Catching up with Kara Goucher

Today was race day! My sister came home to run with me and ran under my brother's gf Miranda's bib #.  We arrived down in Philly around 6:30 - left the house around 6 and parked behind the Art Museum. We had some time to kill and used the port-a-potties by Kelly Drive.  We walked up to the starting area, went to the bathroom again, and then dropped off baggage at the UPS trucks. We were just hanging out doing some exercises by the start when Kara Goucher walked by.  I did a double take and got giddy. Here is my account:

Oh my god! That was totally Kara Goucher!! She just walked by! What should I do??? I started to get nervous and crazy. Should I go up to her?
My sis: You should totally go up to her, you can get a picture!

(Ok, ok. I'm pacing a little and think I can do it.)
I run up - she's pushing little Colt in the stroller - already walked past us.
Me: Kara? 
Kara: YES?
KARA GOUCHER?
(HAHAHAHHH.)
Kara: yes?
me: Oh my gosh!! Can I give you a hug?
Kara: sure! (what a creeper!)
me: I named my daughter after you! I'm a big fan! Is this Colt? He is adorable! How old is he? ( I knew the answer but didn't want to seem like a total stalker)
Kara: almost a year!
Me: My daughter is 14 months. I'm just a big fan! So you're husband is running today right?  Was he ready?
Kara: Yeah, I'm nervous for him. 
Me: Can I get a picture with you?
Kara: sure!
Me: Thank you so much!
Kara: Sure, good luck today!!
She was so nice and down to earth. The hug part cracks me up- I was totally star struck and shaking and did not know what to say or do.

I was semi shaking for this picture and then my mind was going bonkers for a good 10 minutes after that and I was laughing at how I acted. Oh man! But it was awesome!!  I wish Kara had been with me for the picture!

As for the race, my sister and I started and finished together. I didn't have big expectations and knew that my pace wasn't going to be near the 1:47 in March, I just haven't been speed training enough and most of my runs have been in the 8:35-8:55 range. I was fine with it, wanted to enjoy the day and finish and I did! This was my sister and I's first successful start and finish together.  There have been many races we planned to do together or wanted to do together and never did, a couple we started together and didn't finish together and one that ended up in the ER but this was it! A beautiful day and 1:55 finish. I was happy with it and thrilled I got to meet my running idol!  Oh and my garmin had me running 13.5 miles! That happen to anyone else?

finished! check out my chick band headband!

Rocky statue

awesome medal!

gotta love the support crew

fun waiting for us to meet up

Oh I am pretty darn sore today! My hamstring injury /muscle that I haven't heard from in awhile is back and my quads are extremely sore. Sad for not even "racing" it. Comfortable pace until mile 11/12 where I just wanted to finish - stomach issues with the Cytomax!!  What is your recovery week training schedule? My coach had me running 6 miles today - not happening.