We did it!

Mission accomplished! Jackie, Gary, and I finished our first Schweizer Fest 2 mile run, which was all of our original goals. It was quite a morning. First of all, it is very different, and for me intimidating, to run in one's hometown. I have been a bit jittery at out-of-town 5Ks, but nothing compared to how I felt this morning - starting at 3:00 a.m. I had trouble sleeping, and my stomach was really upset when I woke up. I was even shaking as I texted Jackie. I knew that it was pointless to be nervous; I could easily run 2 miles. Just knowing that I would know many people there (many that I had gone to school with) made me really apprehensive. Once we arrived at the race site, I began to calm down. I kept telling myself that I just had to run my race - a little faster than normal!

I wasn't about to line up in the back because I did want to run in under 20 minutes, and every second counts. I was about in row 3 when the gun went off. I started fast (well, for me), which wasn't really very smart. I maintained a good pace until the 1 mile marker; I ran it in 8:37. Normally I run over 10 minutes miles, so that was really fast for me! Of course, I also realized that that pace was too fast for me because I was getting tired already. I slowed down a little bit, but tried to keep a decent pace. At 1 1/2 miles, I felt like I was going to vomit. It was so humid, and I was pushing hard to keep going. I just kept telling myself that I only had a few more blocks to go, and that I would be so mad at myself if I stopped. I had planned to try to sprint (I use that term very loosely) the last two blocks. By the time I got to that point, I just wanted to finish. I no longer cared about times or about beating anyone. I wanted to finish, and I didn't want to throw up in front of everyone at the finish line. That would be acceptable had I run the 6-mile, but puking after the 2-mile is just not cool.

My fellow teacher, Mr. Rhodes, was near me at the end, but rather than be a gentleman, he cut right in front of me! Next year, Mr. Rhodes! My time was a little over 18:35; I will get the exact time next week. I was completely happy with that. It wasn't long after the end of the 2-milers came in that the 6-milers began to finish. Wow! I was so impressed with the times. My friend, and also fellow teacher, Mrs. Strobel, finished 2nd overall in the women's race. She did awesome! I didn't get to stay for the 6-mile awards because I also played tennis this morning, so I am not sure where my other friends placed. That's a race that just finishing truly is a major accomplishment. Sooo....I placed 2nd in my age group in the 2-mile!!! I was thrilled. I can't tell you how many were in my group - hopefully not just 3! Gary also placed 2nd in his age group. His hip began to hurt at the beginning of the run, and that has never happened before.

Next year I would love to run the 6, but gosh it was awfully hot today. I think that being mentally prepared would be crucial. I would have to just keep a slow steady pace, and be satisfied with finishing. Addison said that next year I should work to win my age group in the 2-mile, and then run the 6 the following year. I just hope that I am still running in 2 years!

Being the athlete that I am :-), Bethany and I played women's doubles in tennis this morning too. Because the tourney has so few entries, we only had to play one match. We won! I played terribly; my serves were just not going in. I would love to play more tennis so that I could play in matches more. But today, I am satisfied. It was worth all the hard work, soreness, and frustrations. Today I ran.

Counting down the days...

School starts in less than a week. Although much has been accomplished this summer, I am sad to see it end. We have had so much company, and I have missed the quiet times with just my husband and kids. As much as I love my extended family, I am a creature of habit, and being out of my routine for this length of time is taking its toll.

The Schweizer Fest 2 mile run is in 3 days. As I reflect over the past few months, remembering that my husband's and my original goal was to just be able to complete the 2 mile without walking, I realize how far we have both come. Just months ago Gary was running to the end of our drive and back trying to build strength and endurance. At that same time I was on the treadmill, proud that I could run 1/4 mile without stopping. Each of us gradually added distance to our runs and encouraged one another to continue. We can both run 4 miles consistently now - Wow! The other night I told Gary that I was so pleased that both of us had taken up running. I am a talker, and if he weren't also running, I know that he wouldn't want to hear my running stories or complaints, and he might be happy for me, but he couldn't understand fully the sense of accomplishment one feels when meeting yet another personal goal.

This morning Jackie and I also talked about how until one runs, he or she can't imagine the determination it takes to get out there and just run. It hurts; it's tiring; it is difficult to breathe; and as older beginners, our bodies take more time to adjust to the pounding of the pavement beneath our feet. Non-runners find it easy to remark about the slow pace of some runners, but the fact that they are running is a testiment to their determination, and they should be commended. At races, runners are supportive of one another. There are some who are there to win, but the majority are there to reach personal goals, and just to enjoy running with others who embrace the sport. At the Owensboro race the crowd cheered just as loudly for the person who finished last as they did for the first one to the finish line. Those are the moments that make the the tough days worth it.