run run run! vienna half-marathon, how i love you.

they even ran to meet me after they saw me running past while they were buying beer!



notice my distinct empty street, back-of-the-pack status in this photo.  i'm not ashamed, it's pretty obvious.  i think i'm a decent runner because i can make myself DO IT on a pretty regular basis, but i've never been a very good racer, and i probably never will be.  it stresses me out, my brain gets all wound up and somehow acts as its own obstacle.  but that's okay, i have other gleaming qualities (see above photo: not ashamed to make idiot of oneself).  also, the fact that two days prior i had chills and was coughing up really gross stuff (yes, i know, such poised and tasteful blogging, no?) means i was lucky to finish at all, frankly.  so considering i managed to come in under the three-hour mark = i am A-OKAY with that.  and next year, i just won't get sick beforehand.  that's right, next year.  MUA-HA-HA.

post-race we all drank a lot of beer, ate tons of ice cream, and went and laid in the augarten in the second district for many beautiful, beautiful hours.  after an oh-so-gorgeous shower and my formal introduction to 'dallas' (the tv show), i limped home and into bed.  it was absolutely amazing!!!

did i mention we got medals?!

a fantastic time was had by all.  we have the most awesome friends ever, patient to wait as the slow girl catches up to the finish line, and then patient to wait as she limps around for the rest of the day.  thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!  also, my coworkers and boss showed up along the course (you guys are awesome!).   also, my dear friends and family from home are really fantastic (par usual), calling and emailing all over the place wishing good things for me.  thank you so very much.  it was a blast!!!