The bagpipes make their way through the crowd to start the race
Really, today was about as good as it gets. I joined my friends to head up to Baltimore to run the Celtic Solstice 5-miler. I mentioned before that I’ve run this one several times–by my count, seven now. And I have a feeling I’ll keep going back until I’m old and gray.
When I put my mind to it, I realize that this race has represented so many stages of my running, and life, in general. I’ve run it in really great shape, post-injury, when my daughter was only six weeks old, and everything in between.
This year, it represented a full circle moment for me. When I ran it last year, in a low 35 time, I was fit. But I also quit running due to my ITB injury a few days later, because the race put the nail in my coffin. To come back this year having this race represent my one and only of 2011, meant a lot to me.
Today I was far from last year’s racing shape, but what was great was that we put in a total of 12 miles, five of them during the race. That was a victory in and of itself for me. Today also drove home, once again, how fantastic my friends are. My friend Lisa stuck by my side for the whole race, even though she could have smoked the course had she so chosen.
The race is full of tradition, from a procession of bagpipes and the athletes who have run all 11 years of it, to the set of Irish wolfhounds who make their way past the race field. Plenty of kilts dot the course as people embrace the Irish spirit. My friends and I kept up our own tradition, too, of hitting up a fantastic brunch afterward. Perfect day.
Yes, I’m riding this high…the grin is here for the day, at the very least!
Love the skirl of the pipes and all things Celtic. Must have created a wonderful atmosphere and it sounds like you really enjoyed it.
Runningfox recently posted..Getting in the mood for Christmas
Hats off to a perfect day. Congrats!
Missy recently posted..Good Eats Friday
Congratulations! Love that you got out and did the race you love, more importantly, that you were able to run it at all! Yay!
Dash recently posted..Jingle All the Way 8k – Race Report
That’s so cool! I’m so glad you were able to run a race that you love so much!
Paula recently posted..Gone to the Hounds
Love love Baltimore! So want to run a race out there some day.
Run with Jess recently posted..Three Things Thursday
I’m still sad that I missed you this morning, but it was a wonderful race! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
May it be the start of a great comeback!
Abby @ Have Dental Floss, WIll Travel recently posted..Breaking Even
Sounds like such a fun time. I love when races elicit memories of certain milestones in our lives. I’d say you’re well on your way on that comeback trail!
Marcia recently posted..Injury’s Silver Lining
so glad this year is a big plus! happy healthy holiday running!
katie recently posted..the 2012 race schedule
Yay! I’m so happy for you!!!
Aimee (I Tri To Be Me) recently posted..Holiday Fun!
Yay!! That’s wonderful to hear!!
Michel recently posted..Hot (Sweaty) Mama Winner! and can your vote for me?
That sounds like the PERFECT race! Running with a friend and then brunch after, smiling all the way! Enjoy the day for many more to come!!
RunningMoose recently posted..Looking for the right cat!
So awesome to have a race with great memories. Glad you had a great time!
Stephanie Anne recently posted..Look out 20 miles, here I come!
So pleased for you!
Christina recently posted..Jingle Bell Hell Virtual Race
There’s nothing like men in skirts and bagpipes to make you want to run fast. But seriously, it wounds like a race with great atmosphere.
Char recently posted..A Pair of Short Shorts.
I’m sure the race made you reflect on 2011 – you’ve been through a lot with your running this year. But 2012 will undoubtedly be great! Best wishes and good health!
Jim recently posted..2011 Photo Album
Looks and sounds like such an awesome race!!!
Mandy recently posted..Wagging Wednesday – Lucky Number 7
I like the Celtic traditions and I am glad that you were able to run in such atmosphere.
I am very glad you enjoyed the race and the …. post-race time.
Black Knight recently posted..Another broken dream
This post is the kind that I love to read. I’m so happy for you that you are coming back from injury and that you got in a 12 miler. It sounds like an incredible race!
Raquelita recently posted..HBBC Log Week 4 and Forerunner 405 Update
Awesome job!!!!
What a great race to make into a tradition. Sounds like a lot of fun. Glad you were able to be there this year!!
julie recently posted..Pounding Pavement
Way to literally ‘run away’ from everything, take it all in, and celebrate! So happy for you-what an experience!
I could ‘read’ your grin in the post.
Congrats and ride the high!
Laura recently posted..Four for Friday – the rambly version
Wow… bagpipes and wolfhounds?! So nice to have those familiar runs to keep coming back to… sounds like a perfect morning!
Laura recently posted..Holiday training flexibility
It must feel so amazing to be in the race atmosphere again, especially since this is a favorite of yours. Grinning over here for you too!
Shut Up and Run recently posted..Zipfizz Review and Giveaway
Sounds like a great race. You have so many great running friends too! I love the 5 mile distance. It’s short enough to really push yourself but not too short that it’s over in the blink of an eye.
I’m so happy you’re so happy! And I’m on my own high just because I can run again and it feels so fantastic!
Kate @ Run with Kate recently posted..The Long Run: How Long is Too Long?
Awesome! congrats on the entire day — 12mi is big time! You are back!
Jeff recently posted..Week in Review – All Pictures
Sounds perfect! I hope to run this one someday!
Jen recently posted..Weight Watchers and Porkys – perfect together
Nice to see you back to racing and getting the run-happy again!
Jen recently posted..My Afternoon Run
Congrats on another race. Glad you were able to run a race you are passionate about and enjoy it with friends.
2 Slow 4 Boston recently posted..Dallas White Rock Marathon Race Report
I hope this will be the starting point of some great things for you in 2012!
David H. recently posted..1,000 miles & counting
Great days are wonderful!!
Harmony recently posted..Runners Rally
I LOVE bagpipes and all things Celtic (despite my weird name, I’m lotsa Irish)–I think that would make me run faster on its own! So happy for you that you had an inspiring day, a wonderful omen for your 2012.
Terzah recently posted..Mid-December Update
what a cool race! We have NOTHING like that around here…but glad you guys enjoyed it!
Marissa recently posted..update…and how bored we REALLY are!
CONGRATS!!! That is awesome to hear
BDD recently posted..Weekly Ramblings
So sad that I missed that race!! I love that one. Sounds like it was a good one this year
Kim recently posted..On This Day: December 16th!!
Love it – so pleased this went so well for you!
Petra recently posted..Is it Petra? Or just some crazy woman chasing her tail?