In like a Lion...

They say the month of March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. In my case, 2016 has been just that. What moves me today?? Seeing the glimpse of that metaphoric lamb after 2 and a half months hearing that lion roar!

Since the end of January, I have been nursing that darn left foot of mine back to health. For some reason, my left foot has proven to be my Achilles heel during my entire running journey. This time around, the most relaxing place you could ever take me for a night away ended up being my demise. It's only my luck that I would fall and injure myself at a beautiful five-star spa resort's steam room. I have now learned my lesson and will probably tread lightly if I ever go in one again. So, needless to say it's been a long few months of recovery and frustration. However, I've been able to move on from this and am slowly getting back into the game.

Over the past two weeks I've been getting back into an exercise routine and running short intervals. I've been at the gym taking group classes and logging some miles on the treadmill and at group workouts with the girls. Everything has been coming along nice, with the help of remaining patient as I check in with my body to see how it feels at the end of the day.  Last night I had the best run of the year. Aside from the winter warrior relay right before I got injured, last night proved so much to me. It's been a while since I was able to go out as a Borough Runner and participate in a Thursday night workout. The weather was a bit misty, but boy was the temperature freakin' awesome! It was just me and my iPod and the goal to run 3 miles without stopping. I was a bit tired and a bit sad I didn't have a buddy to run with, however after the first half mile I was already into the groove and enjoyed my own little "break away" from the outside world.

Everything about last night was perfect. I really enjoyed running in the rain (like I usually do) and combined with warmer temps we've been having lately, it was exactly what I needed. I wore a new jacket that James gave me for Christmas. It's water and wind resistant with "breathing holes" and it worked wonderfully. During the run, my breathing was so spot-on that I didn't think about it once during the three mile trek around the city of Rochester.  As I approached Culver Road and had about a half a mile left, I was so surprised.  I never expected that I would have felt that good at that point in the route. It made me consider going a little farther, but I knew I had to remain patient in my training and keep to the designated 3 miles I had set out for. 

As I approached the brewery, Pitbull and Christina Aguilera's 'Feel this Moment' filled my airwaves and was the best song I could have ended that run with. People who run get it... that feeling of empowerment and confidence. Now I could walk into Lost Borough and when people asked "how was your run" I could happily say "it was amazing" and they would understand!! What a release... especially since it had been weeks of  not having those feelings.  It was easy to be depressed and once again feel like I had lost everything after putting so much training in to where I was when crossing the finish line at the Winter Warrior Relay.

I have been petrified about the upcoming Seneca 7 race at the end of April. There was no way I wanted to give up my spot, and was hoping for some sign that I was on the mend and heading in the right direction. I'm pretty sure I got that sign last night, but will NOT let this make feel like I'm smooth sailing now.  A month after Seneca 7 is the Segahunda relay, so loosing focus is not an option.  In fact, just a sign that the focus has room to even improve.

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!! 

Don't be Scared

The Scarrier Games and Pumpkins in the Park were on the "to do" list this week. YES!!! I was excited!  

I honestly didn't know what to expect from the Scarrier Games at Medved.  I was involved solely at first to represent The Lost Borough Brewing Company. My obligation? To pour beer after the run to participants.  Since I've grown a friendship with the guys over there, when I mentioned to them I was interested in participating and running the event, they encouraged me to go for it. I was happy they didn't mind or think it was unprofessional.  This was a working event and in my former years of  WBEE promotions, mixing "business with pleasure" would never be allowed.  And heck, maybe deep down I wanted Medved to say "no"... so it could be my "out" because I was truly intimidated of what these Scarrier Games would be like. For me, "Scarrier" meant playing with the "big dogs" again and being put on a team where I was the slowest runner, holding others back.... NOT because it was a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt in the dark around town with friends in costumes.

The day before the event, Medved posted that people could either form their team in advance, or be in the "luck of the draw" and be placed on a random team.  For this "end of the pack runner" I was THRILLED.  I wrote a post on facebook saying "Calling all Slower Runners 11-15 minute miles" to try and see who I could recruit. This made me feel so much better about the event.  Their last event did not have this option, and was half the reason I just spectated and poured beer afterwards. I had received a few responses, some from strangers (now, new friends) and others that I have run with in the past.  GOOD, I thought! The nerves at that point were gone. And, it made walking into Medved on that brisk but beautiful Tuesday night so easy... not just because everyone likes the girl bringing 7 growlers of beer to share, but because I was excited and not scared about running.

So, here's how the Scarrier Games went down. It was a timed event where teams were handed a map with different checkpoint locations scattered around town that we needed to run to.  Each checkpoint was worth certain points, some higher than others and the goal was to have our team earn the most points. In order to not be disqualified, we had FOUR mandatory checkpoints we needed to run to. The entire team had to be at each checkpoint and then post a picture for proof we had made it. 

