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.