I was going to lump this race in with the rest of my Thanksgiving post but I decided it needed a post all it's own. After running on and off for nearly 20 years, running many races, and logging many miles, I finally WON my first race! It makes me giddy just typing those words. Sarah and I decided last minute to run a local Turkey Trot 10k. Sarah has been very dedicated to her running this year and never entered a race. I was so excited to be part of her first experience. Before the race began I couldn't help but size up my competition. What can I say, I'm a competitive gal. I realized there was a good chance I could be a top finisher if I ran a good race. I told Sarah to run her own race and not worry about me. I have this horrible tendency to start a race like a chicken with it's head cut off and then die at the end. The gun blasted and we were off! I tried to contain my adrenaline and not use it all in the first mile. When I saw my 1st mile time was 7:40, I knew I was on the right track. I can maintain that. At this point in the race I was in the lead and trying not to let it go to my head. I loved seeing my parents strategically placed throughout the course.
For a minute, I felt like I was back in high school seeing my dad cheering me on. After mile 4, I was still in the lead with only 4 men ahead of me. I felt strong and unstoppable but again, tried not to get too ahead of myself. There was a girl behind me and it was tough for me to gauge just how far she was. I pushed through my fatigue because there was no way I was going to blow my lead at this point in the race.
The last 1/2 mile I realized I was going to win. The pain in my lungs and the tiredness of my legs meant nothing at that point. The finish line was in my sights.
Seeing my darling family proudly yelling and celebrating was all I needed for my final push.
I did it!! My final 10K time was officially 46:42 (7:33 min mile). The girl I was afraid might pass me ended up 45 seconds behind me.
As I caught my breath, I waited for my little sis. She ended up finishing 5th!
I am so proud of her! She killed it.
Now we could bask in the after race bliss. The endorphins were pumping and my upcoming awards ceremony was exciting me.
Rusty, Collette, and Owen woke up at crack of dawn to watch me finish. I'm so happy they were there to witness my first victory.
There you go...proof!
I realize this was a small, local, 10K race but it felt so amazing to finish so strong. At 34 years old, I've never felt physically or mentally stronger.
I don't plan on taking this medal off for a few days. Life is full of hard things and disappointments. You have to celebrate the good times.
It was so fun to show my boys what their mama's made of.
And of course my love is always by my side supporting me in everything I do.
Sam was feeling a little out of sorts so Grandma Jackie was there to console him. I was too busy beaming to take care of him.
What an adorable little cheering section Sarah had. She has been my personal cheerleader my entire life. It was so awesome to repay the favor and cheer her on. I'm so impressed with her dedication.
I can't imagine this day without my incredible parents by my side.
There you have it. My first and possibly last win ever, but I'll take it. It was such an exciting morning and the perfect way to start my Thanksgiving. I'll never forget this day.
No comments:
Post a Comment