My number was 6605

It was spectacular on so many levels. First off it was a huge turnout or at least huge in my eyes. There were 850+ runners for the 5k portion and 2500+ runners for the 12k. This was serious business. How did I know that? There was no pre-run beer garden set up as there was for the Great Kilted Run.

To say I was nervous about this race would be an understatement. I wasn’t nervous because I didn’t know what was going to happen. This was my second race, I knew there would be a starting point. I knew there would be an ending point. I knew someone would tell me when to go and I knew all I had to do was follow the route put in front of me. I was nervous because I was running alone and my husband had come to watch.  We got there early but parking was so messed up that he had to drop me off and then go on his own adventure to find parking. I was afraid we wouldn’t find each other before race time. I couldn’t take my phone with me (no pockets) so I kissed him goodbye and said meet me at the finish line 40 minutes after the race starts (it was a good time assumption lol).

I was a little bummed we had to separate.

He’s never seen my run before. I wanted to spend the time before the race with him so he could see how excited I was about this whole concept of running. I try to explain it to him but to see it in action would have been better. So there I am walking around waiting for some cue to go line up. I peruse the vendors for a few minutes and then I hear the main announcer guy say that the participants for the 2k kids race were starting to cross the finish line.

Who doesn’t want to cheer kids running across a finish line?

As I was standing there watching an array of little feet run down the last 200 feet of the race I start thinking about the awesome start to life these little buggers have. Parents running with sons and daughters, encouraging them to do their best. Family members on the side lines freaking out when they spot their runner. Cameras clicking away at lightning speed to commemorate the event. I tried not to get distracted by my own sadness, wondering what could have been if only my mother had tried to put some effort into raising a healthier child. I’m clapping not only for the kids zooming past me but also for the adults in their lives for providing this opportunity to do something great. Through the midst of this emotional moment I look up to see my husband walking towards me.

KICK ASS!!!!

We both watch the last of the kids running towards the finish line. I know he’s thinking the same thing as me: What was wrong with our parents? There is only about 10 minutes before the race begins so we amble over to the starting point. I stretch. I jump around to work some of the nerves out. It’s time for us to make last minute plans on where to meet and say goodbye. He walks away and I’m left there amongst the 800+ runners.

Alone.

I put in my earbuds, turn the music down real low and take a couple of deep breaths. A sea of heads all in their own thoughts and I was one of them. The countdown begins and before you know it, it’s time to cross over the starting line. I was right about in the middle of the pack so I knew I could walk and get about a minute under belt before the timing chip activated. Then it was time to do what I came there to do.

I ran.

It was amazing being in that size of a crowd. I’m pretty sure the first mile I ran I was grinning ear to ear cause all I could see were runners in front of me and I was a part of that. I knew someone behind me was looking forward and while they may not have specifically been looking at me they were thinking “man look at all those runners”. Running a race is a lot like rush hour traffic. I had to weave in and out of other participants and find a good spot before moving on. I just imagined I was driving so when it came time to move into a new position I looked behind me and then made my move. I eyed a few people that I was catching up too, passed them and then found my next “target”.  Once all was settled and I had found a comfortable pace, I found the person I was going to pace myself with. I’m pretty sure this was her first race. I over heard her and her running partner say “Under 40 is all that matters”. I wanted to do under 40 too so I thought they’d be good to hang with.

I walked three times.

The first time was through the water line. That only lasted about 10 seconds. The second time was at mile 1.5ish. I couldn’t help but stop and high 5 a small group of very young girls that were cheering us on. Seriously, everyone was just running by them. I wanted them to know I appreciated them standing out here and clapping for us. The third time was for me. It was about mile 2.5 and I just wanted to take a break for a minute.  I’m still within sight of the targeted woman so I knew I was making good time. I take my rest and then get down to finishing this race. I knew I’d see the last leg of the race soon so I started giving myself the pep talk.

“Start strong. Finish Stronger”

I come around the last corner and saw the 3 mile marker. I needed to say goodbye to my pacer and finish the race. As I passed her I said “You got this!” and then took off. The last 200 feet and I saw my husband standing there off to the side. A burst of energy comes off of me (cause every wife wants to show their husband how fast they can run) and I cross over the finish line. I turn to wait for my pacer lady and as soon as she crosses over  the line I high five her and say “You totally came in under 40:00. Awesome job!”.

I find my husband and then this really cool thing happens: He wants to stay and watch the other runners come in. For the next 40 minutes or so we stand there and cheer on the incoming runners. It was awesome. We watched the 12k(ers) come in and I just kept thinking to myself:  I can’t wait until I can do that.

It will happen.

My official time was 37:00. 40 seconds faster than last race. Out of 855 runners I placed 613th. Out of 505 women runners I placed 331st and out of 52 women between the ages of 40 – 44 I placed 34th. I am extremely happy with these numbers and look forward to getting faster over the next couple of months.

First 10k is scheduled for July 17th!

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As many of you know (if you follow me on twitter – hint hint) I’ve become the latest owner of a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. I’ve had them now for about a week. I’ve been using them solely at the gym to get accustom to the feel. So far this week, I’ve used them to swim, ride an upright stationary bike and I’ve run a mile on the treadmill a couple of times. As of  yesterday I’ve taken them to the streets. My runs have been short in distance (one mile yesterday, two today) but long on fun. I don’t think I’m going to have any problems transitioning from shoes to vibrams. In fact, if I could wear them all the time I would. I’m experiencing soreness on the bottom of my feet and in my calves but from what I read this is to be expected. The great thing about today’s run is that I did it and didn’t think once about walking. I ran for about 34 minutes non-stop. Already an improvement. My goal is to be able to run a 5k by next weekend.

10k in Vibrams???

I’ll keep you posted!

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• Superman is coming back on Wednesday. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am. I didn’t think I would miss his sessions as much as I have. Today I went out and gave Baby Bear and Mama Bear (The tractor tires) a good smack down in anticipation Wednesday’s appointment.

• I had a “Free food day” on Saturday after the race. I didn’t log one item and I ate exactly what I wanted. I had dim sum and a piece of chocolate walnut cake from an asian bakery. I had one moment of panic but talked myself into calming down and made a deal that I could mow the lawn when I got home to work off some extra calories.

• The chocolate walnut cake was delicious.

• My yard looks fabulous.