Today was huge. It was a day of so many emotions, race jitters, cold temps and clouds, crazy amounts of people and insane parking situations, but I wouldn't have changed a thing. I LOVED it all. Today was the day I was able to participate in a race, that I ran more than walked. Just typing that still sounds wrong. I'm supposed to hate running, unless it's for a short distance and ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.... right?
Not today. Today was a day that I was competing in a race along side (in spirit) with my husband, the avid runner since he was in high school. He may have been running his best in the 15K, while I logged 2.5 miles during my race course but the connection I had with him was so strong. He's been running races for as long as I've known him, and I love being his biggest cheerleader! But today was a little different. I had to complete 2.5 miles first, before the kids and I could cheer him on through the finish line.
In the midst of getting the kids ready to hand off to Grandma and Grandpa, the hustle and bustle of making sure I had everything before leaving the van to get with my NOBO group, James pulled me aside, gave me a kiss and told me "Good luck. You'll do great. I love you." Those 8 words pulled me back to reality, reminding me once again that I was doing this too! It was just such a great feeling.
My sister-in-law Jennifer was also racing in the 15K today. She's just amazing and I'm so lucky to have her to look up to. My father-in-law, mother--in-law and sister-in-law Laura were also there today. The tremendous support they gave brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.
The actual run was tailored to a NoBo workout to guide us. It was supposed to be 5 minutes of running, followed by 2 minute walking intervals. It was hard, but I felt prepared and was happy at myself for that! Last week was so much better than the week before. I blogged about that awful week where I felt like I was slipping away with the program and the homework sessions. This past week was so much better. I found a workout buddy and we stuck to the homework perfectly! That made all the difference today!
During the race, I tried pushing myself a little more to do what I could to challenge my body. Mendon Ponds is known for it's hills, and they were sure at their best this morning. Towards the end i took a few more shorter breaks during the running interval, but as soon as I saw the finish line, I just ran.... and the FINISH was awesome. I'll always remember when I heard Laura scream "Get under 36 minutes, RUN!!!". It was the most encouraging push I needed at the best point of the race, and I'm just so grateful for those words!
Seeing my family, hearing my kids yell "Goooo Mommy", while my name was called over the loud speaker was just amazing. I fought back tears so I could just take it all in! I think I could get used to that. So, let's do it again! Here's to sticking with the program and working up to my graduation race at the end of April. Now THAT's, going to be emotional. My overall time today: 35:53. 14:21/mile. I know I'm getting a bit overzealous, but I'm looking forward to next year to improve that time!
Cheering on my husband to the finish line was emotional and seeing Jen staying strong was truly inspirational! I'm just so proud of both of them!!!
Concluding the morning was my little girl completing her first race. She has been excited for this the past two days, and I'm so happy we could give her this experience! She crossed that same finish line we all did, and was given a medal. She headed straight to the water table in true race fashion and was the cutest one out there!
Not today. Today was a day that I was competing in a race along side (in spirit) with my husband, the avid runner since he was in high school. He may have been running his best in the 15K, while I logged 2.5 miles during my race course but the connection I had with him was so strong. He's been running races for as long as I've known him, and I love being his biggest cheerleader! But today was a little different. I had to complete 2.5 miles first, before the kids and I could cheer him on through the finish line.
In the midst of getting the kids ready to hand off to Grandma and Grandpa, the hustle and bustle of making sure I had everything before leaving the van to get with my NOBO group, James pulled me aside, gave me a kiss and told me "Good luck. You'll do great. I love you." Those 8 words pulled me back to reality, reminding me once again that I was doing this too! It was just such a great feeling.
My sister-in-law Jennifer was also racing in the 15K today. She's just amazing and I'm so lucky to have her to look up to. My father-in-law, mother--in-law and sister-in-law Laura were also there today. The tremendous support they gave brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.
The actual run was tailored to a NoBo workout to guide us. It was supposed to be 5 minutes of running, followed by 2 minute walking intervals. It was hard, but I felt prepared and was happy at myself for that! Last week was so much better than the week before. I blogged about that awful week where I felt like I was slipping away with the program and the homework sessions. This past week was so much better. I found a workout buddy and we stuck to the homework perfectly! That made all the difference today!
During the race, I tried pushing myself a little more to do what I could to challenge my body. Mendon Ponds is known for it's hills, and they were sure at their best this morning. Towards the end i took a few more shorter breaks during the running interval, but as soon as I saw the finish line, I just ran.... and the FINISH was awesome. I'll always remember when I heard Laura scream "Get under 36 minutes, RUN!!!". It was the most encouraging push I needed at the best point of the race, and I'm just so grateful for those words!
Seeing my family, hearing my kids yell "Goooo Mommy", while my name was called over the loud speaker was just amazing. I fought back tears so I could just take it all in! I think I could get used to that. So, let's do it again! Here's to sticking with the program and working up to my graduation race at the end of April. Now THAT's, going to be emotional. My overall time today: 35:53. 14:21/mile. I know I'm getting a bit overzealous, but I'm looking forward to next year to improve that time!
Cheering on my husband to the finish line was emotional and seeing Jen staying strong was truly inspirational! I'm just so proud of both of them!!!
Concluding the morning was my little girl completing her first race. She has been excited for this the past two days, and I'm so happy we could give her this experience! She crossed that same finish line we all did, and was given a medal. She headed straight to the water table in true race fashion and was the cutest one out there!
No comments:
Post a Comment