I did it. I did it. I did it. WOO HOO. Ok, granted more than one woman pushing a baby in a baby stroller zoomed past me, but I still completed it. This was not my first race. But this was my first 4 mile race – and the first race that I ran every step. In the past I would run, walk some steps, run, walk some steps. You get the picture.
I know that it helped that I ran it with my boss. I used her as my pace guide and stayed with her until about 3.25 in.. then she sped up... and I slowed behind. I was struggling at that point but kept telling myself that I was not a quitter. I can't count the number of times that I told myself that I was not a quitter and that I would not stop.
It was cold, upper 20's lower 30's. I had to scrape the frost off of my car before I drove to meet my boss. Thankfully it was not windy. The course was hilly. It wasn't huge hills, but gradual inclines that at times felt as though it would never end. There were some down slopes, but never long enough for me to fully recover before another incline began.
After mile 3, I was struggling, but kept trudging forward. Once I turned the last curve and saw the finish line, I looked at my watch. I knew that I was going to be close to reaching my goal. I told myself that as soon as I reached the grassy area that I was going to give it all I had. I was too close to fall short now. So I dug deep and picked up my pace. Inch by inch the finish line crept closer until finally with one last push I crossed.
39 minutes, 7 seconds was my official time. My goal was 40. And yes, I'm still smiling.
I know that it helped that I ran it with my boss. I used her as my pace guide and stayed with her until about 3.25 in.. then she sped up... and I slowed behind. I was struggling at that point but kept telling myself that I was not a quitter. I can't count the number of times that I told myself that I was not a quitter and that I would not stop.
It was cold, upper 20's lower 30's. I had to scrape the frost off of my car before I drove to meet my boss. Thankfully it was not windy. The course was hilly. It wasn't huge hills, but gradual inclines that at times felt as though it would never end. There were some down slopes, but never long enough for me to fully recover before another incline began.
After mile 3, I was struggling, but kept trudging forward. Once I turned the last curve and saw the finish line, I looked at my watch. I knew that I was going to be close to reaching my goal. I told myself that as soon as I reached the grassy area that I was going to give it all I had. I was too close to fall short now. So I dug deep and picked up my pace. Inch by inch the finish line crept closer until finally with one last push I crossed.
39 minutes, 7 seconds was my official time. My goal was 40. And yes, I'm still smiling.
Congrats! I did the Run4Luck, too - it's a great race and NOT an easy course at all!
ReplyDeleteMarcus
Congrats! I have my first 4 mile training run scheduled for next Sunday and I'm nervous. I do the same as you and tell myself not to quit. My mantra is "I can do this". I've been following your blog recently and I find it very inspiring to read about other runners who are at about the same level as I am. Great job and keep up the good work!
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