Sometimes even the most resolved intentions, with the map plotted to perfection will go astray. In my last posting I wrote of my training for the half marathon next month in Las Vegas. But expectations were running high then and reality gave me a sharp smack to bring me back down to earth.
No worries though. I have not given up on the dream of running that half marathon; I have just adjusted the sails a bit on the when I am going to do it. So now I am shooting for the Oak Barrel Run in Lynchburg, TN as my inaugural half in April. That gives me ample time to get ready and if the Gods are smiling upon me, actually run a decent time.
Watching the ING New York marathon this weekend inspired me all over again. I felt the exhilaration and excitement of the crowds even though I was almost a thousand miles away. I jokingly told my daughter that I actually could follow what the announcers were saying as they spoke their coded language of running.
I look forward to the return to training. I miss it like on old friend. The hot humid weather of the summer proved to be more than I could handle while working toward that 13.1 mile goal. But now that Fall has arrived, my intent is to embrace the cooler temps and plod away. I am making plans with great anticipation of my breaking in my new pair of Brooks Adrenaline's, If I find those not to my liking, then its back to the Nike Structure Zoom's.
Either way, I plan to enjoy the ride, because lately I have been thinking a lot about what tomorrow might bring. That uncertainty is bringing about a sense of urgency to create the memories now! Live each day as if it might be the last so to speak. Wish me luck and perseverance... I will keep you posted..
Today in the muggy 80 degree Alabama heat, on the hidden depths of the UAH campus back fields, the Eurocross race was run by about 200 plus people in Huntsville. A 5K and an 8K were being run. This was my first experience with the Eurocross and while I had planned to run it, at the last minute my daughter and I decided to just watch it as spectators. I am so glad we made that decision.
As we made our way through the wet grass to the starting line area, we met up with a friend who had just run the 5K portion of it. He was covered in mud, soaked to the bone, and out of breath. He recounted his run and relayed that while he was glad he did it, he thought this would be his last. Finding it to be a pretty challenging course, he thought he’d stick to the regular races. Again, glad we made the decision to just observe.
We watched the end of the 5K race and I quite enjoyed listening to other runner friends describe their runs. Afterwards, we made our way to the area of the first water crossings where the swollen water was at least thigh deep due to the downpours of the previous night. Already muddied by the 5K runners, it was very slick on the banks. This should prove to be interesting indeed.
Then it was time for the start of the 8K run. We watched from our vantage point along the side of the first water crossing as about 50 or more runners, mostly men, hit the wet grass running. Wearing their assortment of gear from Nike, Brooks, Asics, to Reebok, Adidas, New Balance and Mizuno, to Izumi's, Saucony to the Montrail and Vibram shoes to just plain bare feet they ran. Giving it their all, hooping and hollering and huffing and puffing, smiling, laughing to grimacing...Making me wonder again, "why do we do this??"
The Trail itself was a freshly mown path through fields looping around and then through 4 points of water crossings along the way, through some woods and up a very steep embankment, then looping again. Proving to be a challenging course especially for the first timer.
As with most of our races around here, the first runner to reach the water was Hirbo Hirbo. Way ahead of the rest of the pack, he easily crossed the water and was out of sight by the time the next racer reached it. As soon as the front pack made their crossings, we moved a few yards over to the next water crossing that the runners would loop back around to. As they began to make their way through many were already winded and some struggling.
All in all watching the race was very entertaining. We cheered them all on and in the end it was Hirbo winning with a time just over 30 minutes for the 8K victory.
As reported recently in the The Moulton Advertiserafter winning the Jesse Owens Memorial Run in Moulton , Hirbo Hirbo, told reporter Jonathan Deal he began running as something to do when he was bored just a couple of years ago.The 23-year-old Florence resident moved to the United States from Ethiopia three years ago with no running experience. It was only by chance that Hirbo became involved in running as a sport.
