Waiko-blow-a

I've been a pretty lucky girl recently. Although I did a number of my long runs (16, 18, 20, 22 and 26) largely solo or completely solo, I've able to do most of my tapering runs (16, 14, 10) with friends.

Last weekend's run was only about 14, done as part of a 26.2 run relay with friends from Kona to Waikoloa. I got to partner with a great friend/runner (Ragni and I alternated every 2-miles), as well as run with a bunch of other fun, supportive moms I've gotten to know. 

My race day bag of fuel and gear, packed and ready to go for the fun run relay...it's been awhile since I've packed one!

I thought the run would feel pretty easy since the distance was only 13+ and I was only doing 2 miles at a time, but lordy, lordy...the winds picked up about halfway through, and I swear, they were about 40mph. I felt like I was running in place, and suddenly, two miles felt like six. I kept whining about the winds, but since most of the others were weathered triathletes who regularly bike in those winds (it's not called Waiko-blow-a for nothing), no one else was complaining, and I had to stop (out of shame).

Oh you know..just updating my Instagram with selfies mid-race.

Four friends raced Honolulu Marathon this morning, and three of us are racing Volcano this weekend (Esther, Dana and I)...so I'm sure there will be many race day stories ahead. The stories are always a lot like the stories of childbirth- how we all prepare and have a plan, how the plan tends to fall apart, how you still do your best to rally, and how you process the inevitable disappointment and/or joy. Fingers crossed my latest story will be written soon...as it's always nerve wracking the week before race day. I've already tripped (with Vicky a few days ago as my horrified witness), and lightly rolled my ankle (tonight, while pushing a bike, with Ragni as my witness). Thankfully, both injuries were a 1 on a scale of 1:10, so I'm fine. Ragni suggested I start using a walker this week to prevent future accidents from befalling me this week...and I'm starting to think it's a fine idea.