What a train wreck this race was.

Did you ever get up for a race and just know this was not going to go well?? I have trouble convincing myself to go when I'm lying in bed. But this morning I was up and had had my coffee and still felt like I shouldn't go. I should have listened to myself.

I had to return to the house twice because I forgot things. I made myself a smoothie for breakfast and it sucked. I ended up not drinking it. I was running late and got to the stadium way too close to the last bus leaving. I had to go - bad!! I got on a bus and had to hunt down a decent bathroom - bad. I realized I was hungry! And thirsty! Oh this was not good. Went to Starbucks and got something to eat. It only made me thirstier. Distracted myself taking pictures.

Finally we started. Within the first mile a problem with my fanny pack developed. I could not get it to sit right. I messed around with that for almost 2 miles. Finally, got it fixed.

Suddenly, my HRM strap starts bothering me. I use this all the time, what is the problem?? Couldn't fix it so just put it out of my mind. Had a nice sore spot when I got home. WTF???

Got a rock in my shoe. Stopped 3 times and could not get it out. Or find it. Decided to live with it. Now have a blister developing on the ball of my foot. (*&(^^%$^$^%$^##^& rocks.

iPod stopped working. It would just randomly shut off. I had to keep turning it on. Ended up taking it out of my armband and carrying it in my hand so I could turn it on quickly and easy. Pain in the butt.

It was at this point, around mile 5, where I just gave up. I realized the running gods were not on my side so why fight it. I spent the rest of the run taking pictures and having fun.

Here is a photo essay (you can click on any picture to see a larger one):

The buses waiting to take up from Aloha Stadium to downtown for the start.

The Sounds of Freedom. This is the only race in the world where military units run in formation singing cadence. It is so inspiring to see these heroes every year.

The start line. Actually took 8 minutes to get there after the cannon. Not too bad considering there were 20,000 of my closest friends running.

One of the bands that were all along the course. This is what makes this race so fun.

This was one of the aid stations. What a mess they are.

Finally, the finish line inside Aloha Stadium. I have never been so happy to see a finish line.

Looking back at the finish line from the other side of the stadium.

The Hawaiian Runner. He ran the whole thing in a ti leaf skirt and headdress. Pretty cool.

Well, #11 is done. There is always next year :)