The Lincoln Half Marathon Complete!

I'm having computer problems!  So I will have to rush this a little.   And just when so much has happened today.   My computer?  Ah yes...  Apparently, one of the little fans is not working properly.  And as a result, my computer is running slower and slower.  I thought the sluggishness was because of the data storage, but apparently not.   I just blew it out with some one of those compressed air cans and hopefully that will fix it...  Even if it is just temporary.  But now... On to the Race

An early morning as usual, but this time we got to sleep in a bit, since we were staying about a block away from the start line.   The only saving grace for the Hotel this year.   Cheryl says she was very disappointed with the service of that hotel.   And judging from all the crowd shots I took yesterday,  Most other people would concur. 

Mary Todd hitting on Mike? Um, "NO!"

But, while we were staying warm in the lobby,  everyone got to see the President and his wife.   Cheryl even got to ride in the elevator with him!  ( He is very tall.)  Eventually everyone, including the President,  left for outside and prepared for the race.

It was cold and windy!  But the rain held off for the entire race.   This race usually is right on the edge of comfortable for Cheryl.   She always has to make a decision about the clothing.  Usually she settles on Shorts and long sleeves.   Mike and Pam were not going for that, though.  Cold weather does not agree with them as well. 

I maxed out my camera taking pics, but I will try to keep things to an animation.  ( as usual)  I got to see most of the Crew along the way at the start, 2 mile, 7 mile and finish.  It was more challenging this year now that I have to chase three people around.   I focused on Cheryl mostly.  (because I have to live with her.)  But managed to capture Pam and Mike along the way at a couple spots.

Cheryl checks out the awards.

I'll skip to the end and tell you that my half-hearted prediction came true from yesterday!  Cheryl won third place OVERALL! ...... AGAIN!  She won the coveted Master's Award.   AND  TIED her previous Personal Best record for a Half Marathon..... Right down to the Second!  

Cheryl's Senior award.

This is the second time she has tied a record time.   The last time was at Des Moines when she tied her previous record EXACTLY!  ( Any idea how difficult that would be?   Running 13.1 miles on the same course for the same time as a previous year... To the Second!)

Mike's award is smaller...

Mike came in 10 minutes ahead of Cheryl and set a new PR for his half marathon distance.  He also won an age group award for his efforts. 

Pam at the Finish!

Pam completed her second Half-er and got a New PR as well.  I don't know exactly how much, But Cheryl says it was quite a bit.   Cheers for Everyone!

As usual, there were donuts and beer and a bunch of other goodies if you wanted to sample things.   It was too bad that the weather was not as hospitable as previous years.  Normally, we camped out on the lawn of the old Capitol Building and enjoyed the afterglow.  But this year the Old Capitol Building was under construction and the lawn was off limits.  They set up a tent  around the corner, but that did not offer much protection from the wind and cold.  It rained just enough  for folks to reconsider any further outdoor activities.  ( a few drops, but heavy, ominous  clouds!)

We decided after the award Ceremony to have lunch at a local diner.   It was packed with people...   As well as records and 1950's memorabilia. Fun times. 

And now we are home.   I will probably remember more of what happened, but for now,  with Computer problems in the margins,  I best keep things brief ( if you can call these posts "brief") and Sign off.   Fingers crossed I will be able to post this... AND download all of the Pics to the Interwebs.

Thanks for stopping in.   And now... The rest of the Story... In Color!

Pam at Mile 2.  

She gives me her ear warmers.

"He's Right behind you! " Mike at The finish. I told him the guy behind him was gaining!    He bought it!

Cheryl at Mile 7

Mile 7  Cheryl is 3rd Female overall!