And by "winner" I mean 1150th place.

If I wanted to be pessimistic, I'd say that 1,149 people are faster than me. But hey, I choose to focus on the bright side: I beat 289 people. (All race results here.)

I participated in the Sea Dogs Mother's Day 5K yesterday (since the training group was asked to run a 5K to test our progress). I ran again with Anna (also in the training group) and we tried to stick to the run 10/walk 2/run 9/walk 2/run 8/walk 2/etc. schedule that was so successful last Thursday.

Immediately I realized two things: 1) while coffee has water in it, it isn't a good pre-race hydrator, and 2) water is wonderful and I miss it when it's not around.

I was surprised to find no water available on the course (bad assumption on my part - I thought that's how it worked even in shorter races). After mile one (and the confirmation that water was, indeed, absent) I couldn't think of anything else.

I didn't run as surely as I might've had I not been focused on the ever-increasing drought in my mouth, but Anna ran strong and I was determined to keep up.

Finally - the finish line - and WATER! But wait - no water yet! We were corralled into a fenced in area that was intended to guide us toward water and food. We waited and waited and took a couple steps and waited some more.

People were not pleased - for while we stood panting and sweating and stinking to high heaven, runners who had already passed through the line sat in the stands above us guzzling water and casually chewing bananas. It was torture - and had I anything to throw, I likely would've tried to knock one of them out.

CAUTION: Heartfelt interjection ahead

But alas, it was Mother's Day. And since my mom is back in Illinois, I felt like the day's efforts were done partially in her honor. She says she's my No. 1 fan, but I'm a big fan of hers, too. [insert tears here.]

I'd be remiss not to also thank the little people who helped me accomplish this goal:

Without you guys I'd be sore, chafed and bleeding. Thanks for being greasy - or sticky - as needed.