Race Day October 8, 2011

I made it to the starting line!  After months of training, a few weeks of losing my focus and falling off the horse (so they say) with my exercise, after the highs and lows of training, today was race day!  My stomach was in knots the entire car ride to the event, so much so that I skipped breakfast (a BIG no no for runners).  My sister-in-law met me there, a few weeks ago she had agreed to run/walk the race with me; I think she could see my motivation start to go out the window when she say things like "how's training going?" and I'd shuffle my feet, avoid eye contact, and reply "oh, you know, not bad."  I was so glad she was there!

Nervously, I approached the tent to get my packet of goodies and race timer.  After some fiddling for 10 minutes (I had neglected to bring pins, which an expert would have known to bring), I was able to attach my number to the front of my shirt.  It didn't look fancy like the other runners, but at least it was on!  The Fit at 5K was being sponsored by our local Channel 6 News team, and while I waited for them to call us to the starting line, I was able to sit back and do a little celeb seeing (sight seeing for local celebrities).  It was fun to see the familiar TV faces, until it dawned on me that the race itself would be aired on TV, meaning there would be a chance for ME to end up on TV too!  At that point, there went the stomach again, tied in knots and I wondered why I had chosen such a public race for my debut!  I thought again how grateful I was that my sister-in-law would be next to me; there always seems to be safety in numbers!

The announcer finally called runners to the starting line and I joined the crowd, a bit unsure of where to stand.  I chose to be in the middle of the pack, reasoning that, just like my students at school, nobody wants to be in the front where you can be noticed (unless you are really serious about this running stuff and really really good).  The adrenaline started to take over and I jogged in place a bit, loosening up, wanting so much to just go!  Kelly LeBreque, from Channel 6 News, made a brief speech that served to pump us up and turned us all into "woo" girls (and guys).  And then, just like that, we were off!

I started out running with virtually everyone, although I was quickly passed by many of the more seasoned athletes.  I didn't care, I wasn't last and I planned on pacing myself so I could finish.  I wasn't in a race with anyone but myself that day!  About 10 minutes into the race, out of sight of the cameras interestingly enough, the majority of the runners stopped and began a brisk power walk.  The runners destined to place well in the race, quickly were out of sight, as the rest of us settled into a beautiful jaunt along the Back Cove of Portland.  My sister-in-law and I were able to keep up a constant conversation, even if a bit breathless, as we admired the fancy houses and the beautiful ocean and city views.  After a brief discussion on how much we thought these houses were worth, we came to our first water station.  A smile crossed my face and I turned to my sister-in-law, "We should run and get the water, like we see in the marathon.  It will give us the full experience!"  We both broke into a slow jog as the volunteers held out a Dixie cup of water to each of us as we passed by.  I realized two things at that moment: trying to drink out of a Dixie cup while running is tough business, and dropping your used Dixie cups on the ground during a race is not considered littering.  I'm sure some amazing volunteer cleaned up after us.  But, still, it felt odd to just drop my cup and go!

The race route wound through some residential sections and volunteers were stationed every so often to tell you which way to go.  They were really wonderful people, offering cheers and words of encouragement and a few jokes along the way.  There were some hilly areas that my sister-in-law and I dutifully walked (I had not trained for running up hill at this point in the program).  We walked a good portion of the race, but I didn't care.  I wasn't going to come in last, the day was beautiful, I had wonderful company and at least I was brave enough to be here!

Towards the end, we rounded the top of a hill that brought us back to the starting/finish line.  We both broke into a run at that point and I was pumped!  I could not stop grinning from ear to ear as I heard my friends and family cheer me home.  My sister-in-law and I gave each other a high five as we crossed under the balloon arbor that marked the end of the race.  I had made it!  Not only that, I wasn't last and I had finished in under an hour!  Setting out, those were my only goals, and I did it!!  The feeling was amazing!!!

So, couch potatoes, it CAN be done!  We CAN set our goals and reach them, with a little sweat and maybe a few tears.  Now the only question I have is, what will my next challenge be and who will join me?  Come on, you know you can make it!  I'll be right there beside you, like my sister-in-law was for me!