Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Race



Wow, can't believe it has come and gone. Here's how it went down: I arrived feeling cold because it was still dark and 6:15 in the morning. I had my long sleeve shirt on to keep me warm. I stood around for a little while wondering why they wanted us there so early. Picked up the ankle chip, began stretching and chatting with Danielle and Theresa. We decided to do a a warm up lap around the track to get our hearts pumping and soon after, the race began. The sun had begun to peek over the mountains and right away I was getting hot! By mile 4 I was running and peeling my long sleeve shirt off and re-pinning my number! After that, everything felt great, my speed was good (for me at least), I could breathe and I was enjoying the scenery and peacefulness of the event. I made sure to eat a bit every 20 minutes which did worlds of good. My energy levels stayed high and there was no tummy ache. I even brought along a bit of a chocolate bar!

It was great until...mile 13...everything started to tense up and hurt with each step. My feet, knees and hips felt like they were going to shatter. I started wondering if it was ever going to end. Somehow I distracted myself with thoughts of laying down, taking a nap, anything to not think about the pain. Approaching the entrance to the parking lot that led to the track, I got a surge of energy and began to power through the pain. As I entered the track area, a friendly face was there to welcome me back: Ashley! Sprinting to the finish line, I had all these emotions that caused me to smile and cry like a baby at the same time. Crying because it hurt so much and smiling because it was over and I had done it! Tears bursted from my eyes and I tried to catch my breath to thank my audience (my husband John, Ashley and her husband Jeremy). Finally I calmed down, stretched out and realized what I had done. I ran 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 33 minutes.


The whole journey was challenging, rewarding, confidence taking and giving, adventurous and wonderful. I had a lot of fights with myself about quitting and doubts about whether or not I could or even wanted to do it. I am glad that I stayed.

Thanks and appreciation to:
My husband, John, for listening to my complaints, encouraging me to continue and letting me take naps after long runs!
Ashley, for inviting me to the training group, bringing this activity back into my life, listening to my complaints and getting Starbucks with me after our long runs.
Me, for setting a goal and accomplishing it.





Monday, November 2, 2009

It's not my story...

It's not my story to tell, so I won't. But I want to say that I am so extremely proud of Missy. She kicked butt. She ran her heart out and did it all by herself. She ran even when it hurt, even when she didn't want to and she ran and ran. Good job lady. I am so proud of you.



You ARE stronger than you think you are. You did more than you thought you could.