Cold, wet and very windy - that was the setting for this 5 Mile Race the day after Christmas. I had been told it was hilly, but I was not prepared for these hills. I literally could not see the top of the first hill. I couldn't even stand up straight. I had to lean forward to try to keep my balance to keep from falling over. But I dug in, and I gave it my best. I didn't walk the hill - many others did. Once I made it to the top, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I think I heard the Rocky Theme song playing in the background. (ha). I thought surely this was the worst of it and from here on it would be easy. I was wrong. That was the worst hill, but not the last. By the time I finally made to the decent part of the course, I was struggling to just keep moving. I made a up a little time on the downhill, but not enough. I ran the 5 mile race in 50:11. It was not my PR. I had wanted to come in under 50, but the course was brutal. Not only was the course brutal, but so was the weather. The wind was blowing so hard that at times I had a hard time standing simply because of the wind. In the end, I won 3rd in my age group (30-39). I got a hand-made piece of pottery. I was grinning from ear to ear as I walked forward to claim my prize.
Yes, I was one of those crazy runners who got up the day after Christmas to go run in the windy, rainy cold weather. And I am so glad that I did.
Yes, I was one of those crazy runners who got up the day after Christmas to go run in the windy, rainy cold weather. And I am so glad that I did.
Great Job on the race. Even though you didn't set a PR, you did for that Course. A lot of runners get discouraged if they don't beat a PR, but a 50 min 5 miler on a flat course is like a 55 min 5 miler on a hilly course with tornadoes coming at you! (actually, with the tornadoes, you might just beat a PR) but you know what I mean. Great Job! And good for you for getting out there to begin with.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on prevailing in tough conditions!
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