There were also activities we could do as a team to earn more points during our run.  For example, we could video ourselves trick-or treating at houses or places of businesses... or invite a stranger to sing 'Ghostbusters' with us. It was all pure nonsense, but fun and festive. The last caveat to this challenge was that we needed to be back at the store within 75 minutes.  If you were late, your team started to lose points. For every 10 minutes you were late, you lost your highest checkpoint/activity point value.  CRAZY, huh? No pressure there, ha!!

I was the team captain for "Lost Soles"  (however I somehow didn't make the correlation and posted us as "Lost Souls" during the run. This made for a laugh after the event. Whoops!) We were lucky we had a veteran on our team who has done these types of events before AND knew how to get to the locations on the map. That was key!

As team captain, I was to help direct the group to different checkpoints and take pictures/videos along the way. But, when it came time to look at the map, I swear my hands never touched it. Our team didn't put a strategy together, or really decide where we'd run, who could run "that far" nor what pace people were at. We just ran and started the event off with such energy and enthusiasm. It was great. In the back of my head I still assumed we were all at the same pace (based on my facebook post) but didn't really know for sure since we had others join our team when we got to the store. 


Our team veteran guided us to checkpoints and really was in control. I had my job of taking the pictures and everything was going really good until.... 

There was the point of the night where we had to get to our last mandatory checkpoint. From our current location it was about a 2 mile run, up a steady incline,up Monroe Ave. The energy and fun feelings I had were put to the test. I felt defeated, but tried hard to just suppress those feelings. We had to run those 2 miles to the checkpoint, take the obligatory team picture and then run 1.5 miles back to the store... Oh, and then there was that clock we were racing against too. 

This was the very thing I was intimidated about when first thinking about doing this event.  I knew if I had known this was going to happen, I wouldn't have participated.  But at that point, it was too late to dwell on that fact and I needed to just RUN with my team. We needed to get to that checkpoint and back to the store. We all were at different paces and I was at the back. One of my teammates stayed with me for a while, and was so encouraging. During the last quarter mile, downhill back to the store I was EXHAUSTED. I ended up running 5.53 miles. I had no intention nor where with all that this was going to happen. And I knew I would have said "no" if I did. Being thrown into the mix and having to overcome the challenge allowed me to learn so much. Don't be scared.

Okay, part two of this blog post: Pumpkins in the Park. 

What a great race, on a pretty hilly course with some awesome friends.  I was able to shave about 2 minutes off last year's time, and I crossed the finish line with such a great person!! Carrie and I pushed each other when we needed it the most. I felt way more prepared this year and embraced each hill, hearing Pina's voice echo in my brain. Ironically my bib number was 365... and it made me reminisce about how last year I gave myself the goal to conquer that course with conviction. It was so rewarding to see my watch stats. My average pace was 11:44 and fastest mile was 10:51. I'll take those numbers. My watch said I ran that 5K in 37:16, and Yellow Jacket timing clocked me at 37:55.  Again, I'll take those numbers and aim to beat them next year!

Running this race with Carrie was awesome.  We haven't ran together in a while, and feeding off her determination was so inspiring. Contagious even, when I grew tired. I don't think we've ever crossed a finish line together, either... so this will be something I'll take to the memory bank.

It's been a great week... and definitely some solid steps uphill on my personal climb.  What moves me today? Aiming to being fearless. It's hard for me to do this. But, when you take a chance or put yourself out there, you get the... 

"these are the moments that, I'm gonna remember most, yeah.  Just gotta keep goin'"

...that you don't intend to get!

#theclimb

Ready, Set, GLOW!

"Let's all run some trails, in the dark with glow sticks" they said... and like that, I was game!  Heck, maybe they didn't even say it exactly like that, or specifically even ask, but those are the words I told myself when looking into doing this "fun run" a couple months back. Honestly, I think I sought out the chance and perfect opportunity to hang with the "big dogs" and once again be in the pack of some amazing runners and friends.

What. A. Night.  I bet if you asked Pina or Pippa if I enjoyed myself, they would probably have a hard time answering.  I was so looking forward to this night, days and hours leading up to that moment when we would hear "GOOOO".  When we pulled in the parking lot, I felt ready and eager to go share this experience with friends!  

When it was time, we all hustled up a grassy hill into the woods to begin our 5ish mile mission. Single file, in a pretty defined "single track" our lights illuminated Dryer Road Park.  One foot in front of the other we formed lines of people on a mission to conquer this trek!

Over the course of the race, I stumbled... a bunch of times. Even though you heard considerate racers in front of you scream "Roots" (which was probably uttered at least a thousand times) or "High Step", "Log", "Step Down"... etc, it was only a warning to try to prepare your body for your next step.

