Jarabacoa Half Marathon
Start Time: 6:30am
Being that I was the only contestant in the race and my husband was the President of the function, we started a few minutes late at 6:45am. The race began at a hotel near our house called Hotel Pinar Dorado. After Josh took a few “start of the line” pictures he said go and off I went. It was a perfect day for a race, bright but slightly overcast with white clouds which kept the morning cool. The beginning of the race was out in the country where cows and horses were waking and wandering in their fields. The middle of the race was through town where street market vendors were getting set up for the day; and then for the last few miles I was on the main street and at last, ended at the river, which I gladly sat in once I crossed the finish line.
Josh rode his moto alongside me, almost the entire time, shouting “Go Vicki!” and “you’re doing great!” among other words of encouragement. He also told me my time, estimated about how much further I had yet to run, told me how many minutes I had left to beat my time from the race in 2008, took pictures, and handed me water. Talk about an amazing guy!
Our friends, Ryan and Caroline Holloway, ran the final mile with me. They encouraged me along the way and Ryan finished out the end in a sprint with me, challenging me the whole time. I finished the race in 2 hours 7 minutes and 9 seconds. I have to check with my dad but I think this beat our November 2008 time.
After I pulled my pruny body from the river, we headed home and celebrated with Ryan & Caroline over waffles and Wizard (a card game). Then Caroline and I enjoyed some girl time over mocha frappaccinos (which I made) while the boys went off to play ping pong (a daily event) and we all met up for lunch at the Holloway’s house and watched the movie “The Blind Side.” To wrap up the evening, Josh played in a soft ball game, which I left shortly after arriving due to finding out that the game wouldn’t be starting for another 45 minutes and I didn’t want to sit alone on a hard concrete bench. So I relaxed at home with Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and have been listening to Moon River non-stop since.
My final thoughts: I have now enjoyed and conquered 3 half-marathon races and am ready for something more challenging – possibly a full is on the horizon.
Interesting Fact: I have worn that red WSU shirt in all 3 Half Marathons
Before the race began in front of the hotel sign.
About 1/2 mile into the race headed out to the cows and horses
Almost 4 miles... I still have some spunk
Running my final steps in town, headed for mile 7
Last 75 feet... that's Ryan, he volunteered to run the final stretch with me to make sure I didn't wimp out
My race shirt - Josh made it for me
3 comments:
I absolutely loved this post - what a creative idea by Josh to create a half marathon for his beautiful wife who loves to run. You guys are just too precious! I also love that you have a half marathon t-shirt - very cool tradition! Maybe I'll have to train and come down for the next one?
How awesome Vicki! Congratulations on finishing your race :-) I knew you would do awesome! Aren't you so proud that in another country with different climates, you beat your last time?!?
And great job Josh for putting all that together and giving Vicki all that support!! What an awesome couple you are :-)
And great pictures too!!
Wow! Congratulations for able to join the marathon. I never tried like that ever, but hope I could this year in our area. Awesome pictures too!. Thanks!
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