New Year's Eve - 2008 FUN!!

Really, who can say that they ran a 5k on New Year's Eve? Huh? Huh? Well, now I can!
Salt Lake Track Club hosted their annual Beat the New Year 5k race in Sugarhouse park. All day, I was questioning myself. Why was I doing this exactly? Because I can. Pure and simple. Because I can. No other reason needed. Several of my gym BFF's joined me in this act of craziness.
Here' the gang:

l-r Me,Chad,Rick,Tib,Adam
Getting ready. Got my good girls, thermals, turtleneck, lycra cold weather running clothes, fleece vest, gloves, scarf, hat and ipod!

One last shot with my gym BFF before heading out into the cold

Unfortunately, somewhere in the first lap, Tiburon's calves completely seized up. She wasn't able to finish, but crap-a-doodle, she gave it her best shot!

After lap one. Really. I have to go around again??

Rick finished first - you may notice his handsome facial scruffiness. Niiiice.

Adam was quickly behind him. Perhaps a little too quick. Our paparrazzi/entourage (Splenda Daddy), just missed him.
I was quick on his heels (but sucking wind, rather, bitter-butt cold air)

Seriously, this KICKED my butt! However, that being said. Was this my best 5k time? No, but my best time for Sugarhouse park. I beat my August time when I ran there then, so yes, I'll take it. 24:44 - I am pleased.
And then the ever cheerful Chad rounded it up. Love that dude. He ALWAYS comes in smiling. 6 feet 2 inches of pure inspiration.

As we crossed the finish line, they handed everyone a plaque (see above). Lame, but hey, it was something.
Then the Erickson's and the Catmull's headed to ghetto Denny's for some Grand Slamming breakfast!

I laughed so hard, I think I peed a little.
Great night!
Glad I ran at midnight in the wintery cold? yes
Do it again next yeat? nope.
But I can say I did it at least once. And since you get one life, that is enough for me!

Cold Turkey Trot 6K - SUCCESS!!

HAH! Did it!
Soooooo, as most of you know, a little stressed about the race this morning. I actually got more uptight the closer it got.
We all met at the gym early this morning

l-r Wally, Chad, Rick, Katrina, Tiburon, Me and Chris

I got right up to the start line, while everyone else held back a little. The siren went off, and away we went. I shot out the gate a little faster than normal, but felt okay until about 5 minutes in. Then I don't know what the heck happened, but I felt like my whole body just SHUT DOWN. It felt like I was running through tar. I could barely move. I thought, 'CRAP! At least just finish....' kept at it while being passed by more and more runners. At the turn around though, something just clicked and the fire kicked in! At this point, it was now downhill and I could make up lost time! Ran my little legs as hard as I could and started to now pass those runners who had, just a few minutes before, left me in their dust. Feeling good now, and looked up and saw the finish line. That always gives you a HUGE burst, so I lit the flames and took it up a notch. Note-quads burning, back aching at this point. All I could do is look up at the clock at the finish line and gasp in disbelief! I crossed the line at 28:31, might have been 28:32 when I my chip hit the pad.

I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! I had no idea, that I could do that time. I seriously thought 30 min was a shot, and as of start time just wanted to beat "she who shall remain nameless"! Well, not gonna lie, but I not only beat her, I smoked her trash! Good feeling - oh yeah!!
My running friends all did well themselves:
Here's Chad

Here's Chris:

And here's Tiburon:

I'm missing pictures of Rick and Katrina - they are on another camera and will be added later.

Later in the day the official times got posted on the internet. Here's how I shaped up:
Official time - 29:34
7th place - my division
25th place - overall women
107th place - overall (total of 850 runners)
Not to shabby if I say so myself!

I think everyone had a great time, and in spite of it being bitter, butt cold and a little drizzly, the outcome made it ALL WORTH IT!!!