Beauty and the Beach

On a blustery November morning, Ursula and I trekked out to Long Branch for the 5 mile Beauty and the Beach all-women run. Ursula was supported by HER HUSBAND, and both of us were supported by Beebe and Shea-dog.

The night before we picked up our packets, surprised to find bags awaiting us. An awesome long-sleeved technical t-shirt, a water bottle, gu, gu chomps, a luna bar, various papers, et cetera. Ursula purchased a running belt and some more gu, 'cause nothing beats a little gu when you're feeling down! We said our goodbyes, and each went our separate ways, to indulge in pasta and wine pre-race dinners. (Ursula: whole wheat pasta and marinara, Jamie, chicken pad thai from Bamboo Leaf. Delicious happiness!)

So this morning as we lined up for the race, goosebumps and all, we jumped around to the sounds of the DJ for warmth and shared training tips. Then, we ran off into the horizon, looped around, headed back, waved at Beebe, Shea, and THE HUSBAND, got our picture taken, and kept running. We looped around again, head down to purport to avoid the driving gale forces, and smiled again for Shea, Beebe, and THE HUSBAND, finally crossing the line in a very respectable 56:46! (By very respectable I mean totally awesome!) We picked up some grub and water, and basked in the glory of running 5 miles on a frigid November morn. A good time with a great friend!