Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 5K is one of my favorite races. It's well organized, the course is suburban (and therefore out of the ordinary for me), and the weather's cool. This morning I got up and my neck/shoulder was sore (a problem I've had off and on since age 13 or so, but why did it have to flare up today?) But I said to myself, "so f***ing what." Everyone has aches. Today I decided to run a sub-30 5K. I've done it only once before, a 29:21 at the Lung Run in 2006 (although to this day I think the course must've been short because I don't think I really ran that fast... I even recall walking a bit during the race).
We met Teresa there. Before lining up at the start, we shared a hug and she gave me a pep talk--- "I know you can do it. I know you can do it today." I felt like I could, too. I ran the first mile in less than 9 minutes. Uh oh. That's too fast for me to maintain (at least for now!). So I slowed and tried to keep around a 9:30 minute/mile pace thoughout. I'm not perfect at pacing... sometimes I was faster, and sometimes I was slower. But I passed the two-mile marker at 18-something, so I knew I was doing okay in that regard. I usually start to slow down around 2.5, but not this time. I kept telling myself that it would all be over in about 5 minutes or so... suck it up and keep going. I'd be pissed at myself if I lost focus and blew it (like I usually do!). I thought of Teresa and Uncle Dick waiting for me at the finish and how happy and proud of me they'd be if I met my goal. And how much I'd enjoy telling John about it after he finished the race.
My legs felt like lead as the finish line came into sight. I usually have a little "kick" at the end, but not this time. I didn't see Teresa and Uncle Dick while I was running, but I certainly heard them. After I crossed the line and knew that I was under 30, I turned to the left and Teresa and Uncle Dick were right there. I fell into their arms. Wow. If I had had enough energy, I probably would've cried. 29:46 (I don't think I hit my watch quite right at either the start or the finish, which explains the discrepancy in the picture above).
After the race, we met and talked with a barefoot runner. Hmmm... intriguing. There are always nice people at races. Pizza and hot soup in the tent, then we met John and congratulated him on his race. He knew right away by the smile on my face what my result was.
I'm very happy with myself that I was able to reach down and grab some inner strength that is sometimes hard to find. I'm even happier that I was able to do it surrounded by people who love me. I think I'll take a nap now.
Congratulations!!!
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