The start of the Windermere wasn't fabulous this year. Last year one of our friends barely made it to the start line in time because of the shuttle buses. The race started on time in 2013. Not this year. Big shuttle bus problems. We were on the bus about 5:45 and got to the start line at 6:45. We felt rushed but little did we know that people were still waiting to get picked up. The race started about 25 minutes late. Not good! I have never been to any race that started late. Hopefully, the shuttle bus issues will be solved next year. Sheila was awaken by a call from Bonnie and I wondering why she wasn't at the Global parking lot at 5:15 AM. She slept in and drove to the start line and got there before we did.
Jackie, Lesley, Sheila, Bonnie! Love the background!
Do those smiles look sincere? They had to wait 1 hour for a shuttle bus. John and Cheryl! They were not happy, understandably so!
All that is behind us now and off we go! I didn't take many pictures but there are a few here!
We had our Team Gleason gear on!
Nice scenery along the river!
Looks like Sheila is leaving us in the dust up there!
We made a new friend! Jennie!
Faithful Ken at the water stop before the finish!
That says mile 12. The miles went by fast until the last one! It felt longer than any of them. Maybe because we knew the finish was close!!!
The one and only musical group ! Bounding drums for us!
The highlight of the day. Being presented with our medals by this fine young man!
Rian Emmerson completed her first half marathon! Congratulations Rian!
Freida finished the full marathon. Bonnie, Sheila and I were waiting for her to finish but never got to see her actually finish! We were all getting really hot. I got a little too hot and tried to walk back to the car before Freida's finish. Took about 15 steps and that was it. I ended up sitting on the asphalt and then laying on it. A bunch of very nice people shaded me, then got they the medical people over. Someone poured water on my head and I started to feel better. The medical guys took my blood pressure and it was fine. First they wanted to help me up, nope! I can do it. Then they wanted me to ride on a gurney. No way, I can walk. Something about being stubborn was mentioned. Bonnie and Sheila got my car and after some ice and water I was fine. A little heat exhaustion! I was coherent enough to grab my camera so no one could take any pictures of me.
After the race we surprised Sheila with a small 50th birthday party. Her birthday isn't until August but we knew she would be out of town so we sprung a party on her after the Windermere! You always have to celebrate the zero birthdays!!!
Michelle was my cohort in getting the cake to the party!
It wasn't the best event for most of us. Cheryl coined a new phrase, Personal Worst-But I Finished. PW-BIF. It is all about finishing and having fun with friends. We did that and I couldn't have better friends. They are the best and I think every minute I spend with them is truly precious and a blessing!
Here is picture of all of us except Bonnie at school on Monday!
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