I’m so behind this week in posting – I have so much to talk about that I can’t keep up!

So Sunday was the Cleveland Marathon. I was registered for the half marathon but since I hadn’t really been running since Glass City I made the decision at the expo on Saturday to downgrade to the 10k. Seriously one of the best decisions ever – I don’t regret it at all.

The morning started early as usual on race day and J and I decided to ride our bikes down to the race (we’re about 5-6 miles away from downtown).

We got there just in time to see the marathoners take off, which was so fun to see.

The temperature was predicted to reach 80+ degrees and it was already warm when the race started. These people were in for a long day………

Then we headed to the start line ourselves.

The race was SO CROWDED. When J and I reached the first mile marker my watch said we had just run a 9:44 mile. Ugh. So much time to make up! I started to pick up the pace and realized J was falling behind so I asked him if he cared if I went ahead and he waved me on. I turned around one last time to make sure he was cool with it and he told me to go. I think it was more so he didn’t have to deal with me being annoying and pushing him to run faster the entire race! Ha.

The course was mad boring, and almost all in the sun, but I’m SO GLAD I only had to run 6.2 miles. Because by the time I was done it was already HOT HOT HOT.

Here are the results from my watch:

6.32(!!) miles, 56:32, 8:57/mile

Not too bad, but not really a race pace either. But that’s OK. I wasn’t out there to “race”, I just wanted to enjoy myself and enjoy Cleveland again (I haven’t run Cleveland since the 2010 marathon!).

We’re so happy to be done running!

I had such a great time running the 10k. I would totally do it again – I think it may be my new favorite race distance.

From there we hopped on our bikes, stopped to cheer on some friends running the half, and then headed over to volunteer at the Mile 25 water stop.

80+ degrees and Mile 25 are not a good mix. I was so glad J and I could help out. We did everything from spray runners down with the hose to just throwing the cups of water on them to filling their water bottles. Anything we could do to keep them hydrated (or to just get them to the finish line). It was amazing to watch and help. And humbling to be a part of.

Congratulations to all the runners on Sunday. You guys all are my heroes!!

Are you a good runner in the heat?

The winner of the 2012 Annual Silver Spoon Awards Party is:

Stephanie! And an even BIGGER CONGRATS on finishing the Cleveland Marathon today, too! You’re a winner all around today!

Email me your contact information by tomorrow night.

And, don’t forget, there’s still time to purchase tickets here.

I am exhausted from a long day of 10k running, marathon cheering, volunteering, and biking. Can’t wait to recap the weekend for you – be back tomorrow!

Congratulations to all the runners this weekend. It was a hot one – everyone should be proud!!

It’s here! It’s here!

I’m so so excited for marathon weekend! I’m probably only this excited, though, because I’m not running the marathon.

I’m actually registered for the half, but I think I might downgrade to the 10k so I can run with J. I actually haven’t been running much since the Glass City half and have been on a little “running hiatus”. I’m not out to kill this race, or PR, or any of that. I just want to enjoy the excitement of race day and focus on cheering everyone else on!

I get so emotional watching marathons but, like I mentioned yesterday, Cleveland just kills me. The memories from this weekend 2 years ago all come flooding back and I get so weepy.

p.s. Look how little C looks!

It was such an amazing day. One of those days that everyone should get to experience.

So good luck to all the runners this weekend! I wish everyone a day filled with joy, confidence, spandex, Body Glide, and sweat – lots and lots of sweat.

Be on the lookout for me. I’ll be the crazy lady screaming my face off (so make sure your name is on your shirt!).

Do you love marathon weekend in your town??