“Two summers ago, I had nothing to do, so I went out and ran about a half mile,” Hirbo said. “I was sore for about three days, but I came back after that and have ran ever since.”
That statement can either inspire us or depress us…Either way, I’m just going to keep on plodding forward. One foot in front of the other until I can’t anymore. And oh yeah, I remember now why we do this...because we can... :-)
Here are some pictures that I took of the runners doing their thing…
Recently I read an article in Running Times Magazine about running on pavement versus running on trails. It discussed all the advantages and disadvantages of both. It was an interesting read. The thing that stuck in my mind afterward though was how this whole debate could be applied to life in general.
For example, when I run I will more often than not choose to run on pavement. It’s a smooth, even path that is tried and true. An easier road- if you will- that is familiar and one that I can get in-get out and get on with. I realize that by making this choice, I can achieve my best time, without giving it too much thought or effort.
Now on those other rarer occasions, I will choose a path through one our local green-ways that will take me off the beaten trail. Choosing to go instead through the woods, up and down the steep hills, over the rocky terrain, going by and over the water. By making this choice, I must slow my pace and choose my steps carefully or risk face-planting a root. Sometimes even stumbling to my knees in the process. But when that happens, I just take a moment, pull myself up, brush myself off and get moving again. Running this path forces me to focus on the here and now instead of slapping that one foot in front of another scenario.
Can’t we equate life with this parallel? By making the easy choices (pavement) aren’t we literally taking the easy road? By taking this route we are missing out on some really incredible chance encounters.
When I choose the road less traveled is when I am truly at my best. Maybe not my best time, but most definitely my best and happier inner self. I work harder but the rewards are much bigger than any personal record on the pavement. If I hadn’t taken the “off road” experience some the most glorious views would have been missed. I would have missed nature at its most preserved state. Mostly I would not have had the opportunity to realize what motivates me to run, or jog, or hike in the first place.
Each of us has that own personal relationship between ourselves and our inner peace. Each of us knows what motivates us to want to become closer to understanding it and achieving it. For me, it is about the desire to be healthier and live longer as a healthier person; to cope with the daily annoyances without becoming postal. To strive to be the best that I can be.
That’s not to say that there isn’t a place and time for the tried and true road. Sometimes that familiar “rote” run on pavement is what I need; mindlessly running in my Brooks Adrenaline shoes can do wonders when I need to not think about anything. But by taking the occasional detour on the “off-road” trail, we literally stop and smell the roses. And to me that is very much time I have well spent!
So my advice to everyone is to go a little crazy. Have some fun. Spice it up and every now and then take the road less traveled. Try going off-road. You may be pleasantly surprised. How you choose to apply this to your daily life is completely up to you…
Today the “Run Through The Roses” 10K was run in Madison Alabama. Over 500 runners registered to run. On the morning of the run, participants were sporting everything from Nike’s to Asics to Brooks to Reebok’s to Saucony’s running shoes and everything in between. Every array of athletic wear was worn on the backs of the elite to the weekend warrior to the first timers. The weather was tempestuous at best, with tornado weather moving towards us from the west. However, spirits were high and the nervous excitement was contagious to all those around.
The race was presented by Eagle Rehab Services and sponsored in part by Fleet Feet Sports and Dominoes Pizza, among others. Proceeds of this year's Race and Celebration will go towards a Children’s Living Library to be built at the City of Madison, AL Public Library. This garden will be located in the front of the Madison Public Library. It will feature areas such as a life-size Scrabble game with benches that look like the tile-holders, a vegetable garden, butterfly habitat, mini-amphitheatre, and will include lesson plans that incorporate children's literature as well as environmental lessons. The wonderful thing about the Children’s Living Library is that admission is free, and it will be available to each and every child. Knowing that our race fees go to such worthy projects only adds to the satisfaction that our money is well spent.
