2011 Steamboat Classic (& Friends reunion!)

Yesterday was one of my absolute favorite road races of the year... the Steamboat Classic!

Even better, this year some of my BFF's from college (Talen & Jen) came, and we had loads of fun. (By the way, my Business Man & I traveled home this weekend for fun and to visit with family.)

We hadn't seen each other in nearly 6 months, so it was great to spend time together doing one of our favorite things: running.

The Steamboat Classic (located in Peoria, IL) has two race options--the 4-mile and 15km. It's touted as the "World's Fastest 4-Mile" (aka elites come from many different nations to race it) and "Illinois' Toughest 15km". We decided to do the 15km (9.3 miles) to maximize our running time together. Hehe.

I somehow managed to "forget" to tell the girls that there is a huge hill that we would have to climb twice in the 15km. But they didn't seem to mind too much.

We had a blast... just running for fun and talking and catching up the whole way. Although we might have slightly annoyed a few of the other runners who were trying to keep their focus.

Super-excited to be almost finished! Check out my crazy eyes... I swear I'm not possessed.

We crossed the finish line holding hands, which was super-special. We managed to complete the race in 1:13:34, a 7:54 avg, which was decent considering the hills and all the giggles!

Next year we need to make sure the fourth member of the "Fab Four" makes it to the race. That would be just perfect.

One person wasn't really there... can you guess who it was?

After heading back to my parents' house, napping, and cleaning up a bit, we headed to one of the best places in the world--Holland's Mercantile!

Peach rings and malted milk balls! Yum.

Only the best place to load up on candy and sugar after a race.

Can't go to the town square without taking a fountain picture! (Beckah is on the left... Tal-Tal's sister drove over for the afternoon.)

Talen, Jen, and of course me. Acting a bit ridiculous.

And then after coming down from our sugar high we went on saw Bridesmaids. Very very funny. And very fitting because Jen (center in the pic above!) is getting married in August and we are bridesmaids! Can't wait!

Welp, that's all for now, I've got to make some potato salad for our Father's Day cookout!

Comments

Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner said…

Great race! That's an impressive time---especially considering the hills!!!
:)

June 19, 2011 at 3:55 PM

Tim Hawkins said…

Where is my Monte Cristo, Sara...

Glad you all had fun! :)

June 19, 2011 at 8:24 PM

Red said…

Sara I found your blog!!

June 19, 2011 at 9:11 PM

Samoa-what?

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