Last night was the Corporate Challenge. It's one of the biggest races that Rochester has and this year about 11,000 runners and walkers participated. It was really cool seeing all of the local and national businesses there with their colorful race shirts.
I was really lucky to represent SPX, my husband's company in the race. It was a beautiful night, perfect for running. Not too hot, and cloudy. Plus, the kids were home with Grandma and Grandpa, giving my husband and I some time to just be together, before and after the race.
Another awesome part of the evening was that Pina was there too. She's amazing and I'm so happy that I was able to run the entire race with her.
How as the race? IT WAS TOUGH. It was 3.5 miles long and I felt real confident leading up to it. "I just ran 4 miles on Saturday and it was a great time. 3.5, I got this!!"
Well, that was not really the case. Since 11,000 other runners were there, squeezed into a small space outside RIT's campus...when it was time to start, PACE was thrown out the window. I basically just ran, so I wouldn't get run over. Forget starting slow at a nice speed. At one point I looked at my watch and saw we were running at a 10:15 mile pace, and I panicked. I wasn't even at the half mile point and already my nerves got the best of me. Damn Watch! I immediately started the mental battle in my head. At that point we approached an incline and I had that to overcome.
By the time we got to the 1st Mile check point, I hated life. I hated that I was so overwhelmed with emotion, anxiety and that my breathing was all over the place. Pina knew this, and coached me through it... however I just couldn't get it under control. She is the ultimate role model when it comes to breathing, and I owe her so much for that!!!
"What happens after the 2nd Mile" ...Pina asked as it was in the horizon. "We become MAGICAL", I exclaimed. I needed that, even if I didn't believe my own words.
It was a struggle the entire way for me. "Magical" never showed up, even when the crowds of runners diminished and I was in a comfortable space. There were walkers to pass and faster runners still whipping by me. I couldn't stop looking down at my wrist to check my pace or distance. Damn Watch. I felt confused at times, and disconnected with my own comfortable running body that I've grown into. I blame that stupid first mile that although was a personal best, started me off on the wrong foot. I blame my watch and my brain for creating all these negative thoughts that distracted me from all the positives that were going on right there in front of me! Enough with all the doom and gloom...
Let's go there... the amazing positive moments of the race:
~ It was the first time I saw and heard my husband cheer for me as I approached the finish line. Honestly, that's what I thought about as I huffed and puffed the whole way through.
~ My average pace was an incredible 12:53 min/mile. SO CRAZY!
~ I learned a valuable lesson, and overcame the challenge by running the entire time, even when I just wanted to stop! I was put into a situation and the training I've done so far helped me, which I'm just grateful for!!
~ Lastly, but certainly not least, I was able to be there with such a positive person in my life, who pushed me to the end. She's AMAZING, and I'm just so lucky for everything she's shown me. The encouragement she's gives at just the right point when I'm about to breakdown out weighs anything I've ever experienced. The fact that she kept putting me first, when I told her to run ahead, makes me hold back tears. For this is what true compassion and friendship is all about. "Learning to RUN" didn't just give me the ability to run!
No Boundaries starts in 15 days, and I'm so much farther than where I was when it ended a month ago. Pina and I both are!! I'm so proud of her.
I can't wait to gain more training and experience, to ultimately give back as a future mentor. I have some big shoes to mimic, and I can't wait for that opportunity!
I was really lucky to represent SPX, my husband's company in the race. It was a beautiful night, perfect for running. Not too hot, and cloudy. Plus, the kids were home with Grandma and Grandpa, giving my husband and I some time to just be together, before and after the race.
Another awesome part of the evening was that Pina was there too. She's amazing and I'm so happy that I was able to run the entire race with her.
How as the race? IT WAS TOUGH. It was 3.5 miles long and I felt real confident leading up to it. "I just ran 4 miles on Saturday and it was a great time. 3.5, I got this!!"
Well, that was not really the case. Since 11,000 other runners were there, squeezed into a small space outside RIT's campus...when it was time to start, PACE was thrown out the window. I basically just ran, so I wouldn't get run over. Forget starting slow at a nice speed. At one point I looked at my watch and saw we were running at a 10:15 mile pace, and I panicked. I wasn't even at the half mile point and already my nerves got the best of me. Damn Watch! I immediately started the mental battle in my head. At that point we approached an incline and I had that to overcome.
By the time we got to the 1st Mile check point, I hated life. I hated that I was so overwhelmed with emotion, anxiety and that my breathing was all over the place. Pina knew this, and coached me through it... however I just couldn't get it under control. She is the ultimate role model when it comes to breathing, and I owe her so much for that!!!
"What happens after the 2nd Mile" ...Pina asked as it was in the horizon. "We become MAGICAL", I exclaimed. I needed that, even if I didn't believe my own words.
It was a struggle the entire way for me. "Magical" never showed up, even when the crowds of runners diminished and I was in a comfortable space. There were walkers to pass and faster runners still whipping by me. I couldn't stop looking down at my wrist to check my pace or distance. Damn Watch. I felt confused at times, and disconnected with my own comfortable running body that I've grown into. I blame that stupid first mile that although was a personal best, started me off on the wrong foot. I blame my watch and my brain for creating all these negative thoughts that distracted me from all the positives that were going on right there in front of me! Enough with all the doom and gloom...
Let's go there... the amazing positive moments of the race:
~ It was the first time I saw and heard my husband cheer for me as I approached the finish line. Honestly, that's what I thought about as I huffed and puffed the whole way through.
~ My average pace was an incredible 12:53 min/mile. SO CRAZY!
~ I learned a valuable lesson, and overcame the challenge by running the entire time, even when I just wanted to stop! I was put into a situation and the training I've done so far helped me, which I'm just grateful for!!
~ Lastly, but certainly not least, I was able to be there with such a positive person in my life, who pushed me to the end. She's AMAZING, and I'm just so lucky for everything she's shown me. The encouragement she's gives at just the right point when I'm about to breakdown out weighs anything I've ever experienced. The fact that she kept putting me first, when I told her to run ahead, makes me hold back tears. For this is what true compassion and friendship is all about. "Learning to RUN" didn't just give me the ability to run!
No Boundaries starts in 15 days, and I'm so much farther than where I was when it ended a month ago. Pina and I both are!! I'm so proud of her.
I can't wait to gain more training and experience, to ultimately give back as a future mentor. I have some big shoes to mimic, and I can't wait for that opportunity!
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