The course itself, all 6.2 miles, went through the streets in Madison, starting at Bob Jones High School and would wind around making a huge loop through closed streets, ending up back at the school. Not the easiest of courses, with the last mile and a half featuring a hill from “Hades” that seemed to stretch into the clouds before it descended rapidly into the direction of the finish line. This was the defining stretch for many, often bringing the unaware to a complete standstill as they awed at the feat ahead. It is in this stretch that would test the mettle of the determined and rob you of precious time on the clock. At least it seemed this way for most, with a notable exception of Josh Whitehead who finished in 33 minutes and some seconds. Very impressive finish indeed. The last runner sprinted to the finish with 45 seconds left until the two hour cutoff point. It proved to be a very well organized event with excellent traffic control as well.
This was the City of Madison’s first annual Run Through the Roses 10K Celebration. It is a USATF sanctioned event. The route highlighted Madison's signature plant, the Radrazz Knockout Rose. A good place to try and improve your personal best, but not an easy one to achieve this on.
The usual gang of participants were there. Some surprised themselves at how well they did, and others felt they should have done better. Pretty much the norm for these events. I believe in our hearts we all dream that we run like a Kenyan.
The evening following the race will is slated to continue the celebration also. There will be live music and an auction Kentucky Derby style. The ladies need to find those derby hats.
All in all, this is an event that I believe will only grow in popularity and will have continued success! Kudos to all… As usual, this is the most supportive, optimistic and positive group of people that I have ever had the pleasure to meet!
On April 3rd the Lynchburg Oak Barrel Half Marathon was run. The course started on the Lynchburg square and went through the beautiful countryside of Moore County Tennessee. The run finished at the Jack Daniels Visitor Center where Jack Daniels hosted the post race festivities.
While I didn’t personally run this event, my daughter and some friends did. For some of them it was their first half marathon. For those who don’t know what a half marathon is let me explain. It is running for 13.1 miles! A marathon is twice that far. I struggle to run 3.1 miles so running thirteen miles is a bit overwhelming to think about.
A couple of days before the race, we drove up to Lynchburg to pick up the race packet and check out the course. But before we arrived in Lynchburg, we decided to make a few stops along the way.
A quick trip to Fleet Feet Sports store in Jones Valley area of Huntsville, Alabama to look for some athletic gear was first on the agenda. Because you know it’s all about how you look when you are running for us gals. The better you look-the faster you run…This is a scientific fact. This is also a very valuable lesson for all you new runners out there, so file that in your must have file…
For those of you not familiar with Fleet Feet Sports store, we’ll let me tell you, these guys and gals are awesome. See my blog about my experience with them. They will put you in the right shoe to help you be the best “athlete” you can be.
Then it was back over the mountain for some retail therapy at the Parkway Mall in south Huntsville. We still had some additional shopping to do. My daughter had an Easter event to go to that weekend and “needed” a new dress. Never mind that her closet is overflowing with clothes.
Of course by then it was lunch time and a stop at Panera Bread was a must. A chicken Caesar sandwich and some black bean soup. Yummy! We dined on the patio in the warmth of a spring sun. It was heavenly.
Finally we were ready to make our way through the hills to Lynchburg. The weather was nice and pleasant and the drive enjoyable. Beautiful country vistas along the way once we were able to make our way out of the crowded streets of Huntsville. You are just kind of driving along and then you come upon this quaint little town that has a town square filled with neat shops. Old southern homes surround the area and everything is centered around the Jack Daniels Distillery industry. It is very clean and well maintained area with some really nice and friendly people.
While the town itself sits on a flat area, it is surrounded by some rather steep hills and somewhat mountainous roads. As we were driving in we were getting antsy about seeing where the course route was going to take us. As soon as we arrived in town we stopped at the Jack Daniels Distillery to pick up the race packet. The crowds were already pouring in by then and it was still two days until the race.
The organizers had the pickup booth set up on the porch of the Distillery and things went very smoothly. They were very helpful and answered all of our questions. The shirt was neat and there were lots of goodies in the race packet. Most importantly, the course map was in there and we were able to plan the drive to see the elevations.
