The One Where I Don't Push It (or push it real good)

Saturday was the first race of the year!  It was dreary and cold.  I didn't want to go, but I laid my flat mama out anyway.

I text my friend - made sure we were still on. Went to bed.  But not to sleep.

My sister was texting with me, I finally had to tell her I needed to sleep I had to be up early for the race.  Yea, it's just a 5K but still I needed to sleep.   I've been up late quite a bit over Winter Break.

I got up on time.  I got dressed.  I  made coffee and breakfast.  I picked up Holly.  I needed to be there a bit early because I forgot to register!  Yea, I'm that girl.  The one who knows I need to register and then don't thinking I'll have plenty of time.

We got parked, walked to Winfrey Point and made it there just in time for me to register.  I got my chip anyway, they ran out of bibs.  Holly and I tried to stay warm while looking for other friends.  I saw Mimi and Clay. 

I knew Shannon was coming but I hadn't found her yet. 

It was race time so we  headed to the start.  And we're off!  I felt good.  I was happy the wind wasn't whipping off the lake.  We were sort of sheltered from it.  I've been at races where there was a significant lake effect.

I made it to the one mile mark and decided to unwrap my hand from the jacket, glove, long sleeve situation to look at my garmin.  I was running comfortably with a bit of a push.  10.06! Wow.  That didn't seem possible. 

I kept going.  Saw a few runners I knew at the turn around.  I slowed down at the water stop, took a few sips and kept going.  Not much longer now. I see the familiar bend in the path and know I'm not too far out. Maybe a half a mile.  I picked up the pace a bit, but not really pushing it.  I didn't want to sprint it out.  Just see what a comfortable pace is.  Without the obsessing I've done in the past.   I wasn't out to PR.  Just trust the process of not obsessing on times and paces and foot counts.  Just running.

I see the finish and I'm see that I can make my goal for the run, under 33 minutes!  I looked at the clock as I crossed 33.03!  Gun time! Yay!!

I turn my Garmin off (32:47:51)  I found Shannon and waited for Holly.  She came in a minute after me.  We got some water, walked off the race, went to the club house for some snacks and walked back to the car.

Then Hypnotic Donuts!  You can't go to White Rock and not go there!  Yum!!  A little post race goody.  Although I know it's not good for me and it's way more calories than I need.  It's only once a month.  And I've committed this year to not obsess over the numbers.

The One Where I Stopped Being Scared

My first Long Run of Dallas Rock N Roll Training. It was at this stage of training 3 years ago that I fell and busted my knee. A little closer to March, but I had just run my 8 mile training run..... on the treadmill. Wow, I remember the days when I did all my training on the treadmill because I was too scared to run outside alone. Scared to fall Scared of animals Scared of attackers Scared of people Just plain scared. All my spark peeps had faith in me way before I did. Y'all knew all along that I had this in me! Thank you for your positive force! Time and many more miles has changed a lot of things.... Sure I'm still scared... and yes I did fall and injure myself seriously. But I keep lacing up and heading out the door to log miles and smiles with my Sole Sisters! If you aren't part of a running club I encourage you to be a part of www.momsrunthistown.com You don't have to be a mom to join, You don't even have to be a runner. There are many walkers in our group. College kids. Women with no children. We ladies from elite runners to beginners. If you don't have a chapter where you are.... start one! That's what we did!!

The One Where I'm Inspired to Do That

Sooo Sunday I had at least 20 friends running in the Dallas Rock N Roll Half. I was able to hitch a ride with some new running friends! WOOT 

I watched a several of my RRC buddies come by at the 3.5 mark, the 12.5 mark and the finish. 

I saw Jerome (fearless leader of the Dallas Spark Team) several times!! Was able to run out at the 12.5 mile mark and high five him!! Told him he was doing a great job and I'd see him at the finish soon! 

Near him at the 3.5 mark was my youngest sons homeroom teacher, music teacher and another RRC Friend. :) 

I saw so many runners who inspired me. So many.... 

But when the Wounded Warrior came by... in full tactical gear.... everyone cheering for him, tears streamed down my face. The guy running beside him carrying the flag!! WOW 

I saw him several times throughout the race. People would get on their feet cheering and clapping for him! 

I saw him finish.... there are just no.words for his accomplishment. 

Anyway, flash forward to Monday. I was talking with my kids teacher; she told me about her experience, how wonderful it was to have people she knew cheering for her along the way. Knowing I would be out of town for the Patriot, the first 1/2 to be in my home town, she asked me if I would run the Wounded Warrior Project Half. 

I told her I would look into it. 

I got home, I looked up the info, I just so happen to be available that weekend. 

I plan on running the DRC 10-Mile Race May 5th, what's 3.1 more miles 36 days later? 

I'm running 17-ish for the Capitol to Coast in October, I guess I'd better get 13 under my belt before then! :) 

Sooo.... I saw the Wounded Warrior Run Sunday.... in 75 days I will run with him!! 
I.will.run.with.him!