That's right. I've finally accepted the title. I feel like I can finally call myself a runner, not because of the number of races I've done or the distances I've gone, but because I love running. I'll never quit. My mom asked me after my last race if I'm ever out there saying to myself, "Why did I sign up to do this?? What am I doing?" but I told her I actually feel the exact opposite. I think to myself whilst I'm running my races, "This is why I do this!" When I compete in races I'm competing against myself and trying to be better than the last time. I may not like the training sometimes, and I may not always want to go out on every run, BUT I quickly change my mind once I'm out there. I love how I feel while I'm running and that everything goes away. I love how I feel after I run...that I've pushed my body and I get stronger every time. I only do races that benefit a cause and I love being there with all those people who are running for the same thing, for a million different reasons.
The Start Line
This last Half that I did in Arizona was for breast cancer and I actually haven't done one of those yet. It was absolutely AMAZING how many people were there and it was so inspiring seeing all of the t-shirts for their loved ones, those who have fought, those who have survived, and those who haven't. While I was running I was thinking of everyone I know who has been affected by cancer in general, and especially those who have been affected by breast cancer. Anyway...it was an incredible run!
I was supposed to run it with a few friends, but circumstances didn't permit everyone to run, so my parents decided to drive out with me. My dad hasn't seen me run one of these yet, and my mom loves watching and hasn't ever been to Arizona. SO...they booked a hotel, we got up early Saturday morning, and drove down. We checked in at the Expo and got all of my goodies and tags and what not, and then attempted to drive the course. It goes from Scottsdale to Tempe, and it looked like a pretty fun course. When we got to the park at the finish line, near ASU, we realized that our hotel was 3 blocks from the finish line. Coincidental perfection! We carbed up, got some recovery treats, and headed to bed early. We were tired from getting up early to drive anyway, and we ended up getting a good 8 hrs of sleep. Lovely!
Passing the Finish Line at mile 8
Turning on the juice at the Finish line. Wow...I'm a sexy runner, aren't I?? Love those fuel belts and how they ride up and take your shirt with it.
The morning of the race we got up at 5:00am, got all ready, and headed to Scottsdale. It was chilly to say the least, but actually kind of perfect to run in...not so much to stand in at the Start line though! At mile 6 there was a little boy holding a sign that said "Pain is Temporary, Pride is Forever" and it stuck with me the rest of the race, bc I've been having upper thigh/butt cheek tightness on the left side once I hit about 9 or 10 miles lately. Anyway, between miles 7 & 8 the course actually passes the finish line, does a 5 mile loop, and comes back. So...I passed my parents there and shed my long sleeved shirt. At mile 11, I realized that I had forgotten to take my IBuprofen before the race...too late now! Regardless, I kept pushing myself, especially when I saw the clock at the 12 mile marker. I really wanted to beat my last time of 2:30, and got that adrenaline rush on that last mile to make sure I did so. I ended up with a 2:26:07, which was 4 mins faster than my last Half, and 19 mins faster than my first Half, which I ran almost exactly one year ago. I'm really happy with my time improvements, and know that if I would have trained a little harder I could have made it a bit faster, but I'm soooo happy with it! And I have to say that I have the greatest parents for supporting me and making the trip when they didn't have to. It was really nice having fans at the Finish line! Anyway, so it was a fantastic run, and though I may be sitting out on races for a minute, I will never stop running!
In case you can't tell...the middle of the medal actually comes out and you can put it on a necklace.
5 comments:
I'm a runner! I run!
Thanks for two What About Bob reference from you in the same week.
p.s. Nice work with the race. Maybe someday I'll be able to run one with you.
hahaha! I was totally going to put that second sentence in my title too, but then I decided people might not get it. Michael, we are the same height. That is neat. And thanks! Yes you DO need to do a race or two with me soon!
you go runner girl! i dream of the day i can call myself a runner, but i'm one of those who says...why do i do this??? oh well.....a girl can dream and you inspire me to do just that! good work on beating your time too :) woohoo!
i wasn't going to comment again, but i HAVE to on this one! you are a runner! it seems like only yesterday you were a hater of running, and look at you now. i'm always happy when someone converts and realizes how weirdly fun it is. you look great by the way. i'm so jealous. i will be all healed up from this baby just in time for it to be way to cold to consider going outside so i'll be bored on the treadmill for a few months. SEE! i do need to move.
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