Once you made the right-hand turn at the lake, the sun coming off the water was just an awesome sight. Yes, I come from a virtually land-locked area, so seeing beautiful sights like this aren't common for me. I was definitely thankful for almost two miles along Lake Michigan and the beautiful view.
I continued on my way along the course. Just before the half way point I had slowed down a little bit but was still on pace for a possible PR, the course was now a fairly wide paved path/sidewalk that provided ample room to maneuver around and keep your pace.
Y'all! Guess who caught up to me at mile 1.5!?!?! KATHRINE! I looked at my Garmin and saw that I was on pace for a few second PR perhaps (if I kept my pace)....but KATHRINE SWITZER! I made the "it is a once in a lifetime opportunity" decision and spent the last half of the race running along side of one of the most inspirational people and runners. Kathrine was absolutely amazing to run with. Her and the 261 Fearless ladies were a blast to chat with and learn more about 261 Fearless. I have never felt so freakin' empowered than what I did after those 1.5 miles.
Oh, did I fail to mention that Jennifer and I hung out with my new BFF Kathrine at the finish line festival!?!? The ladies had asked me if I would mind taking pictures and videos of them doing some promotional interviews with the Rock n Roll team for Kathrine and 261 Fearless' social media. Ummmmm....yea, that is kind of my thing. <3 Y'all! I even got to hold her things for her! I can't even! (insert about every ecstatic emoji possible here)
We had such a great turn out at the meet up! Pre-race buzz was in full swing. We all had our different reasons for being here this weekend. Some were going for PRs, some were running a first half marathon, some were out for fun, and more. I got to meet up with old friends and even meet some friends for the first time in real life. Needless to say, my heart was quite full when we left the meet up. Of course we had to take some selfies too, because if there aren't photos on the internet, did it really happen?