Imaz 2008

[Tri Girl]

I think I could do this one in 2008....

Yeah you could!!! And I'd be your personal cheering squad if you did! You could come down here and do the half in 2007, you know...
Heck, I'll be KSH's personal cheering squad if she comes out. Come on down to OK and I'll cheer for you girls all day long!

KSH- I won't lie to 'ya. The finish line is not like an M-Dot race. There are not thousands cheering you in. I guees it depends on what time you finish. My friend finished in 14 1/2 hours and there were lots of cheering fans. When I finished in 16 1/2 there were about 10 people (but man, were they yelling for me)... BUT Jeffrey (the race announcer who's out there ALL day long) hollers your name as you make it to the finish line, announcing you're a first timer and then calls out when you cross the line. There is red carpet laid all the way down the finisher's chute, and they're playing music, making noise, and I didn't even notice there being only a few people. In fact, I don't remember much about that moment- only that I saw the red carpet, heard Jeffrey calling my name to come home, and looked over at my DH. I'm glad he videoed it so I could watch it later. It was a happy blur. For me, I didn't mind the less amount of people- in fact it made it better because of the fewer folks, I got to talk to many people on the run course, a couple waited for me to finish, and all the finish line folks waited on me hand and foot as I crossed the line. I guess it depends on what you're looking for. I'm a sucker for smaller, more personal races (have done marathons with 20,000 and marathons with 40 and I like the smaller ones better). That's just me, tho. But yeah, one day it would be nice to expereince an M-Dot race- just to do one! If you don't do Redman for your first, you gotta do it sometime just to do it- you're so close you're almost obligated to cross the Red River and spend some time up here.

[Offthegrid]

Now if I could mudwalk the whole 2.4 miles, that'd be the race for me.

[KSH]

KSH- I won't lie to 'ya. The finish line is not like an M-Dot race. There are not thousands cheering you in. I guees it depends on what time you finish. My friend finished in 14 1/2 hours and there were lots of cheering fans. When I finished in 16 1/2 there were about 10 people (but man, were they yelling for me)... BUT Jeffrey (the race announcer who's out there ALL day long) hollers your name as you make it to the finish line, announcing you're a first timer and then calls out when you cross the line. There is red carpet laid all the way down the finisher's chute, and they're playing music, making noise, and I didn't even notice there being only a few people. In fact, I don't remember much about that moment- only that I saw the red carpet, heard Jeffrey calling my name to come home, and looked over at my DH. I'm glad he videoed it so I could watch it later. It was a happy blur. For me, I didn't mind the less amount of people- in fact it made it better because of the fewer folks, I got to talk to many people on the run course, a couple waited for me to finish, and all the finish line folks waited on me hand and foot as I crossed the line. I guess it depends on what you're looking for. I'm a sucker for smaller, more personal races (have done marathons with 20,000 and marathons with 40 and I like the smaller ones better). That's just me, tho. But yeah, one day it would be nice to expereince an M-Dot race- just to do one! If you don't do Redman for your first, you gotta do it sometime just to do it- you're so close you're almost obligated to cross the Red River and spend some time up here.

Well, the finish line sounds like the sprint races, and the HIM's I have been to.

Basically, if you are near the end... the crowd gets really thin. It's that way with any race.

And, let's face it, typically if people are at the finish line, it's because they are waiting for someone they know.

I like the idea of a small race... but I also like the idea of a big race. I will be SO FAR towards the end... a larger race means more people will be back there with me. HA!

Of course, with a smaller race... that means you probably get a little closer with the people left and that is nice.

I have to say... that for my first IM... I think I want to do the "tourist" thing. Buy into all the "hype" of an M-Dot race... even though I am sure it's very commercialized and overdone. Do that for the first one... then do a small and personal one (if I even get ONE under my belt!). After the first big race, I know I probably won't want to go back. Crowds get old real quick.

I really loved your race report though, and that's so cool that you have a video of the moment. I understand how in moments like that... it all becomes a blur! *Reminds me of when I got married* Everything you have said about the race really does "sell it"!

And you know, I might make it to OK to cheer on my cousin if he does the Redman. I think he is still thinking about doing it. And it's not completely out of my thoughts... UUUGGGGGHHHH... at least I have a few months to make this very hard decision.

[Bikingmomof3]

Yeah you could!!! And I'd be your personal cheering squad if you did! You could come down here and do the half in 2007, you know...
Heck, I'll be KSH's personal cheering squad if she comes out. Come on down to OK and I'll cheer for you girls all day long!

I would chose this one because I could meet some of you. Yes, I definitely should do a half first. Running is the least of my concern. Biking, must be able to bike. I do not know if I could be ready for a half in 2007-will know more after my neurology appointment 12/22. Will it be too late to sign up? I better check into that.

[Tri Girl]

Yes, Jennifer, you should defnitely check with the neurologist first! The event has yet to fill up, and you can sign up through the summer if need be (price goes up at the end of May). The new, updated site is set to launch today sometime.
A half doesn't seem out of the question for you! I'll be here for 'ya!

Oh, and thank you for the Christmas card! I LOVED the boy with his tongue on the pole. Reminds me of "A Christmas Story" which is my favorite holiday movie. You're very sweet to think of me!!
I hope all goes well with the neurologist next month!!!

[Tri Girl]

KSH- I don't blame you AT ALL for wanting the first to be an M-Dot for your first. The hype and excitement is something I want to experience someday, too!!! You can't beat an M-Dot for the crowds and thrill!!! Plus, if you can make a vacation out of it- all the better!