Finishing

Watching runners cross that finish line will never get old. Whether they are friends or complete strangers, it produces the same emotions for me.  The work, determination and training (or lack there of) that goes into that exact moment cannot be accurately measured.  However, the feeling and expression on a person's face says it all.... precisely... but only if you're looking.

This past weekend was yet another chance to witness true greatness. Winter Warriors stepped up to the challenge. They relayed or ran the full 13.1 miles. They were blessed with very moderate temps for a January afternoon in Rochester, NY. We really couldn't have asked for a better day.  As the race was about begin, the excitement level was high. Team Ice Hole was ready to send out Pina to start our journey!  I followed as runner #2, Ralph as #3 and Moogle crossed that finish line and completed the race for us all as Runner #4.  It was such a great time!

When it was my turn to run leg #2, I plugged into my race music and just tried to forget the past few (not so great) training runs. It's been more frustrating that I'd care to admit getting back into the game. On top of my low confidence level, I was battling a cold that started a few days before. "Here and Now".  "Here and Now"... I kept repeating to myself. (Thanks Peg.) I tapped into that mind erasing technique that I've done in the past and it really helped getting me into a groove for the upcoming 3.3 miles.  I began flooding myself with all the positive words I could find, along with the casual lip-syncing of lyrics when a favorite part of a song came on. 

I then told myself that I would be so mad if I stopped to walk. "NO WALKING ALLOWED"  "YOU DON'T NEED TO... You can slow down if you need to catch your breath, but DON'T YOU DARE WALK".   

And sure, I know walking is not the worst thing in the world for a runner to do, but it also was a test I gave myself. Something that I needed to prove to myself that I could do. And I did just that. I ran the entire time, the whole 3.3 miles. Handing that bib over to Ralph when I stopped for the first time in 42 minutes felt like I just won the race... and the confidence is still here, today, as I type up this recap.

Our entire team kicked butt.. we really did.  I was so impressed and proud of Pina, Ralph and Moogle.  Everyone did great!!!  Not only did we cheer for each other but so many other friends we have grown to know, love and help support on their race journeys!

Leading up to the race, my husband James was quite nervous. He wasn't confident in his training and really didn't know how this race would end for him.  Luckily, he's found an amazing friend that's been with him during some pretty tough times.  I'm beyond thankful for Rich. They've been through a lot and have logged hundreds of miles together over the past 5 years?! Maybe more! So, in true Richard fashion, he helped James get through a painful 13.1 miles... and I was lucky enough to see his face as he crossed that finish line. I'm so proud of them both!!

Gina was out there, proving to herself that she could overcome any obstacle and still stay on top.  Her determination of getting through 13.1 miles, while recovering from injury was truly epic. Each time she lapped by, all of us gave her a warm welcome. As she approached the finish line after her 3rd lap, she needed a specific time to make the cut off.  If she couldn't get to it in time, she would have had to stop racing. BUT SHE DID IT.  She beat that clock and was able to go onto her last loop. Pina, Ralph and I checked in with her as she passed us.  We walked with her, making sure she didn't need anything. We picked up her spirits, filling her with as much positive encouragement as we could. 

Before we knew it, we had walked a significant distance with her, and just continued on. Pina and I told her random stories to help avoid her mind taking over. She got through those last 3.3 miles and walked away from the race with more than just a pretty medal... the glory of finishing the task of finishing what she started.  I was honored to be there and was so incredibly proud of her. We all stayed till the last runner got to that finish line. In all the races I've competed in, I've never stayed to cheer on the last athlete. I was missing so much!!!   What an incredible moment to share with some pretty awesome people. 

On the way home, I was filled with emotion. Good happy tears rolled down my cheek and it made me realize how grateful and thankful I am to have this...  The bond of running and the people that go with it.  Before that cold February day in 2014, I was missing so much, and didn't even know it. Running changes EVERYTHING.

The First of 2016

And so it's here... the dawn (or a few days later) of the new year is upon us! I closed 2015, in sneakers and fleece lined tights, alongside Pina on a brisk 3 mile run around one of our favorite towns. I closed 2014 the same way, however I remember we started earlier in the morning, and the falling snow was somewhat blinding. We drugged down the canal path with the help of our headlamps, wishing for it to end as soon as possible.  

This NYE run was different.  We ran "our route" through a town that we've grown accustomed to. During this past year we've been able to explore all the hidden hills that Spencerport holds, right off Main street.  Pina and I have learned where we need to go if we need to add extra miles, even if it's a quick loop or two around the school track. We've stumbled upon the cutest little track of homes that could be mistaken for the set of "The Truman Show" and have yet another year of random conversations. I couldn't think of a better person to share so many miles with.

Not only did Pina stand beside me, but I was able to grow closer to a few girls who were right there with me along the way... while they achieved their own personal goals as well.  I hope they know how inspiring each and everyone of them are. #carrie #moogle #gina #pippa 

Towards the end of 2015, I held myself back. I got hurt a few times and truly became a bit scared, especially in the trail scene. I let my insecurities, and let's face it, my day to day schedule come in between me and my running.  The past few runs this week have shown to prove this, along with a touch of distance I have felt with these friends I've experienced so much with.

So, as I sit here, looking at the Pittsburgh Half Marathon Training Plan, along with my daily fitness activity calendar, I am beyond stoked!   I'm more excited than when I had my first half marathon to conquer, more determined to make this year even better! There are some of the same races on the calendar such as Seneca 7... (we are chafing the dream, again!) and new ones including the upcoming Winter Warrior Relay.  This time I won't spectate Pittsburgh (#gameon), but run alongside so many amazing athletes and friends for 13.1 miles. The icing on top is the Segahunda Relay, and the goal is to kick it's butt and then continue to keep to a schedule.  Yes, I may need another race to keep me accountable.  At this point, I have nothing scheduled, but am excited to see what I can fill it with.  I plan to grow confidence (and ankle joint strength) in my trail running.  

I know this is going to be a challenge, but it's all part of the climb.  This song "The Climb" always seems to snap me back into focus... and hearing it over the past few months has been helpful.  Again, the emotions the song lyrics are able to evoke, excited me.  And now, I'm ready.

I absolutely hate how cliche it is to have all these hopes and dreams at the start of the year.... I really do.  But, who cares. All I know is that I'm ready. Today, was my first run of 2016.  And like I said before, I sure felt the lack of endurance I know I once had, along with other things I need to work on. Getting acclimated with the colder temps, working on speed and pace is just a start.  However, 5 miles with Melinda happened. And now I'm able to cross that off my schedule, hope that I got a smidgen stronger, and look forward to the many more miles I'll log in 2016.

Happy New Year!!