SHAPE 1/2 Marathon & 3km Fun Run

Today was the 2nd Annual SHAPE 1/2 Marathon & 3km Kids Fun Run. Emilie decided to run the fun run about 2 minutes before the race. So she removed her jacket and lined up on the starting line. After a pistol start she was off and running. After a bit we watched her re-enter the final portion of the course. She ran the whole way and finished in 12:55 (6:54/mi pace). She was a bit tired and sweaty but had a big smile on her face. For her participation in the days race she received her first racing medal and a nifty water bottle. Great job kiddo!!! After the kids had their fun it was the moment of truth for Ed. 1 year waiting and 12 weeks of training came down to this. Ed was off on his first 1/2 marathon. As warned, by his marathoning sister-in-law Kris, he went out a bit too fast. After settling down he got into his pace. At mile 8 began the dreaded hill back up to SHAPE. 2 miles uphill later it was tough getting his pace back. Heading down the hill for the final 4 miles he got passed. This motivated him to pick up the pace and try and retake his place in the race. Passing mile 11 he did that and held on. Rounding the front entry to SHAPE he was greeted by Tori, Emilie and Molly who ran next to him until the final stretch. Buffy was cheering at the top of her lungs and snapping pictures. It was a great feeling to have their support. When the timer came into view it was under Ed's target time. 1 hour 44 minutes and 21 seconds. A new personal best (thankfully being his first race it had to be) and a good run. The legs are a bit painful and it is hard to walk but overall the experience was a good one.

Garmisch Skiing

Following our Karnival weekend we headed to Bavaria for a little skiing in the German Alps. Our stop was the site of the 1936 Winter Olympic Games, Garmisch. We arrived in the late afternoon on Tuesday to a snow storm. Driving was a bit fun the last 30 miles or so. This made for great ski conditions on Wednesday. The girls were enrolled in ski lessons for the remainder of the week and Ed and Liz enjoyed two great days on the slopes. The final full day the girls got to show off their skills by doing a downhill slalom course. Both girls did amazing and had a blast with their lessons. Thank you Kyle, Lyndsey and Tim for making the lessons awesome and teaching the girls so much. Emilie finished fourth in her class and Tori decided to give us a scare. On her last run down the hill (post race) she decided to try a helicopter on the ski jump. Well one ski went one way and the other a different way and down went Tori. A huge scream and one ski off she was flat on her back. We raced over and removed her other ski and she didn't want to get up. Well she bruised her knee and babied it the rest of the day. Thankfully our pediatrician was staying at our hotel and he recommended motrine and "swim therapy" After a good swim she was 98% and just needed some sleep to help the rest of the healing process. Ed headed to Partnach Gorge to hike through it. All of the snow and ice made it a viewing pleasure. We headed home on Saturday with the rest of the Netherlands and Belgians. It took us over 13 hours to get home but we made it safe and sound. One bright spot on the return journey was the wonderful schnitzel we ate at some small town restaurant in a nameless village. All is good