Better late than never

I try to post events that happen in my life in a timely fashion so that I don't forget details, etc. BUT work has been a zoo this week and after work, my brain is so fried that I don't want to touch the computer.? Anyways... I ran in a 1/2 marathon this past Sunday morning. I left work on Saturday evening late of course and drove to Daniel's Gma's place to spend the night. We had a really good time sharing photos, videos, letters, and stories. We of course had green beans (they are my fav!) for dinner along with sandwiches and potatoes. I had to call it an early night because I was going to get up at 5am.
5am came way too early but I did only wake up once during the night which was good since in the past I have had troubles sleeping the night before a race. This is the second time in row (I think) that I have not had trouble sleeping. I think my mind/body is getting used to the nerves and excitement. I gave myself 30 minutes to get ready in the am and was ready within 26 minutes. Out the door I went and to the race start. I allowed a lot of time to make sure that I was not standing in a long registration line and that I had time to scope out the area and find the restroom. I made it to the race start with no problems. The roads were pretty clear and the line for registration pickup was very short. SO.... I had an hour to kill before the race started. Unfortunately they only had large and extra large shirts left so I took a large. I went back to my car, put my stuff away and drove closer to an exit for after the race. A bunch of cars were flooding in and I wanted to be prepared for then end of the race. I hung out in my car and read some and then about 30 minutes before the race decided to find the line for the bathroom. Thankfully I did not wait a minute more and that I picked a fast moving line. There were only 10 stalls to use for over 1000 half runners and who knows how many 5k runners. Needless to say, I had to run... i mean sprint back to my car to grab my race water bottle and music because I had just a few minutes to spare after moving though the line.
The race started smooth. There was no delay which was nice but there were no mile markers. Not a single one out there anywhere. I felt bad for some people who were just doing their first race and knowing that they might not have a good judge on time/distance. Thankfully, my trusty Garmin came along with me and I was telling people where they were in the course. (only because they were asking the volunteers and they didn't know anything). Overall, there were a few very big and long hills. We traveled through a greenway for a good bit of the race. There were very very few spectators because there was no good place for them to stand, but the water stations were manned with enough to drink and enough people to hand out water. As far as doing this race next year.... Im not sure. It was not my favorite but all proceeds went to an excellent cause. (the puppies and kitties at the shelters)