!!SpArKlY SiGnS!!

Nothing special about today’s race, I’m focused on Chicago. Today would have just been another long run, except for MY FANS!!!! There she was, Dr. G and family, sign reads: “RUN JOE’S WIFE RUN”! There was jumping, yelling and screaming and then they are gone.

We aren’t alone for long. Mike is next, my coach from work, more jumping, yelling and screaming.

Mike, “How are you doing?”.

Me, “This sucks it’s hot”.

Mike, “You’re doing good, keep it up”.

Easy for him as he turns and walks home!

Then there was some ugliness in Pawtucket; it was pretty ugly. I’m focused on making it back to the Blvd and running down Alfred Stone and there they are again, Dr. G and her sign, more yelling, screaming and jumping. This time we all get into it

Fast-forward and we are down by the water on Irving and the finish is 3 miles away. Now worries because it’s the running club cheer squad! Sherri, no sign but I appreciated the sign-language like sparkles! Matt and Rick with their cameras, and there was no cursing for Rick this time around. After a quick photo op we are alone again, or as alone as you can be running with the masses.

Stranger’s cheer out my number in Richmond Sq. Joe gets Jealous! I’m cuter in the race uniform, what can I say! There was Joni relaxed on the stairs cheering us through India Point Park and the strange PRMH man who stalked us on his bike the last mile. Neither of us can recall his name and it’s doubtful we knew who we were, but we run for the same cause!

Then there is the finish, we are coming back into the city crossing the river and it’s starting to get ugly again. Last turn and I can see the finish, but wait! More sparkly signs!!! Renee, Paul and Vinny are along the finish line chute, the last bit of jumping and screaming happens a quick high-five and we are DONE!

Miles trained today: 13.1

Harvard Pilgrim 10k: 63

Beach 2 Beacon: 97

Chicago: 161