Running through time...The Purdue Half Marathon

After graduating from Purdue University in 1979, I would have never thought that someday I would be running a half marathon through the campus.  And as an added bonus, I was able to run it with Kevin, Kym, and Tim.  The course started and finished between Ross-Ade Stadium and the new athletic center.  We ran around the outskirts of campus, down into the quaint town of Lafayette, and back up through the heart of Purdue.  

Purdue University founded in 1869

The Course

Trash bag rain-wear

Freezing and wet before the race

Purdue Pete and Kevin

The course runs on the outskirts of Purdue athletic fields

One done...12.1 more to go

Almost half done

New science buildings

 

Running through downtown Lafayette

Meredith Hall...my dorm for my first year at Purdue

Civil Engineering Building...Kevin's second home while a student at Purdue

Only a 5K left!

The Bell Tower

The Engineering Wall sculpture

The Mall

Campus buildings

Fall beauty

The finish is just a few feet away!

DONE! Walked the last 3 miles but finished in 3:02

 

What a character!

     

The long sleeve technical shirt and medal

Lunch was at Indiana's 2nd oldest brewery

Turkey sandwich and a Diet Coke for recovery

Chocolate for dessert...of course

No visit is complete without a trip to the bookstore.  University Bookstore is where we bought all our books and engineering/drafting supplies.  Very nostalgic.

Kevin's house where he lived

The house we own now just a few blocks from campus

Slight job-site detour on the way home. Large apartment complex in Lafayette being built by Kevin's company.  Quite impressive!

So glad we had the opportunity to run this race even though it was cold (38 degrees) and rainy.  The course wove through campus bringing back memorable moments spent decades ago at Purdue.  A must do race!

 

Fort 4 Fit Half Marathon

A few weeks ago, Kevin, Brooke, and I ran the Fort 4 Fit Half Marathon. Kevin and I had just returned from our trip to Switzerland and were suffering jet-lag. Add that to our lack of training, and it should have spelled a recipe for disaster. However, Kevin and Brooke achieved a PR!  Me, on the other hand, did not.  Not running more than 5 miles, and a very nervous stomach, did not fair well for me. I have never visited the porta-potty along the route but there is a first time for everything. After 3 stops prior to the start of the race and two along the way, I finished surprisingly strong. It wasn't my slowest race, but it was one of the most enjoyable.  After mile 6, I knew I would not achieve a PR, so I started to talk to fellow runner/walkers along the way.  I ran into friends who I have met through the local running community. We chatted and laughed and enjoyed the beautiful weather. 

Parkview Field, home of the Tincaps and the finish line of the race

Best race photo EVER!

   

Mile 6...where I parted ways with Kevin and Brooke

A big thanks to all the spectators along the course.

The home stretch...mile 13

Brooke and I after the race (she ran a PR!)

Kevin's 2nd half and a PR!

Kevin and I ran the Senior Marathon Friday night.  Anyone 55 and over could participate in this event.  

The 3 Musketeers

Our next race is the Boilermaker Half Marathon next weekend on Purdue's campus which sports some killer hills! Wish me luck!

Happy 21st Birthday Brooke!

It is hard to believe that 21 years ago, our youngest daughter was born.  Where did the time go? Brooke is now a junior in college and will be heading back to IU in just a few days.  She had to renew her driver's license on her birthday, so after that was done we celebrated with a trip to McDonald's for breakfast.

 Kevin had planned on surprising her by showing up for breakfast.  And surprise her he did.  

Family celebrate with dinner at Brooke's favorite restaurant.

Sisters

Surrounded by gifts

When each of the girl's turned 21 they received a ring to commemorate this special day.  Kym and Brooke chose their rings, but Alyssa's was a complete surprise. Brooke's ring is blue topaz surrounded with diamonds; Alyssa's a diamond geometric band; and Kym's is a pink topaz oval stone with diamonds. Hopefully years down the road, they will remember the significance of their rings and the special day they celebrated with family and friends.

Make a wish...

Here's hoping all your wishes come true!