Turtles and Dolphins

                                                                          

Turtle and dolphins...that seemed to be theme for the Shamrock festival weekend.  Janet and explored the shamrock expo after checking in;  both of us enjoying the sounds and sights of the exhibits .  Several caught our attention. Namely the "running turtle" tees and some wall plaques with running themes.

The turtle tee read "I Am Running"....which was perfect for my level of conditioning for this years event. Another  shirt  I liked read on the back.."please let there be someone behind me to read this"...I've been there and thought I might me there again.
My "first" run of the weekend was a mad sprint to my SUV through a torrential downpour. Of course I forgot where I parked and ran around like an idiot til I finally found my escape. Soaked to the bone I picked Janet up and drove to our hotel. Traffic was backed up and we moved at well...turtles pace!
Check in went smooth but our keys wouldn't work...back down for new keys! The 2nd set worked and we settled in. As we entered; Janet said she smelled something (more on that later).  We grabbed a change of clothing and headed to dinner.
With it still raining the closet restaurant was Doughboys Pizza.  Seemed half the runners had the same idea.  Our meal arrived at TURTLE SPEED but was tasty and filling.  Back to the room  a shower and  bed time for an early wake up.   As I lay down my head was welcomed by a small party of bugs!  EEEK!
Thought Janet might freak out but my girl held her cool.  A dolphin quick call to the service desk and hotel manage came to our rescue.  A little$$$ off our bill!
Woke at 6 showered and shaved then dressed for the 8k. Decided to heat up a mocha coffee drink in the microwave. After pressing all the wrong buttons the microwave started accidentally and I noticed something already in it.  Now for Janet's smell....there was a plate of rice, green beans and some sort of "mystery" meat. The greyest stinkiest meat I've ever had the non pleasure to come in contact with!  With dolphin speed Janet called the   service desk...more$$$ off our bill.
The 8k was a blast...starting in the 1st corral me and the M&M boys (Mark and Mike) felt like Kenyans!  After posing for a portrait the gun went off and so did we.  After 1 mile the good feelings went away and I  was left feeling like a "Kenyan turtle"!   I watched the M&M boys slowly pull away!
 For Saturdays dinner we were to meet the gang at Gionanni's. Mark and his girlfriend bailed...the rest showed but we were told there was an hour and 45 minute wait.  Those darn turtles beat us!  After  dolphin quick change of plans  we decided to head off the beach.  Tara and friends headed out first to scout locations.  Another Italian placed was found...only a 45 minute wait!  How did the turtles get  out there so fast!   Finally settling for  a seafood teak and pasta place..we all ate took in some calories and good conversation.
Sunday's half marathon went off uneventful.  I held a steady pace through 8 miles which surprised me a bit due my 3 weeks of non running prior.  But as mile 9 eased by I saw my pace ease too!   Did I feel those turtles snapping at my ankles?  From 88th st to 37th I struggled to fight off those shelled demons!
As I turned onto the boardwalk I finally was able leave the "snappers" in the dust(sand)!
I was bit slower in both races this year but I sort of expected it.  All in all I fought my "turtles" and completed the Dolphin Challenge.  I think we all had a good weekend.
I want to thank all the "gang" for their company and to congradulate everyone on their races.  A big congrats to Mike's daughter Brittney for finishing her 1st half marathon!  You have a bright future in running!
So time to shuffle off.  As Grant and Jason say.."on to the next"
Shuffle on friends !