Today was my first 15K race...the day began bright and early at 6AM. My husband drove over with me for support and I saw several familiar faces at the race. My goal for the race was 1:33, but mainly I just wanted to keep running. The start of the race dragged on because I had lined up under my pace time, but didn't cross the start mat until after 3 minutes of the gun going off. I have discovered through this race that it is virtually impossible to run with someone else and one, keep from tripping or two, keep your pace. I tried to run with two different friends at two different times in the race. People were driving me crazy at the water stands! They would cut in front of you, steal the cup you are reaching out for, stop right in front of you to drink it and then throw it in your face or in front of your stride to trip on. I know they were not doing these acts on purpose, but nevertheless, it was at most times inexcusable.
At the 5K marker my ipod froze up on me...no more music to pump me up or get me over the Hart bridge at the 7.5 mile marker. I was determined to not let this stop me and I pushed on at a pace that I am convinced was slower than my potential. It was just so hard to get around all the people without risking injury. Live bands played throughout several portions of the path and the faithful spectators cheered us on. Some of which, had even bought goodies to pass out (orange slices, ice pops, lemonade, etc.)
The most memorable part of the race was tackling the Hart Bridge. It was half a mile up-hill with the hot sun offering us no mercy in that six minutes that seemed like it would never end. When I reached the top I had a great view of the city to look upon and was thankful that the rest of the run would be downhill. My ankles started to bother me a bit on the way down, but I shrugged it off and finished the race with a chip time of 1:31:25 (about 9:49 avg minute mile). I beat my goal I had set for myself, but I was surprisingly unfulfilled. I wanted to do better and I think that is the reason I am addicted to running. I am very competitive, especially with myself. I want to go longer, faster and feel better while doing it. The rational side of me realizes I have only been running for a short time now and there is so much room left for improvement. I am ready to start planning my next race and I am thinking ahead for a half-marathon.
At the 5K marker my ipod froze up on me...no more music to pump me up or get me over the Hart bridge at the 7.5 mile marker. I was determined to not let this stop me and I pushed on at a pace that I am convinced was slower than my potential. It was just so hard to get around all the people without risking injury. Live bands played throughout several portions of the path and the faithful spectators cheered us on. Some of which, had even bought goodies to pass out (orange slices, ice pops, lemonade, etc.)
The most memorable part of the race was tackling the Hart Bridge. It was half a mile up-hill with the hot sun offering us no mercy in that six minutes that seemed like it would never end. When I reached the top I had a great view of the city to look upon and was thankful that the rest of the run would be downhill. My ankles started to bother me a bit on the way down, but I shrugged it off and finished the race with a chip time of 1:31:25 (about 9:49 avg minute mile). I beat my goal I had set for myself, but I was surprisingly unfulfilled. I wanted to do better and I think that is the reason I am addicted to running. I am very competitive, especially with myself. I want to go longer, faster and feel better while doing it. The rational side of me realizes I have only been running for a short time now and there is so much room left for improvement. I am ready to start planning my next race and I am thinking ahead for a half-marathon.
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