I ran my first official “race” yesterday. My shoes were so much prettier before yesterday’s obstacle course the race coordinator’s called a “trail run.”
I had great support from my husband (who placed in his age group!), and great stamina support from my running buddy, Courtney, who didn’t leave me behind (and she could have, several times!).
The race was a 4.1 trail run – completely different than what I was training to do. I was running on a track – no roots, no rocky bits, no stream crossings, or 400-foot-climbs. I barely ran. I started out running – a quick hill climb (which I really should have walked, but I thought it would have looked really silly to walk at the start line), and kept running until the golf cart trail turned into a narrow path in the thick woods.
This race kicked my butt.
And I can’t wait to do another one.
But I’ll leave trail races for the trail runners. I’m excited to actually try to RUN a race on a road. This trail was an obstacle course.
My goal is to do at least two more 5K’s before the weather turns. I have my eye set on the Great Race in downtown Pittsburgh (registering this week!), and possibly a Thanksgiving Day run here in Butler (the Turkey Trot!).
Lessons Learned:
- I get frustrated with myself very quickly. Even though I physically crossed the finish line, my head and heart gave up about halfway through. I need to work on this.
- I can’t compare myself with the other runners. I don’t know their stories, their histories, their stamina. I am not them.
- I hate running in the afternoon. I’m a first-thing-in-the-morning kind of runner.
- I need to keep training.
- The boys meeting me at the finish line was priceless. I fought back the tears. But that could have been tears of joy for having finished!
- It doesn’t matter what is offered to runners at the end of the race (yesterday there was a fully catered pasta and beer dinner – I was so looking forward to it!)…all I want is water. And more water. I skipped the free beer and pasta because I just wanted to go home. And drink water.
You are a rockstar!
have you ever thought about a marathon? (i thought the great race was a marathon, but I guess i’m confused).
I’ve always wanted to do one, but never got around to it. I was talking to a friend about it the other day…
Awesome job! I love your comment that you can’t wait for the next race. Running is so addictive. It gets in your blog.
Love your lessons learned. The second one is a great one…and one that I have to remind myself frequently.
great job! and i don’t know what it is, but seeing my kids along the way always makes me cry too. and then when i take the kids to go watch brad race, i cry then too. hmm, guess races make me cry. weird.