The course itself was not too horrible. But there were some steep hills along the way, with one in particular that looked very daunting. Nicknamed whiskey hill it was a major switchback that pretty much had everyone walking it. It was definitely the hill that separated the pros from the newbies.
After driving the course, my daughter had some time to mull it all over. At least then she knew what she was facing. Luckily we had been training on some hills that were comparable and felt it was a doable course.
The morning of the race it was drizzling rain as we drove through the 4 AM dark roads. Having taken a different route there, I had to drive through some winding unfamiliar roads in the fog. Once we arrived safely, thank goodness, the crowds were gathering and we were super lucky to get a prime parking spot in the area designated just off the town square. The rain went from drizzly to hard rain while we waited for the race start.
The tension and excitement in the area was palpable. Nerves were on edge and everyone seemed ready for the start. There were almost 700 runners ready to race the streets of Lynchburg. As I waited on the sidewalk out of the rain, I envied those out there in the rain. I wanted to be a part of it but knew I wasn’t ready.
Once the race started, they were off into the rain and over the hills, through the valleys and back to the Jack Daniels Distillery for the finish. As the race had progressed, the rain had become torrential at times but no one seemed to mind. It actually cooled things off. The biggest complaint that I heard was that it made their shoes feel like weights on their feet as they ran.
When it was all over, the first runner, a 33 year old man from Georgia, had completed the course at a time of 1:17:00. Six hundred and eight four racers later, a 46 year old man from Nashville had finished the race with a time of 3:49:38. There were young people to old people and everything in between people running. There were marriage proposals and breakups. There were people running together as teams and individuals running to represent struggles overcome. There were cancer survivors and handicapped runners. There were those running for the first time and those running their hundredth run. It was an awe inspiring event. They all came together to achieve some inner goal and accomplishment all the while cheering on their fellow runner until the last man crossed the finish line. I love this atmosphere!
The medals received at the finish line were heavy and impressive. Just like the feeling in the hearts of every runner who had entered that last leg of the race to the cheering crowds and crossed that line at the finish….
This past Saturday my daughter ran in the 2010 Country Music ½ Marathon Race in Nashville, Tennessee. We left home on Friday and drove up in order to get to the expo early and pick up her race packet. Our thinking was that being there in the morning as they opened we would beat most of the crowd. We were partially right. We may have beat some of the crowd but there were still thousands already there waiting before it even opened. We waited in lines just to get onto the escalators to go to the lower levels. It felt like we were cattle being herded to loading shoots.
This being the fourth leg of the 2010 Rock and Roll Marathon series, there were over 35,000 runners signed up to run including the YMCA’s kids marathon held on Friday. Almost 31,000 finished the full and half marathons. Multiply this with most people having additional family and friends with them to cheer them on and it was staggering.
The earlier race series were run in Arizona in January with over 27,000 finishers, New Orleans in February with almost 13,000 finishers, and Dallas, Texas in March with almost 9,500 finishers. Some of these races included half marathons, full marathons, 50K’s and 2 person relays. These are really big deals in the towns where they are held. In Nashville alone I read that they expected a minimum of 40 million dollars of revenue to be generated from this event alone. That’s astounding!
The Expo
Once we finally arrived at the entrance door to the expo at the Nashville Convention Center, we were directed to the registration lines. These were set up by whichever corral you had been assigned to at the start line according to your expected finish time. This was a time that you had predicted yourself based on your pace in previous races and training runs. As it were, we were sent to coral 9. The longer lines seemed to be at the higher numbers, so we were able to get to the counter fairly quickly.
