Even More April

IMG_0618, a photo by tracyg00 on Flickr.

At the end of the spring break week (Sunday), I headed out to Boston for the marathon. Here is a pic of me with Jen and Becky. You can tell from our apparel and shiny skin, that the weather was not our friend that day. At the start of the race, the sun was already super hot (it was 10:00 am). The first 5 miles weren't terrible, but I could see the wheels come off for many athletes before the half way point. I realized that my skin was dry at mile 9, which is not really a good sign. Originally I thought I'd just like to run under 4 hours, but after feeling a little dizzy near mile 13, I changed my goal to finish without ending up in the medical tent. I can't believe how much more terrible I felt during this race than my last. Even afterward, I just wanted to sit down (compared to running to the train and airport after the Marine Corps Marathon with very little fatigue). Anyway, here's my finish photo. Not pretty, but I can check that off the list. Oh yeah - that slow time was a 4:26.



That race was on Monday and the following Friday, I left for Oregon, IL with my girl scouts for two nights of "camping" at White Pines Ranch.

This is the first night before the hayride.



The next morning, we got up early to see the horses let into the pasture. It was a pretty amazing site. Just beautiful.







They kept these kids busy with activities all day. They swung on a rope:



Dug for fossils:



Went on a canyon hike:



More hayrides:



And of course....horseback riding:



Another group photo on the last day (missing a few girls):



Here's a glimpse of the bunk room (note the plush mattresses):



And, just before heading out, we took one last hike. This tree is hollow in the middle from a lightening strike, but amazingly it's still living:



That was the trip. The girls are excited to do it again next year.

A couple more notable items for the month. Megan had taken a break from riding her 2-wheeler and decided that it was time to get back on that thing. It was as if no time had passed. She was off!



And, I let my crazy competitive side come out at a school function. My team won a scavenger hunt and I proceeded to rub it in with photos like this: I'm sure I've made a name for myself among the few who don't really know me. Oh well!