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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Agoura Great Race: Half Marathon

Shawna and I before. It was soooo cold! I couldn't feel my toes until mile 3, they were so numb from the cold. We did the Pacific Half instead of the Chesebro this year which was all street. We thought it would be easier and didn't really train at all. We were wrong! It was all up hill on Kanan rd. and around Malibu Lake down and around and back up hill to the finish at Agoura High School. The scenery was beautiful but you couldn't really enjoy it because there was one hill after another!

Me crossing the finish line, I know I am a dork! My goal was to finish under 2 hours and my time was 1:59:06, I barely made it but I felt fine after I wasn't sore the next day except for my shins from the downhill on the pavement. So I'm pleased to announce this was the beginning of my training for the L.A. Marathon on May 25! It is on Monday this year, it's usually on Sunday as most marathons are and I want to be obedient to the Sabbath so I know this is meant to be!

Shawna and I after. I talked Shawna into doing the L.A. Marathon with me. She is my most hardcore friend and she likes to push herself as hard as I do! Wish us luck!

This year the race had extra special meaning. Last year my friend Ginger Clinton that passed away ran the 5K and she was very proud of her accomplishment. To honor her memory a big group of us, her whole family included, all participated in various races. We all wore red shirts, her favorite color, with the word "Happiness" on the front and her initials on the back. It was very cool to see all the red shirts and remember Ginger. Honestly a couple of times throughout my 13 miles I called on Ginger to help me, I felt her spirit and presence there. She was such an awesome person! I miss her so much!

12 comments:

Kim said...

Great job Nikki! That is a wonderful way to remember your friend. It was so good to see you guys last week...and so unexpected! Love to you all!

rebecca said...

YOU GO NIKKI! Wow, a marathon! That's awesome! You can do it! Congrats on making your time goal in the half. Your endless energy is inspiring (and exhausting on Mondays!) Love you!

Tiffany -- the mommy said...

YOU ARE THE BOMB NIKKI!!! I am so proud of you! Congrats! I can't believe that you are gonna run the LA Marathon!! You are truly amazing!

Laura said...

You are awesome, Nikki! Congrats on a great half-marathon, and good luck in the LA Marathon!

Bonnie and Kirk said...

Good job Nikki. I'm jealous. If I tried to run a 1/2 marathon right now I would die. Good luck in LA!

Meg said...

Way to go Nikki!! I wish I was as ambitious. Keep us updated on your training I would love to here. May 25 isn't very far away!

AmyJune said...

The picture of you at the end says it all. I'm surprised they are doing the LA marathon so late this year. I thought they always did it in March.

Davis' said...

You are AWESOME! That is so great. Keep up the good work.

Janet said...

congratulations nikki and for making it under 2 hours! that's awesome. my friend and i just ran a 1/2 in Ft. Worth... my goal was 2:10, but made 2:15...
Good luck on your marathon!
Janet Theriault

Mom said...

WOW!!!!!!!! Are you sure you are my Daughter???????? I am sooooooo!!!! proud of you but of course I always have been, you are special Nikki. I hope I can come and root you on, but the problem is Marty works and if it's on a Monday it might be a bit difficult, but we will talk about it when your here for Easter,OK? I can't wait to see all of you, oh yes I wanted to coment on the picture at the beginning of your blog, I LOVE it great pic. I thought maybe you stopped blogging, you haven't done it for so long. We Love You All, see you soon.

Nicole said...

Awesome job! Glad you met your personal goal! I can't believe you're doing the LA Marathon! Wow!

Ann said...

That's so great Nikki! Congrats. What a neat thing to do for your friend. Good luck doing the LA Marathon. I'm sure you'll do great.