Once my daughter gave her name, the man behind the packet pickup counter searched his box for her packet. She had to produce a driver’s license to verify her identity as no one else could pick up her packet for her. Once he saw where we were from, he kind of smirked and said “Hmmph! You guys came up here to run in our race. Don’t you have your own ones to run in?” We just looked at each other and tried to decipher if he was really serious. As he looked through his box he continued to mumble some incomprehensible nonsense. I jokingly offered to him that we often welcomed people from Tennessee in our races and were always happy to take their money so we figured Tennessee would like to receive some of ours back. He just ignored my comments and gave us our packet explaining where to go to get her t-shirt and how to change corrals. After taking the packet and proceeding on, we were feeling a little uneasy about the exchange we’d just had. Surely we told ourselves; in this day and age the “feuds” between states no longer existed.
After making a quick corral change to coral 8 to be able to run with a friend, we moved on to the t-shirt pickup and into the first section before actually entering the expo exhibits. Brooks Running Apparel had everything imaginable for sale. Not hugely discounted but if you looked hard enough you could find a deal or two. Limited in their sizes on t-shirts, but had some very friendly sales people. Their checkout counters were very well organized to handle the huge volume of customers there. After making a few purchases, we moved into the actual expo arena.
Holy Crowds! Dozens of vendors had been set up, each hawking whatever product they represented. It was an athlete’s dream. From shirts to shoes to hair implements to performance enhancing supplements. There were watches and bracelets to compression socks and quilts. It was off the wall! Publix was the mother lode. They were giving away food samples, noise makers and banners for the spectators to cheer on their loved ones.
We made our way to the line for the will call ticket booth for the concert that was to follow the awards ceremony that night. The lady there asked for the name and a photo ID. Again with the comments about being from another state. What the heck? I know for a fact that there were people from all over the United States running in this race. Even some international participants; so what gives? Was it just our state? Then when we walked away, I looked back and caught them giving us the stink eye. Good grief! Just smile and move on….
After spending quite some time at the expo, we finally made our way to the exit. Now it was on to the hotel. Our GPS gave us great directions; straight through industrial park and through the seedier part of the city. I don’t mind saying I was a little nervous about this hotel we had booked online.
However, once we arrived I was very pleased with our accommodations and location at the Radisson. It was out by the airport with eating establishments within walking distance. The check in was painless and pleasant. They even gave us vouchers for several complimentary meals in their restaurant. Very nice touch indeed and one that we took advantage of. The room was nice and clean and comfortable with a good view. They even made special arrangements for their guests to provide a shuttle bus to the starting line near the Parthenon in Centennial Park and from the finish line later at LP Field. This was wonderful since the tickets for the events shuttles were sold out already on Friday. Believe me the $20 that we paid was well worth the round trip afterwards. Especially after seeing the nightmare of parking at the event and the fact that the bus was waiting on us at the curb when it was over. Sweet! The shuttle bus concierge was sp pleasant and accommodating. He welcomed us-even if we were from another state!
Early Departure
The morning of the race was so exciting and at times overwhelming. The bus ride over to Centennial Park included people from Ohio and Boston. It was a first from the ones from Boston. They were nervous and anxious. We arrived at about 5:30 AM for the 7:00 AM start time. Thank goodness we did, because they moved the start time up because of the impending bad weather. That maneuver turned out to be a blessing and a curse for some.
Due to the nightmare of parking that many people and then gear drop offs that were across the park from the start line, if you weren’t there early you didn’t know about the start time change. Many of those that were in the earlier corrals didn’t get to start at their assigned times and had to jump in wherever. This turned out to be bad for those whose times were faster and had to fight past the slower runners.
The earlier start was good because it allowed most of the runners to be finished before the rain started. However, they had also implemented a cutoff time for the marathon runners to reach the halfway point before they were diverted to the half marathon course. Then because they felt the weather was an issue, the race officials cut the marathon course short and sent the marathoners to the finish line at 22 miles instead of 26. This was devastating to some who were trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon. This action knocked some out of the running completely. Very disappointing for them.