I've always been clumsy... that's no secret...  but last night was a challenge for such a clumsy girl. Throw in some pretty intense inclines, THE DARK WOODS, and sharp declines... and you have a salad of possibilities. Yep a salad... and around the middle of mile three, I added the dressing with a pretty big spill on my left foot.  That stupid left foot is always my demise.

While allowing others to pass by, I tried to gain my composure. I'm sure the tears on my face glistened as headlamps moved on ahead, but at that point, I didn't care. Okay, well maybe a little... but it was short lived. I tried to insist to Pina and Pippa to continue on so I could have a moment in some self pity... but c'mon, they are as stubborn as I am... and just ignored my words and helped me up. My pride was damaged and wondered how bad my ankle was at that moment. As we finished the run, they tried to keep the mood light, and looking back I feel bad that I just remained silent and fixated at that finish line. I have such amazing friends!!!! 

Today, as I look up and see that swollen bump on my left ankle, wrapped up in an ace bandage with a huge wegmans bag filled with ice on it... I'm not angry anymore... but EXCITED that I had raced. It's all just part of The Climb, right?

Thanks Pina, thanks Pippa... and to Carrie, Moogle, Gina and my hubby James for hanging out last night.  I'll always remember my first official Trails ROC experience, and I'll be back again for some more fun! The entire running community in Rochester is truly special and unique... and I love being part of it!!!!! That's what moves me today.

The Climb

It's no secret that music holds a special meaning to me.  I've mentioned before how sometimes it can be the only driving force I have in my tool belt to complete a run.  A certain song can get me to continue on, STOP, or help take me to a place that my mind may need to be at that exact moment.  

So it's no surprise that I've found yet another song that I am going to hold on to for the next... eh?... let's say 8 months or so.   A song that I think is fitting as I prepare for my next year of running.  

Insert "The Climb"

I'm coming off to what was an exciting spring and summer. I was able enjoy some great times with my family, running in the morning with Pina, and watching my husband and friends complete soooo many amazing milestones.  (I wonder how many miles Pippa, Moogle, Gina, Carrie & Pina logged while training and finishing many half marathons and trail runs.) 

I also was able to see my main squeeze complete Segahunda, aka HIS FIRST MARATHON, which happened to be considered an "Ultra" in the trails Letchworth State Park.  

After that he (and my fearless friend, Pina) went on to do this all day and all night trail race called The Mighty Mosquito. This ultimately prepared James for running 21 miles total over three legs with 11 others that made up his Ragnar Adirondacks team.  Needless to say, I am inspired. Inspired to take on a more active role with my running. Inspired and motivated about setting some goals out there of my own... and getting the work done beforehand to achieve them!
Last week I started.  I ran far more many miles last week than I had in a long while.  I also began to plan ahead a schedule I could follow.  It feels amazing.  Rain didn't stop me, nor did the excuses of "next week I'll start" linger in my brain.  I went out of my comfort zone and signed up for a 5ish mile trail race back in August after seeing friends complete The Mighty Mosquito, and last week they held a preview for it. I had to go... and I'm so glad I did.  This Saturday is the real deal and there are so many friends (and James) doing the Glow Run... it's going to be awesome!  On top of that, I have two more races in October.  Both are 5k's and both are what is motivating me to train... to jump start this "year"  or "next 8 months" in high gear.

I have a desire to keep increasing my pace and feeling comfortable in it for longer distances. I have Seneca 7 on the horizon (hoping we can get a spot in this very popular race), the Segahunda relay and if I can form a team of 4, perhaps the Winter Warrior relay race.  While all this is going on, Pittsburgh 2016 is there in the background.  Pina is running the FULL... yes, the FULL and I can't be more proud and supportive for this.  As of now, as I type these words, the only thing I can commit and wrap my brain around is PR'ing the 5K in Pittsburgh.  However, while training and picking up miles with Pina as she gets ready for achieving 26.2 status, I hope to piggy back off that to get my distance up there as well.  And there is this small hope and/or tiny bug that I have that when Pittsburgh comes, I could be confident and ready to crush that half marathon. I already know that if I sign up now, I won't like running for the next 8 months.  That "I have to run and train because I signed up for this mammoth amazing race" is not going to be the motivation I will need.  I already know it, so why put myself in that situation.  However, telling my brain that "I'm running because I want to, and log miles with Pina as she follows her path and goal" is something I'm so eager to do. 

So, what moves me today? The Climb.  And I know I will refer back to this song countless times. It motivates me today, and I am prepared for it to anger me, cause me to break down in tears, or bring a smile to my face over and over again.

Tonight we're meeting to run the preview for our race on Halloween... a tough course, uphill most of the way, but together we'll endure that climb together.

And so, it begins!

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
Chorus:
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
Chorus:
'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah! 
Chorus:
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah! 

