Hospital Hill...and a failed swim in the lake

This morning, I woke up early - well, not really early relative to weekdays, I suppose. Tucker and I went out to watch the Hospital Hill runs. There were 3 different distances - 5k, 10k and 1/2 marathon. Funny enough, I knew people running each distance. I really didn't do any research to find out where I should park, run courses or anything (kinda dumb), so when I was driving down there, most of the streets were closed and I couldn't get in where I wanted to be. I totally lucked out, however, and ended up parking a couple blocks away, which, when we walked toward the course, landed us right on a giant hill the participants had to run up - for all distances. Yeehaw. Truly lucky! So, Tucker and I stood there, cheering for strangers until we saw folks we knew.
We first spotted Jennie B (brunette Jennie - from spin - the one doing the Kansas 70.3 next weekend). She was running the 5k, since she's in taper mode. Boy, she was cookin' up that hill. I might also mention it was already (at 7 a.m.) about 80 degrees and very humid! A short bit after seeing her, I was yelling into the crowd, and Jen S (blonde Jenny - lots o' races together, including Chi marathon!) spotted us and ran over to the side. I'm so glad she saw us, 'cause I might have missed her. She was running the 10k today and also looked perfectly fine trucking up that monster climb. After we saw them, we made our way down toward the start/finish. I figured I didn't have too much time before Jennie would finish the 5k. As we're walking that direction, through a large, grassy median, Tucker spotted two little dogs he wanted to play with. Before I could brace myself, that boy knocked my legs right out from under me! What a sight that must have been...maybe the race photographer got it...who knows. The people with the two little dogs started toward me to help, but I hopped up pretty quickly and was seemingly fine. How hilarious! That's a first for Tuck and I...hopefully a last! I have to mention that I broke my fall with my right hand - well, much as I don't want to admit it, the hand/wrist are pretty sore and a little bruised. Uh, I hope that goes away quickly!
We got down to the finish line and waited for just a short bit when Jennie B. came trucking through - finish time of 25+...FANTASTIC! What a great time for a hilly 5k on a hot, humid day! We chatted with her for a bit and then made our way to the other finish line for the 10k, waiting for Jen S. to finish. Tucker got way too much attention during this time, but it was fun talking to all these random strangers. I saw Spencer out there (remember, he was the first one who helped Troy and I with our swimming)...we were able to catch up a bit on what's going on with him. He'll also be doing the Lawrence, KS race next weekend!
Jen S. came flying through the finish in 1:04...again, a great finish for that run! We were able to catch up a little, while waiting for another friend to finish the 10k. She was sweet to bring Tucker and I some water and a powerbar. It was certainly toasty just standing around too! I saw some folks struggling to run or walk straight as they neared the finish for the 1/2 marathon. I'm sure dehydration was a big factor today. Ugh! One poor fella had to stop literally yards from the finish. They called an ambulance for him. I felt terrible - all that work, and he's not only sick but didn't get to cross the finish line!
I waited with Jennie B (and her mom-in-law, sis-in-law and her mother) as they watched for her husband, Jason, to finish the half. Finally, we spotted him and he looked pretty calm, cool and collected as he brought it on home. What a fun day! It was so nice to come out and cheer/watch a race, not worrying about participating. Tucker was POOPED!
Alright, so I didn't even race, and I came home and napped - heavily! I'll just say the heat took it out of me. ;-) Troy called a little after 3, and we decided to meet out at Shawnee Mission Park for a swim in the lake. So, it takes me 45-50 minutes to get out there (can you say GAS-guzzler?!?!). As I'm exiting to the park, Troy calls and says the swim beach is closed. What? Something about hazardous water conditions. So, we drive over to the marina, where it just so happens, they're having the pre-race meeting for Corporate Challenge tri/du, set to occur tomorrow. We walk out on the dock, and are kinda excited 'cause there are course buoys set up - this could be great for us. Well, that lasted only a minute or so, as we got a call from Troy's friend who was at the race meeting. No go on the swim for tomorrow - they've changed the race to a Duathlon only. We stopped and talked to the park police and asked about the water. They explained that since many of the water bodies in the area are connected, the water in this lake (which he said is typically one of the cleanest in the area) is highly contaminated right now. The words, "raw sewage" were all I needed to hear...ok, we won't be swimming today. GRRRRR! Add this to our list of crazy incidents encountered in this Ironman training.
Troy and I stood there for a bit, talking about how much we have to do to get ready for the race - uh, then it hits us that we need to have everything together that we're sending with my parents, by Saturday - as in 1 week! They're leaving next Sunday, to start their trek to Idaho! OH MY WORD...THIS REALLY IS GETTING CLOSE!!!
I better get it in gear tomorrow. I want to read the rest of the race guide, get out the packing list and start piling up my kitchen table with things to take, etc. I also realized that I only have FOUR days left in the office, 'cause I'll be at a client event Friday...oh boy...lots to do!