The Finish Line
My daughter finished with a personal record in her now worn out Brooks Glycerin running shoes. Unfortunately due to the sheer number of runners, I missed seeing her at the finish line, as well as everyone else I was there to support. Crap! But we were able to get pictures afterwards. It was scary though watching some of the runners literally being dragged across the finish line nearly unconscious. Sadly, we later learned that one of those runners actually died from cardiac arrest. Now that is truly frightening.
The girls were exhausted and hurting but exhilarated. A day well spent and one filled with lasting memories. The death aside, I must say the overall experience was something that I would have never wanted to miss. Taking just one more leg of this fabulous journey that we have chosen to embark upon.
The bus ride back to the Radisson included runners from Tennessee and Kentucky and some ladies from parts unknown. Our “Chatty Cathy” rider from Texas entertained us with his exhilaration and enthusiasm. The ride only took about 15 minutes but it was a nice finish to a well spent morning. However, there were a couple of speed bumps along the way back.
Crap Happens
One of the runners was nauseous and was giving it her best not to hurl over everyone aboard. Thankfully she waited until we made it back to the hotel. Unfortunately, another one of the riders had experienced what has to be the most humiliating things that could happen: runners trots. Oh Lordy! She had crapped herself and as we sat on the bus for a good twenty minutes before we left LP Field and another 15 minutes to the hotel, it got a little dicey. As we disembarked the bus and made our way to the lobby, it was painfully obvious what had happened. She had tried to cover it up with her jacket only to have it seep through. I just hate to think about the next group to ride that bus. Ugh! As we entered the elevators, some innocent bystander made a comment about something stinking. I wanted to crawl under the rug. I have definitely decided that the day something like this ever happens to me will be the day I give up running.....
Retail Therapy
After a well deserved nap and the passing of some ugly thunderstorms that spawned a few tornadoes, we decided to visit the Opry Mills Outlet Mall. We enjoyed the visit but quickly realized we were too exhausted to last very long. So after an hour or so we returned to the hotel, called it a night and retired to a deep sleep. The next day we had a noon check out and took full advantage of it. We packed up and headed home just in time to stop along the way to visit the Franklin Street Festival. Another adventure to blog about.
What a fabulous time we had! Next weekend it is a Run Through The Roses 10K run in Huntsville, Alabama.
Ok, so by now I should feel like a pro on this 5K stuff right? Saturday I ran my third 5K. I was feeling like I should be ready for this without any problems. After all, I have already run two previous ones. This was at my hometown where I grew up. I knew the roads intimately. This should be a cinch. Wrong!
While my nerves on race morning were a little bit better controlled, I still felt a strong sense of self doubt. Touted as a flat and fast course that would allow you to improve your personal record, I signed up for this one thinking “Alright! I got this!”
However, once I arrived I saw that a smaller field of participants meant that the likelihood of me being at the back of the pack was higher. The majority of these runners looked very seasoned and younger than me. As I see it younger usually means faster. Oh well, nothing ventured nothing gained.
My goal for the day was to first finish the race; second improve my personal record; and third not to come in last. As I relayed those goals to a friend who was running his second 5K, he told me that my goals were way too low. I should strive to WIN! As we lined up at the start line, I hung back. He came back to me and told me that I was taking a defeatist attitude by not lining up on the front; that positive thinking would make me run better and faster. I told him that I was just being a realist and letting the faster runners get a better start.
Then the horn blew and we were off. My friends and daughter rocketed across the start line to set the pace. I ran about a quarter of a mile and had to walk. What the HECK was going on with my body? My legs felt like mush and I couldn’t seem to get my breathing right. I looked around to see that I was at the back of the pack. Only a couple of people were behind me and gaining. I felt defeated already. Crap!
