My year of racing brings many fond memories to mind as well as a smile to my face as many challenges were met. I decided last August to begin a race a month for 12 months and ending this July. It began as an exciting adventure and ended as somewhat of a tedious task. Along the way, I had some great experiences. I raced in 3 states. I took a couple of trips to make it to the races. I raced with friends which is always fun. And even got a few nice t-shirts. I remember shaking off those last minute pre-race jitters and stepping up to the start line confidently. I rembmer chit chat with a competitor before I zoomed past him. I remember the thrill of hearing my name called for first place in my age group and winning an award. I remember weeks of self determination and training when I didn’t feel like it. I remember sprinting, skipping, long distances, and weight training to make me a better runner. I remember giving up things to continue my training. I remember feeling like I was going to vomit 2/3rds of the way through almost every race. I remember flashing a big smile to each race volunteer that cheered me on. I remember the last section before the finish line with the crowds cheering. I remember my lucky red race shirt. I remember holding my hands high, like a champion, as I crossed the finish line. Here’s a breakdown of where I was and what I did…
August: RiverFest 5K in Watertown, WI….23:26, one of my better times and one of the hottest days in WI
September: Zest Quest for you Best 10K at the Cliffs Valley Runner’s Village….this was a beautiful race and it was awesome at the Cliffs village. It was an extremely hilly course and surprisingly I made it in my best time yet 48:40…under an 8 minute mile. I was just a minute behind the overal female winner.
October: Spinx RunFest 5K in Greenville, SC….23:45…not bad but the gradual incline to the finish killed me…I stopped to tie my shoe too! I took third place in my age group. That same evening a friend and I drove up to Brevard, NC to run the Flight of the Vampire 5K at dusk in Transylvania County. It was a beautiful run. I was really sore from the morning so my time was something embarrassing like 27:29. Two in one day though!
November: Turkey Bowl 5K in Greenville, SC…at BJU…high stakes competition…my co-worker beat me and I took 3rd place. It’s okay though, I had one first the year before.
December: I took holiday break and it was too cold.
January: I was too much of a wimp to run in the cold.
February: I was too caught up in Valentine’s romance. Yes, yes it’s true.
March: Reedy River 10K in Greenville, SC…it was a cold start but it warmed up quickly. I didn’t feel great that morning and so my overall pace wasn’t that fast. Plus, the end sported a huge hill (and I’m not exaggerating) and that killed my time. I enjoyed racing it with my friend Michelle. A guy threw up right next to me as I was taking off my chip. I even managed to get all prettied up and head down to Atlanta for the day with a special someone. I also raced the President’s Race to the Rock 5K at Clemson University. I had my best for a 5K at 23:18 just 16 seconds slower than first place in my age group.
April: Cooper River Bridge Run 10K in Charleston, SC….my time was a little worse than last year’s race but it was still a fun time with friends! And, of course who can beat the beach!
May: Easley Lions Club Run for Sight 5K in Easly, SC…not my best 5K time but good enough to win first place in my age group. Lots of rolling hills, LOTS!
June: Living Strong 5K in Edinboro, PA for cancer research…a very hot day for a 5K . I think my time was 25:01 which is relatively slow for me but the heat got me. Candlelight Run 5K in Greenville, SC….a cool run with luminaries along the way…a little late at 9pm, but still fun. My time was not great but that’s okay.
July: Cherry Festival 5K in Northeast, PA….a standard finish of 23:45 and I didn’t even stay for the award that I won. Shoot!
I hold my head high proud of what I’ve accomplished. I think I might have one more race in July and then I’m going to back to concentrating on just a few races for the year and enjoying my exercise a little more. Who knows maybe I’ll train for the 2012 Olympics…it’s a goal at least.