Run for the Lakes Half Marathon 2011 | Nisswa, MN

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A few months ago, Matt and his mom decided to sign up for a half-marathon. They are both doing 3+ triathlons this summer and thought it would be a good motivator to train throughout the winter. This past weekend was the day of the big race: April 30th. If the weather was anything like April 30th of 2010, it’d be a GREAT day! But of course, it’s 2011 and the weather is night and day different than it was last spring.

So, on race day, we woke up to steady rain and high 30 degree temps. I don’t think it got warmer than 42 degrees all day and the rain continued well into the evening. Needless to say, it was a cold, damp, drowned-rat kind of day!

My parents, sister and I were professional cheerers, following the route and hopping out of the car whenever Matt, his mom or his aunt ran by. My camera/lens was wrapped in a garbage bag to keep it dry and the massive golf umbrella I bought last year in anticipation of a rainy wedding came in very handy during the race.

I have to say that it made me laugh hysterically anytime someone asked if maybe someday I might do a race with Matt. You see, I am anti-exercise. Not in general, but when it comes to me. I hate, with a capital H to exercise. I like to go on walks and bike rides that don’t feel like I’m exercising. I blame my dad. He doesn’t like exercise either. It’s in my genes!

But more power to these people who braved the insane rain and cold to participate in this race. They are true die hards!