Today was another 5k race for me. 2nd one this year. I was a cross country runner in high school, but that has been many years ago. I am older, slower, more competitive and set goals for myself (some that are hard to obtain). My last 5k was good, surprising and taught me a few lessons, for which I put into practice today. Slower start, controlled breathing and who cares who is passing you; run your race!!
The race was a benefit for children who have died from cancer. My soul purpose for entering this race was to: gain more experience with racing, exercise and further my training. Once there and listening to the speech this morning, I realized that I had done something greater than trying to obtain my goals; I had helped someone with a cancer tragedy. Lined up ready to race, I teared up as I listened to a father that had lost his daughter to cancer. My focus was changed for that moment. I was very proud to be standing with the 700 some folks that were ready to hit the pavement.
Bang, and we are off. My music pumping loud in my ears, I refocused to proper running posture. I was in the middle of the crowd. Slow take off, but was happy because that was a mistake I made at my last race; took off too fast. Slow start then moved out of the crowd and found my pace. Felt great during the race. My breathing was steady and focused. My posture was perfect. I sped up when I felt the energy surge and slowed as I fatigued. Surprisingly, my fatigue was very limited. The course was not scenic, so I focused on the music and my strides. The course was rolling; more hills than I first thought. Heading back to finish line. Great all my hills are done, I can speed up. I turned the corner and staring me in the face was one last gradual incline. I started to panic, but slowed and got passed it without much fatigue. The rest was down hill!! Sprinted to the finish line. Was thrilled with my run.
Checked my results tonight. I am more pleased with myself tonight than I was at the race. My time was 30:39, 9:53 pace. Finished 395 out of 762; 16 out of 40 in my age bracket. For me, that is awesome!! I am thrilled. I am hoping that my 1/2 marathon is just as pleasing to me.
Now for the real challenge; a 6 mile run tomorrow after eating so much junk today.
No comments:
Post a Comment