Freedom Day 4 Miler

Spent the night in San Antonio with Erica, so we wouldn't have to get up a hour earlier to make the drive into San Antonio to the race.  As we closed the door to leave Kerrville, Leta realized we didn't have keys and had just locked ourselves out of the house.  What a great start we were having!  After arriving at Erica's I made her a batch of the No-Bake cookies before we headed for the couch (me) and the chair (Leta) for a short night. We got up about 6 AM and headed towards the race, which was held at The National Shooting Complex.  What a great facility they have there, and what a great local for a race, as the course was about 90% paved roads (inside the complex and with no traffic to contend with).

Erica was flying to Detroit in the afternoon and I had to get to work in Fredericksburg by noon, so we were on a very tight schedule.  We planned on going to the race, staying for awards and door prizes, returning to Erica's apartment, taking quick showers, dropping Erica off and the airport and getting to Fredericksburg before noon.  In the confusion of planning what we needed to pack in the car, and when, I managed to leave the bibs behind in Erica's apartment.  I realized this about half way to race.  So we decided that since this probably wasn't the first time someone had forgotten their bibs after picking them up early, they probably had a solution for this eventuality, or if they didn't, we would "run for the fun of it"(??), that is, with out the official chip timing devices and just keep track of our own times via our watches.  Luckily, they were able to give us new bibs and it was not a problem at all!

Leta found the volunteer coordinator and was put to work cutting up fruit, cookies, and helping with the 1,000 (!) hot dogs they were grilling!  She also helped the lady at registration packing up her boxes.  When she was done, she found a folding chair and the best spot in the pavilion, that is a spot out of the sun, and with a cool breeze blowing in!  Because she volunteered she should get a shirt (they had run out!) and she got us a free entry to a future race!

The only suggestion I have to improve the race is more porta potties near the start, as I got in the line about 20 minutes to the start, and was still in the line as they fired the gun!   With so many people there (in excess of 750) and I being errrr "detained", Erica and I didn't find each and so we weren't able to run together.

They course started off on a long downhill and meandered around alot of the 700 acre complex.  Past MANY trap and skeet ranges.  There were water and gatorade stations at miles 1, 2, and, 3; along with Porta potties on the course.  Water was also placed  in coolers between the mile marker stations at various skeet/trap ranges.

Prior to the race, we were instructed not to leave the roadways, do to the danger of rattlesnakes!  I took this picture along the course and decided that, yes it did make me run faster!  If I would have seen a snake I really would have moved faster!

The course was mostly downhill, for the first half, meaning that it was mostly uphill for the second half!  And the last hill was a killer!  It was hot, even at 7:30 AM and my strategy became one of walk the uphills (although when I saw Erica waiting for me near the finish line to encourage me, I decided I really had to run to the finish line!) and run, on the downhills/and when in shade.

When I finally crossed the finish line an icecold wash cloth was handed to me, and it was wonderful!  There was a lot of food, drinks waiting for us, and we cooled down and snacked.  Prior to the race I saw that beer and hot dogs were provided, and I thought who would want a hot dog at 8:30 AM?.  Well after the race and finding Leta in the best location in the building, I started feeling a bit err "faint" and knowing I was replacing fluids, I thought maybe my blood sugar might be low, and a hot dog with the bun and condiments, with the protein and salt from the hot dog, and the carbs from the bun and condiments might help.  After eating, I did feel much better!  Poor Erica was not only feeling faint but also had "the worst conjunctivitis of my life".

We saw a runner, "the I Beat Cancer, Never Give Up" shirt guy, we both had noticed at races all over the state!  He took a picture of Erica and I after the race and it should be found on his web page, but I haven't been able to locate it yet.  BTW he is an inspiration, as I thought I would use him as my 'rabbit' during the Fredericksburg race, but even though, he is older, and stopped to take lots of pictures, he beat me!

Post race pictures were taken and then we raced (in the car!) back to Erica's, the airport and Fredericksburg, where I punched in at 12:15, one minute later than the company's 'grace period', but after talking to the managers, I don't think I'm in any trouble!

My chip time was  48:12 (12:03/mile) and I was 23rd out of 28 in my age/gender group, 621st overall,  and a PR! (as it was my first 4 mile race).  ;-)

Erica beat my time, as hers was 45:37(11:24/mile) 17th of 24 in her AG, 564 overall,  I also believe this was a PR for her.

The pond we ran by (nary a drop of water in it!)

Even Leta came AND had a good time!

We survived!

This was the 36th annual race was a good one and one we will definitely try to do again!

PS:  Leta did use some of her secret talents and was able to "open" the locked door when she got home!