Pinning the bib, or the number, on me was exciting. I felt so official! Finally getting to the race was kinda cool. It was weird for me though. Everyone seemed to have a group or other people they were racing with. I was just solo. So I kinda felt outta place. I did meet up with the Total Health Systems team for a group photo. But I was walking by myself, since I really didn't know the team that much. And we all have different times anyway. What an awesome feeling it was to stand with other athletes in the race line. This was actually happening! Also, standing in such a large body of people helped fight the chill. When the starting fun went off, the mass started to move. I stepped outta the way for the faster racers, as I didn't want to get in their way. The cool thing about my bib, is that there is a chip embedded into it. It starts recording my time as soon as I cross the start line, then stops when I cross the finish line. So it didn't matter exactly when I crossed that start line, in relation to the until start of the race. I do remember thinking, "what did I get myself into!", at one point. But as I crossed that start line, I just thought, "you can do this". I have been training for this and normally walk just shy of a 5k 3 times a week. It took me about 15 mins, but I finally got into my groove. The distance didn't bother me. It was invigorating walking in the cool morning with hundreds of other people. I felt strong and vibrant. I remembered what Laurie told me about the race, "you can do this. You are ready and this is what you have trained for. Stay at your own pace." So I did. When I came upon the first mile marker, I thought, "already?" I took out my phone and took a self portrait. Not the best idea....I kinda look like emperor palpatine in this pic....lol.
My family was meeting me at the finish line. I told them to be there at around 9:05 am to watch me cross the finish line. I sent a text to them when I crossed mile 1. I think that us really when I got into my stride. Up to that point, I had been a bit nervous. But after crossing that first marker, I thought, "I CAN do this!" My pace increased then. I was able to focus more clearly and made a plan if attack for the last 2.3 miles. I started selected people in front of me that I wanted to pass. Sometimes it was an individual, but mostly a group. I focused on them and just think, " I am gonna pass them." And I did. Maybe it took 15 mins to pass them, but pass them I did. I never increased my pace either. I stayed steady. I picked another target each time I passed them. The awesome thing? They never passed me back. Mile marker 2 came and went, then I knew I was in the home stretch. I think at this point, I got very excited and picked up the pace again, a little. I never broke out into a jog it a run, but just increased my stride. The last leg of the race was on an incline. I saw quite a few racers slowing down there. I have trained on inclines and thought to myself, " I eat inclines for breakfast!" I didn't slow down. Then I turned the corner and saw the finish line. I had such a determined look in my face, but broke into a huge smile when I saw my family. The kids ran to meet me. I crossed that finish line and was swarmed in hugs from my kids. It was an amazing feeling. I was proud of myself and had such a sense of accomplishment. My time was 54 mins. How awesome is that?
