Today is the day!
I write this as I sip my coffee and listen to the rain pound on the roof, while I wait for Brandi & husband to arrive before we head to our race: The Wisconsin Marathon & Half Marathon.
For me, it will be my third half marathon this year…and the one I want SO badly to PR at! I am pretty certain I can get a PR for this year, but what I would love to do is beat my time from last year’s race. It was 2:11. To do that, I need to run around a 10:05 pace or under…and that is a tall order from my last half marathon, only a handful of weeks ago, where I ran a little over 2:15. But, for the first time all year, I have been able to run the last several weeks injury-free, allowing me to finally push the pace, do more speed work, and pour myself into hard runs. We’ll see if the work pays off!
For Brandi, this is her first marathon. I know she is nervous, but I think she will do awesome (of course). She is one of the strongest people I know, and if anyone can beat a marathon, she can. Wish her luck over the next several hours as she keeps calm and runs on! As soon as I finish my half, I plan to track down her devoted husband and cheer her on the rest of the way in to the FINISH.
I can’t wait to get out there and run. I think this rain will pass – fingers crossed. The sun might not come out, but that’s okay. I feel sunny and excited on the inside. 
(And come on, this IS Wisconsin, so can I say I am a little excited about the free beer & brat at the finish line?)
Here we go! Let’s get cheesey.
Lara
Amanda
Brandi Heinz Brown
