I hope you enjoy reading about my journey today.
It started with a routine question. Anyone up for a 4 1/2 mile run this weekend. And then in response I got why not come run the Dallastown 10 K aka 6.2 miles. It's only 4 1/2 plus 1.7 more. Should I shouldn't I, back and forth driving my presently unpatient wife nuts with my wishy washyness. "You know your going to regret it if you don't" she says. Dang it I hate when she is right.
I got a good nights sleep. I got up made my green smoothie and went on my way. No big deal just 6 miles right.
Mile 1.2 all down hill great, awesome spectacular. Things are going well maintaining a pace faster
then I have ever before.
Mile 2 - 3 going good maintaining that same good pace. But wow there were some fast people there I cant even see most of the others. But we're not last! I say we because Trainer Jeremy Gruver is running with me. help to coach me along, keep my motivated. (It was his idea to run 6.2 miles today)
Then it happens the soreness begins to kick in. All of the sudden it seems so much harder. What's happening to me?! I can run 4 miles and it's not even 3 and I'm dying. "Did I miss the mile 3 sign I asked." "Sorry but almost" I hear.
Mile 3-4
I honestly don't remember much about this mile. I do remember doing a lot of work on my breathing. I remember Jeremy talking a lot. Mainly trying to keep me distracted. But it was not the worst mile by far that's coming up.
Mile 4-5 Mile four rounded the turn to reveal what would be the first of the two remaining mountains to climb. Ok my feet hurt, my knees hurt, and my calves are starting to burn. Why, why, why am I doing this. Lean into it, don't look up. I keep repeating this in my head. I don't think I have ever stayed so focused on another persons behind so much as I did climbing that wretched hill. Almost to the top clothes are coming off. We've deduced that I'm over heating. Jeremy is by my side the entire way. Now with too many layers on for himself and my sweatshirt wrapped around his waist. We've made it to the top rounded the corner its down hill from here. I an feel my knees start to go and my stomach oh no! Yep it's going to happen, that green smoothie is coming back for round two. One, two, three times the charm. Yep that feels better. Okay off we go again. The rest of the way to mile five went pretty swell. Yeh it was pretty much down hill.
Mile 5-6 remember that nice big hill I came down in the beginning. Yeh, well last mile is back up that hill. A little walk a little jog, back and forth. I'm not sure if the hill or having to keep me motivated is more tiresome for Jeremy. It's ok, if I pass out or die I'm passing the doctors office. They have my medical records there. Interestingly enough that office is part of how all of this journey got started. But that's another post. Almost there, exhausted, tired, sore, beat down. Then there they are, my boot camp family coming back to bring me in. Even if I collapse there's enough of them to carry me back. I made it, running through that shoot was an awesome feeling.
I made it. I completed my first 10K.
To top it off I came home and got on the scale to find I had reached another milestone I finally broke 50 pounds lost. Honestly I'm more excited about finishing that 10 K.
Lessons
1) Make sure you eat an hour to an hour and a half before running, or you may revisit that meal again.
2) Running with a friend makes it a whole lot easier.
3) It takes a village to raise a runner.
4) Breath!
5) Breath!
6) Pace is important.
7) It's humbling to toss your breakfast right in front of your friend and the race volunteer pointing directions.
8) It's okay to be weak but keep going. Don't quit!
