a family affair

Today was the Turkey Trot in downtown Bethlehem.

Kathy came down from Mauch Chunk and met Lydia. Then they both came, with Adonis in tow of course, to my house. Adonis stayed with Pat and off we went.

We parked downtown by Granny McCarthy's at a three-hour meter. I maxed it out. I didn't want a ticket during "special event" parking fine season.

We headed down to the historic area. There was a mix up in Kathy's registration, caused 100% by me, so she needed to register and a turkey pointed the way. Really. I took his picture. This race used timer chips in the number bibs. Same day registrants were issued ankle chips. I took a picture. It really resembled the monitors celebrity criminals wear.

There was 13K-14K runners and walkers. It was mobbed.

All of Lydia's family turned out for the event. J, I believe, is on Nitchsmann's track team. He also plays soccer. R is 10, I think. They both ran. J finished in 21.47.5 and was 22nd in his age group. R came in at about 35 minutes. Sister-in-law Jeanine finished in 56.02. And brother Todd, just hung around and waited for his family to finish. I put him to work taking a family picture.

Jeanine and Lydia walked together. I started out leading our group, but Kathy caught up. Then we stayed together or leapfrogged  for the rest of the race. The hills killed me.

Entering Sand Island the Heritage Patrol was handing out water. By the time we got there, they were out on our sided. We did the loop of the island, came back, and then they were out of water on that side. With this cold I really wanted water. I didn't take any because there is usually lots at this race. Lesson learned. I also needed a tissue, horribly. Forgot to restock after yesterday's 10k. This cold is not letting go!

Ultimately I finished first at 52.33.7.  Kathy came in 30 seconds behind me at 52.56.2. Next week she'll so beat me. Lydia finished in 57.30.

Speaking of my program, I need to go out and do it shortly. With this nasty cold I didn't do much of it this week. I'm going to get scolded. I don't really care. I don't think it's working. I'm sure it's me, and not the program. I'm not getting faster with my program, I think I'm getting slower. And expending more energy. It stinks.

Dec. 8 is the weigh in. I hope I haven't gained more than 5 pounds. That would be so embarrassing.