So I took a moment to gather myself and pushed forward. I ran slowly but steadily. Soon I started passing people. Several of those that had passed me had started walking by then and I soon made my way around them. Only a couple caught up to pass me after that point. Little by little I pushed my way through the runners until I had to stop again to walk. At a mile and half in I grabbed a drink of water at the water station. My mouth felt like I had cotton balls inside. As soon as I swished the water I was off again. Once I reached the two mile mark, I saw that I was off my desired pace by over a minute. Kick it girlie!
As I made the first turn past the two mile mark, I encountered the first of four speed bumps. It was comical to see the volunteers holding up signs to warn me that a speed bump was ahead when it was so largely obvious. Maybe it was hysterics or perhaps heat exhaustion, but I got so tickled that I got some funny looks as I trudged by. I was still laughing when I reached the second one at about 100 yards up the road.
Once I reached the two and half mile mark, I had slowed down to a walk again and was right behind a girl half my age walking. She looked dejected. I walked quietly behind her for about fifteen seconds and then took a deep breath. I looked at her and said “OK girlfriend-we’re at the two and a half mile mark. We can do this. Let’s go get ‘em!” She just smiled and shook her head no. I shrugged and took off again. As I neared the next to last turn there was a slight hill. I was all alone, except for the construction workers who just stared as I blasted down the incline as fast as my little short fat legs would go. I was reminded of my daughter jokingly telling me that I look like a hobbit when I run. Well whatever I can do to entertain…
Then I encountered two more speed bumps complete with volunteers holding signs warning of their existence. More laughter ensued in between my loud gasping for breath as I continued to push onward. Come on now! I am wasting valuable resources with this silliness. Get on with it!
At the last turn before the half mile push to the finish line, I was even able to appreciate the attractiveness of the beefy fireman working traffic control. One has to be able to enjoy themselves whenever the opportunity arises- right?
The last quarter of mile was sheer torture. My lungs felt like hot pokers of fire. My legs were screaming. My nausea was dangerously close to some embarrassing attention. I saw the timer at the finish line. I had only a short time to kick it in to beat my previous time. My daughter and her friend appeared out of the crowd running back towards me on the sidewalk.
Please believe me when I say my daughter can rival any track coach when it comes to urging me on in those final yards. She showed no mercy as I sprinted with the very last drop of energy I could muster toward the finish line. It was like I saw it all in slow motion as I raced to beat the clock in my Nike Structure running shoes. Tick Tock. Tick Tock. Gasp Gasp Gasp….
When I passed the finish line, I had shaved only a minute of my previous time off. But a minute was a minute and I’ll take what I can get. It was a hard earned minute and I refuse to diminish how significant it was to me.
Granted I am still as slow as a turtle compared to those in front of me, especially my daughter and friends. But each race is an improvement. There were still quite a few behind me yet to complete the race; the last one crossing a good twenty minutes behind me. As I sat on the sidewalk gasping for air, I knew I had done it! My husband, my daughter, friends and the crowd had all cheered me on to the finish. It was an incredible feeling.
After the race, the awards ceremony followed. My friend came in first in his age division. My daughter came in third overall female and first in her age group. Her friend came in first in her age group. And low and behold- I came in second in my age group! We all received medals and gift certificates to the local Athletics/ Sporting Goods store. Sweet!
The third race was just as important as the first and second because I learned new things each time. This time I learned that even though it may seem everyone at the first is going to kick my butt, I just need to do my thing and believe in myself. I learned not to give up or give in to insecurity and doubt. I also learned how to reach down deep for that sprint to the finish. These are some lessons that I think would be wise to carry over into everyday life as well. I realize that even if I do finish last, at least I am in the race. I learned to enjoy the ride! Finally I learned its okay to laugh at the speed bumps along the way….
; I have just adjusted the sails a bit on the when I am going to do it. So now I am shooting for the Oak Barrel Run in Lynchburg, TN
as my inaugural half in April. That gives me ample time to get ready and if the Gods are smiling upon me, actually run a decent time. 
. 
's, If I find those not to my liking, then its back to the Nike Structure Zoom's. 
