Half the next day. For this reason, I took Chewbacca along.

For those who are new to the Endorphin Empire, Chewbacca is my dog. As you can see in the photo above, she is tiny. This dog can really only handle a 10k tops, so I brought her doggie back pack along so she could rest in it when needed. You will also notice from the photo that I am a wearing a fuzzy hat. That hat has Chewbacca's (the wookie, not my dog) face on it. I ran with my dog Chewbacca while wearing my Chewbacca hat. It just felt right.

This race took place at American River Parkway in Carmichael, CA (near Sacramento). The course is 6.55 miles out on a bike path and 6.55 miles back. It is a straight forward course, and it was fun to see the runners turn around and pass us. I walked the whole way with Chewbacca and my half marathon partner in crime for the day, Jennifer Walker. We took lots of photos and poop breaks. Well, the dog pooped, not us.

Pre-race group shot!
I knew Brian Marks was going to be there, but Jay Petit showed up out of the blue!
This woman saved me at The Lake Tahoe Marathon back in 2010. Thanks again Diane! I know that was forever ago, but I will never forget what you did for me that day when I was down and out and sick to my stomach at mile 18!
How random is this? It's a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge. I wanted to go off course and run across it just so that I could get that San Francisco Marathon feel!
Aid station drama. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Chiweenie, White Guy With Stick.
Yes, that's Chewbacca hoodie. 

It took the three of us a long time to get to that finish line, but that's ok. The true test will come tomorrow when we string together two half marathons in two different cities, 120 miles apart. To make it more interesting, I'll be gunning for the PR. Stay tuned.

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