Race day was perfect! I was worried that it was going to be super windy because it gets that way here a lot in the spring. But the temperature was ideal and the location was also. It was held at an elementary school, so there was a playground where the kids could hang out while they waited for me.
The course was so beautiful! My last course was beautiful too, but I couldn't enjoy it because it was so grueling. I was literally climbing small mountains. But this time it was flat, thankfully.
When I got to the starting point, I made my way to the front, and told myself that I would start there and stay there. After they did the final countdown and we were off, I passed a few people and then I passed about three more guys later. I found my pace and saw that a guy was just a couple paces ahead of me. He was a little faster, so I figured I'd do pretty well if I could stick right behind him the entire race, and I did. I felt really good up until the last half mile, but soon I could see the school in sight, and I got renewed energy to push to the end.
I came in second overall for women and 8th overall out of 167 participants with a time of 23:08. They awarded prizes to the top three men and women. I received my silver medal, a fun gift basket filled with nice soaps and shampoos, and a gift card to New Balance. I hesitate to buy new running shoes, though, because I have become so attached to mine. They were a gift from my parents back in high school, (which makes me feel old along with the shoes), and they have held up so well. They are still in good condition and are well-worn and comfy. They have been good to me.
Rob told me that the girl who beat me came in three minutes ahead. She was FAST! She totally deserved the win. The top guy came in at just over 17 minutes. Wild!
About a week and a half before the race, I had a weird knee injury, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to participate. But I took it really easy for a few days and then only ran short distances for the other few days, and was thankfully okay by race day.
I am so glad that I found a passion in running. I really enjoy it, and it has allowed me to set fitness goals and reach them.
You can see the starting point where all the people are. They launched a hot air balloon too as we started.
Coming into the finish.
It's over!
Accepting my medal
The awards ceremony
6 comments:
Christine, you are amazing!
You are a STUD! 8th overall is unbelievable! I cannot believe you still have shoes from HS. That cracks me up. I know you are attached, but I think it's time:-). I probably get running shoes about once a year. Some people say you need to get new ones every 500 miles so you definitely hold the record of running shoes that have been used the longest! It was fun reading about your run! It would be fun to read a similar blog next Saturday;-).
wow. That is AWESOME. You are awesome, and I love that you don't want to buy new shoes. There something to be said for a broken in pair of running shoes . . .
Awesome girl! That looked like a fun running coarse. So proud of my sis:)
Way to go Christine!
You are seriously awesome! Great Job!!
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