The Midnight Carver: Cheryl's Quad Cities' Distance Classic Big Win!

Cheryl Wins a Master's Award.

Early Morning

What a way to spend Mother's Day! Cheryl ran a Half Marathon and shattered several goals she had set for herself. There is much to chat about... so let us begin.

Red Sky at Morn, Runner's be Warned

Perfect Runners Weather.

Having done the Quad Cities' Distance Classic before, we knew we were in for an early start. Another 4:30 A.M. start time in the dark. Only one deer, one cat, and one raccoon were the obstacles for the Subie. The temps were promising to be "runner's Favorite Weather" with skies that were overcast and a slight mist in the air. They say "Red Sky at Morn, Sailor be warned!" But I think that may be the opposite for runners. Possibly because runners don't run on the water.

Showcasing the upcoming races.

At the College.

We arrived at St. Augustine College to pick up our packet. While there, we checked out the other upcoming races the Quad Cities had to offer. We already knew about the Marathon and the Firecracker, But this Beer Mile is very interesting....

Colorful tree.

And a colorful wall.

At the Star line.

At the Start line, we noted the crocheted tree and the crocheted wall. As the rain picked up, the director got the ball moving and hurried up the process. I love races where there is not a long list of "thank you's" to go over... Sing the National Anthem and Fire the Gun! Let's Go! Let's Go!

There she goes.

Racing by at the start.

And they did. Off they went down the hill.... same as last year. I did not know this, but Cheryl had "plans" for this race. (That's not entirely true, She told me her plans... I just don't remember paying attention.) She was going for a new PR and a possible win for the "Seniors" division in the race boards. ( Or..."Master's" I believe it is called...) She had looked up last year's winner and decided it was within her reach this year.... Or at least she was going to go for it.

Cheryl is feeling the Power

Mile 7 Rocky theme.

As they rounded mile 7, I could tell Cheryl was feeling her oats... (Whatever that means) They were playing the "Rocky Theme Song" just as she passed by, adding to her confidence. She couldn't help but ham things up.

Cheryl at mile 12.

Time to pour it on.

By mile 12, she was coming in strong. I ran into the stadium to catch her in the final stretch. I had a good feeling when I noted that the time on the clock did not match what I had on my phone. ( A full 10 minutes difference!) I had a feeling she could set a new PR here today.

Aiming for a new PR.

Cheryl rounding the track.

And she did! By an entire 1 minute, 9 seconds! ( That's HUGE!) Her final 13.1 mile, New PR is 1:37:41 ( Official Time) She shaved a full 11 minute 49 seconds off of her time last year. ( It's the shoes!) Small note, she was the only one wearing the Superfly shoes at this race. Coincedence? But that was not the only BIG NEWS....

She just may have it....

Showing off the medal.

She also won the MASTERS! Oh, sure, she often wins an age group place or award. But MASTERS means that she is the FASTEST old person at this race. Faster than the 80 year old man... Faster than the 40 year old woman.... Even faster than many of the younger people. (There were about 300+ people running the Half, not counting the 5K-ers)

They call her name for an award.

Cheryl wins the Masters slot.

But then, it gets even better... Just when I thought a Cheap Plastic Award, New PR, and New Title of "Fastest Old lady" was the best possible outcome.... I find out that there is a CASH PRIZE!

They give her something to
really Smile about...

After a brief discussion....

$100 Bucks to be Exact! It was like a cooler of Beer and Steaks falling out of the sky while on a remote fishing trip in Alaska! After you landed a world record Salmon with your bare hands.... As witnessed by All of your Best Friends and a Guinness Record Official.

That's one Hundred Buckaroos!

Plastic trophy AND $100!

Ok, Maybe it is not that big a deal, but it sure seems like it. This is the first time Cheryl has won the Top Female Finisher Masters division And won money in the process. She is very happy with the results. And I'm happy that she is finally winning something back after spending all of our hard earned money running these little races. Maybe she should quit her job and begin winning full time! ( No wait! That line of thinking usually gets us into trouble....)

Really! One Hundred Dollars!

Let's celebrate with a Burger and
Fries.

Well, after gathering the trophy, the money, and all the goodies we could carry, we headed out to Tee's in Muscatine for some greasy burgers, fries and onion rings. Nothing says,"good job" better than greasy food. Especially if you are a sporty runner model. If you are a lethargic couch potato like me, then greasy food only says, "More Flat tires for your bike..."

Oh! And she got a flower....

Did I mention the medal?

Even the dog got a medal. (Psst..
Cheryl beat the dog by 10 minutes!)

So that is all. A full day of achievements with very little sleep to deal with things. I'm so tired I can barely write this blog post. But the excitement is helping me push through. If this trend continues... how will I possibly convey the awesomeness of my wife? Even my writing skills have their limits. But we shall face each hurdle as they come. Don't sweat the small stuff....Don't look back.... and never lose money. I don't really know how that plays into things, but it sounds deep and philosophical. And what a great way to end this post.