My spring 2013 running schedule was pretty packed and included major accomplishments (such as my first full and several new states) and my fall schedule was equally packed with MANY MAJOR accomplishments scheduled (7 1/2s in 7 states in 8 days, Sun Status in the Half Fanatics, 50th state, and 3rd Rock Idol), but my summer was fairly "light" by comparison with just 3 races from mid June through late August. So Rock in Roll VA Beach on September 1st was the perfect race to start getting back into the swing of things...there's usually a smaller profile of my running friends in VA Beach compared to other events, and it is not a large production logistically as far as travel arrangments/planning given it's close proximity to my home. As such, I was in and out.
I arrived Saturday afternoon and hit the expo without seeing anyone from my group. Grabbed my stuff, wandered through the vendors, headed out for a quick dinner, and then back to the hotel to prep for the morning and crash. Race morning I met up with a few running friends in VIP at the start for pictures.
After a quick reunion photo with Joe, David, Beth, and Jim, Bethany popped in, so I grabbed another quick photo.
Of course I couldn't head to the startline without my Joe hug!
David was the photographer and took especially long on this one (much to Joe's delight)....and then David yelled....."ACTION!!!!!"
A few laughs and everyone headed to the startline and their separate corrals.
As usual VA Beach was incredibly hot and humid, but the crowd support was amazing. I took the day easy, enjoyed the time with friends, and let the 13.1 be a small start to my anticipated 176.5 miles of planned racing over the next 3 months.
