i challenged myself today. i went to a 10K, a trail run, alone. it was my first 10k and my first race in over 5 years.
i knew it would be "hilly". i knew it would be tough. i did NOT know the first 1.5 miles would be uphill. and rocky. and that by minute 2 i would be out of breath.
the map they had for the course said things like "uphill" and "roller coaster" and i got nervous. they were announcing things like "watch out for rocks, tree roots and cracks", "try not to fall" and i got even more nervous.
then it started and i was soon left in the back of the pack. actually just in the back. panting. wanting to turn around. wishing i had signed up for the 5k. thinking about how much harder the half marathon will be in just 6 short weeks.
but then i thought about why im running. im running so i can do the boston marathon IF i get a bib. im running because avery can't. avery actually is able to run and we are lucky for that-but she will never run a race. so i think about that. and how hard it is for her on a daily basis just to communicate her most basic needs and i push forward.
sure i walked a few times. very briefly.
by mile 3, halfway in, i felt better. i felt motivated. i was in my stride. i knew i wasnt last, i had even passed a couple people.
the last mile and a half was almost all downhill or flat. i crushed that part. was flying-almost fast enough to really get hurt on those rocks and roots. but i made it. it was a gorgeous run. fog, sun, forest, mountains, views. gorgeous.
some jerk guy who i totally had beat came out of nowhere and beat me to the finish line, but still there were about 10-15 people behind me. sure one was a 70 year old man but i wasnt last.
i felt great when it was over, i texted red and the kids to come pick me up and cooled down as i waited.
i could hear the results being announced and though i dont know my "official" time just yet-the winner in my age division (30-39) beat me by at least 20 minutes. probably some young 30 year old.
3 comments:
Well done, love the new blog design
Damn those young 30 year olds, they were most likely born ni the 80's ew! So proud of you, for this race and a lot of other things. You are pretty great.
Congratulations, Erica! I am one of those people who will never be a runner and totally in awe. And you did it with the best of inspirations! Avery is not the only inspiration; you inspire me every time I read your blog. Thank you for sharing all that you do.
We were out in Portland visiting Carrie and Ryan and enjoying Sam immensely for 6 weeks. Now Bill and I are in Amsterdam, the beginning of a 10-month journey through Europe (including Turkey - very excited!). If I get my act together and put up a blog, I'll send you a link.
Hugs - and bravo! bravo! bravo!
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