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

Not All Runs are Created Equal

When the opportunity to run a 10K in one of my favorite towns, to help raise funds and awareness for a great local organization presented itself, I couldn't resist.

My family has been going to Clayton for years. I always love stopping by each time we visit "The Islands". Whether it's to escape a "bad boat day" or to stock up on cheese from River Rat, this place holds many summer memories. So, when the Save The River 5K/10K happened to be going on during a weeked we were scheduled to be there, how could I not participate?

​  

"This will my first 10K", I kept saying and after signing up in the beginning of June, the excitement grew as each week passed. I tried to stay honest with my workouts and early morning runs with Pina. Hills became a norm whether they greeted me in Spencerport, Tuesday nights, or on the trails with Amy. I started eating healthier and consistent and aimed to drink more water daily. Granted, it wasn't specifically to prep for the race, but it was always an afterthought while doing it. And it was also a great excuse to purchase new sneakers, too!

Before I knew it, the morning of the race was here. I felt prepared. I felt nervous, and knew that the distance shouldn't scare me. It didn't either. I blamed whatever I was feeling

on the pre-run butterflies that hang out in my stomach before a race. 

The St. Lawrence River was calm and the morning felt still, complete with an overcast sky and slight breeze. 

We planned it perfectly and "Big Red" (aka our minivan) rolled into Clayton just in time to score a great place to park. James and I were one of the first to pick up our race packets and first in line to use the restrooms. 

Everything was going great!​

​

 

When it was time to begin, the blow horn sounded to send off all the 5K & 10K racers. It was one loop for the 5K and back around again for the 10K. Halfway through the first loop I noticed a few things. First off, I couldn't keep myself at a consistent pace. I kept going faster than I wanted to and holding myself at a 12 min pace seemed impossible. I tried to not let it bother me. I had a stitch to work out while trying to figure out why those damn butterflies were overstaying their "pre-run" welcome. The sun came out strong the minute the course veered away from the cool breeze off the river, but that wasn't hard to deal with. I reminisced about those cold long runs enduring negative windchill temps. What was hard? The growing feeling of loneliness.

The second half of the first loop seemed to take forever, but how? I kept at an 11:40ish pace, slowly passing other runners, stollers and families out for their "fun run".  The course went out over a footbridge to a neighboring island and we ran around this quaint little housing track.  As I approached the entrance I was able to see my husband run out and we slapped hands as we passed each other. It was cool knowing and seeing we were both in this!

As I approached the end of the first loop, the stitch I had felt better, but the butterflies, nerves and loneliness was pretty intense. My breathing was off and all I wished was that Pina, Melinda or Carrie was there with me. I had to make a decision, right then and there if I was going to keep going or finish to what I suspect could have been my fastest 5K to date. I was torn. I knew I'd regret not going for the 10K, plus of course when I put my ear buds back in my ears, (after the quick water station break) Bruno Mars happened to be singing the lyrics "You better run".) That was the sign I needed. And so I ran on.

I wasn't even done with mile 4 before I broke down. I didn't feel right and I was filled to the brim with self-doubt. I wondered how many were actually running the 10k. I felt like I was the only one out there as roads became more busy with cars. Did everyone running behind me only run the 5K?

As all of these thoughts raced in my head, I kept getting interrupted as race volunteers and crossing guards asked "Are you the last runner?" or "Do you know if anyone is behind you?"as I ran by.

Besides feeling like the slowest snail in the world, I FELT LIKE AN INCONVENIENCE.  

I felt that my "slow a** " (to quote my inner voice) is "keeping these people out here" when they had better things to do. 

I tried telling myself to just ignore them... To ensure my mind that, I WILL FINISH... But, after the 3rd time I was asked "Are you still racing?" (since perhaps she thought I could be a runner who was going on a "post-race-run" maybe??).. I was DONE, DONE!

I told the woman, who was just about to stop traffic for me that "I was still racing, but now I am dropping out." She replied "Ok, you can do that" and I proceeded to turn left and continue down the sidewalk down Main Street. I was about a half mile away from the start line. One of the toughest point five-zero mile walk in a long time. I cried... in anger at the race, in anger at myself and I was completely embarrassed about having to tell Yellow Jacket Racing that I DNF'ed.

I dreaded going up to my family, my in-laws and kids, that were patiently waiting to watch me run by and finish... that "I was done and that we could go home now".

I gained composure, and when I approached my incredible cheering section, I exclaimed "I wanted to run 4.67 miles instead". I think I was convincing at that moment in time... at least I tried to not let the kids see that anything was wrong with me.

Later, after debriefing with Pina, I was able to talk to James about the race. Talking really helped and I have high hopes for that next 10K race, whenever it may cross my path. 

Not all runs are created equal, but every run can teach you something if you're open to learn.  And that's what moves me today... learning from a tough run to make the next one stronger!!