Wicked Crabby

October finally brought some relief from the humidity, which normally means you get some relief from the heat too.  I was hoping it would be in time for the Crawlin' Crab at the beginning of October. The weather gods just chuckled. I didn't know it at the time, but they were saving the perfect running weather for November. Maybe they wanted some extra thank you points that month, But hey, I run rain, shine, sleet, snow and steamy heat. I even run on Sunday's so I have one up on the post man.

The Crawlin' Crab was the half marathon for October. One a month keeps the doctor away! Better yet, it was the closest one to me other then the Dismal Swamp Stomp. I didn't have to get up at 3am. Packet pick up was close by. I was joined again by my BRF, and the usual suspects. We are almost becoming cliquey, for shame! The race was in Hampton. It was a pretty unassuming race. Its best sales pitch really is that J&A Racing put it on and they always do well.

We lined up and off we went. I went right to the side line to add a safety pin to my running skirt. Now I know I haven't lost that much weight. I had pinned one side since that was sufficient on the last long run, but this time I could feel the undies starting to slip with the skirt. Rather then flash the world when I tripped over my own feet,  I stopped and pinned the other side; problem solved. I merged with traffic and off I went again to the first porta potty. Dang it! But when you gotta go... and I didn't know when the next one would show up.

While the next porta potty was not on the agenda, humidity and sunshine were. By the time I finally crossed the finish, I am pretty sure I had sunburn and the salt from my sweat stung. Not cool. Definitely-crabby.

Some of the girls had a great run. Me, meh. I could take it or leave it, but it is another half in the books.

Next up was the Wicked 10k. The running in between the two races was like the Crawlin' Crab-meh. Thank goodness for BRF's who motivate. I am pretty sure we elected a new cabinet, president and reorganized the department of education on those runs.

I had no expectations for the Wicked 10k. I had actually lied and put what I wanted to finish rather then what I knew I would finish and amazingly wound up in the perfect corral for me. My BRF had been telling me race by race I was in the wrong corral and highly recommended I give myself a little more credit. She was right. Yes, Jessica Meier, I am putting it in writing, you were right. The best thing about the Wicked 10k is the costumes. I think I like this race the best out of all the races J&A Racing does. Its just fun. Last year, we had cold gale force winds that sand blasted your face when you came around the corner on the boardwalk. In true Virginia fashion, this year was warm and a little humid, but for Virginia do-able.

I somehow was late leaving the house (kids will do that to you), late getting to the race (thank you traffic), missed the group pic (well crap) and had to parks blocks away (we'll count this as a warm up). That's ok. It was still a great race. I ran the whole 10k at a decent pace and had time for beer. Yeah for beer! The absolute best part about this race was walking back to my car and seeing the last person come in for the finish. It was clearly a struggle, but they were doing it. Better yet, the J&A race support person was cheering her on, saying encouraging things and I think I even saw her laugh at one point. That race support person should get their very own medal. It was true race support. I wish everyone was that supportive, we would probably all be healthier for it. I also hope that last person went in and had their soup and beer and said "I did it!", with a huge pat my self on the back smile because she deserved it.

Costumes again, were awesome. They are every year. It's part of the fun. I don't wear a costume, I don't do cute matching running outfits and I have a very ugly running hat for cold weather, but I still appreciate all those that do.