Health & Fitness
Firecracker 4 Miler Recap
Well, friends, my race was not pretty.
When I got into the car, the temp read 80 degrees. It was 7:40am.
Let me go back a bit. Last nights dinner put me into salt overload. And on top of that, Mr. RWM and I shared a Volcano at the Chinese restaurant. Not my best choice. I did not sleep well, but that is not too unusual before a race. OK, back to the race.
I was pre-registered so I just had to pick up my number and shirt. I ran my shirt back to the car and then straight to the nearest port-a-potty. Not a good sign.
Beth found me while I was standing in line and I saw Elaine parking from where I was. Yay, friends are all accounted for.
Before the race, there was a kids fun run and that is always very cute to watch. Then it was time to line up. Beth and I stayed together. We usually run on Thursday night anyway, so this was good.
The sun was not out, yet, but it was HOT! We chatted and I also had another friend come up along side us to say hello. It is always so nice to see people you know. I walked through the water stop and then we ran again. In the turn around my stomach started to rumble and I was really feeling the heat. Don't think that was a good combination.
Right around the start of mile 3, I told Beth to go on without me. I needed to slow down. Honestly, I started casing bushes just in case... Luckily, I didn't need one. Slowing down helped a lot.
I was running again and I had Beth in my sights but I was pretty sure I couldn't catch her. I got mad. I may have yelled in frustration. It also may have been in my head. I can't say for sure but it was here that an older gentleman came up along side of me. When I say older, I mean 80.
He said hello and mentioned how tough the course was and the heat. I couldn't help but agree. He asked why I started running and I told him a little about myself. I told him about my marathon and training coming up and that I have only been running for two years.
He on the other hand, has been running a long time and has run almost 900 races! His name was Wayne and he came up to me in the moment when I needed someone the most. Thanks Wayne!
Wayne knew one of the volunteers and stopped to talk with them. I keep on going. I knew any chance of even coming close to my PR, 43:01, was gone. I decided to just go with the flow and do what felt right. I chatted with a women for a minute who was also struggling. I wished her luck and moved on.
In front of me at this point, was a girl in a yellow shirt and she also was having a hard time. I ran up next to her and said hello and told her to hang on, you can do it. I needed to hear it to.
I turned right and a volunteer told me less than half a mile. Yes! The girl in yellow was behind me and I heard her say it was her first race. She picked a doozie!
I remember hating this last half mile last year and this year proved no different. I sped up a bit because I just wanted to be done! However, I thought about the girl behind me and I turned back to see her walking. I stopped and yelled to her, "Come on, let's run in together!' I knew the finish was the next turn but she didn't. She caught up and we went. When she saw the finish, she took off and I loved watching her cross her first finish line.
After she was gone, I saw Beth who was cheering me on and then I saw Mr. RWM. I thought he might be there but there was on definite plan so I was so psyched to see him! Elaine was closer to the finish cheering me on, and I was just so happy to be done. 46:14 is my official time.
Beth and Elaine had great races. Beth finished in 42:xx and Elaine, 34:xx! Nice job ladies!
So yeah, not my best race. It was hot, full of hills, stomach issues for a short time, and my head was just not there. I was bummed that I had told Beth to go on without me, but happy that I spoke with Wayne and New Runner Girl which may or may not of happened if I stayed with Beth. I truly believe that things happen for a reason and I was meant to talk with the people I did yesterday.
We got water and fruit and waited for the official times to be posted. New Runner Girl found me and thanked me for getting her to the finish. I told her this is a tough race and the next one she chooses won't be so bad, most likely. I also told her that she did a great job! I hope she continues to run.
Beth, Elaine and I headed out for a lovely breakfast. And yes, I love this part. Hanging with my friends and talking and laughing. The bad run vanished into a happy memory of running with friends. I finished and did more than I ever did two years ago. That is what really matters. It's all good.
I hope you had a great 4th! Remember, if you are running and dressing in Red, While and Blue to post you picture to my FB page. The pic with the most likes will win a Believe Shubeez. The winner will be announce on Monday.
We spent the rest of the day with friends and finished it off with fireworks.
Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole