With the move and everything that happened the first 2 months of this year it was easy to become a bit depressed. Exercising was the only thing I had to help motivate me during the day while the kids were at school and Damon was at work. We joined a gym (I think for my sanity) and I found a great class that got me really running again. The class also had a great trainer who pushed me when all I wanted to do was stop.
So about mid February I found a 1/2 marathon that I could do. I was excited. Then I found out we had a swim meet the same day. I didn't let it set me back. I found another run for the weekend after the swim meet. This was my chance. I threw myself into training and continued to push my limits and miles on the treadmill. I had to do all my training indoors because I am not a cold weather runner.
The race was down in Provo which is about 25 minutes away. I found out that I had to be down there before 5:30am even though the race didn't start until 7am. So with the alarm set for 4am I woke up at 3:45am and started getting ready. Damon offered to drive me down there and then come back later with the kids. I thought that was very nice of him. We got down to Provo at 5am and Damon said goodbye. I went and picked up my number and timing chip and then boarded a school bus that was taking us up to the start line inside Provo Canyon.
It was weird doing a race where I didn't know anyone. I've always had someone with me at a race. But just like the rest of the journey that I had been on since January I was used to being alone. We got to the starting area and it was freezing and really dark. There were lots of fires going to keep us warm and everyone became really social as we were all huddled near each other for warmth.
My race was starting at 7:10am and about 6:50am I headed over to the starting line and started getting ready. By this time I couldn't feel my toes or fingers. I just kept telling myself once I got going I would be warm again.
The gun fired and we were off. I didn't really know where we were except near the river. My run was slow to begin because everything was cold, but it started to warm up after 10 minutes or so. All I had with me was my watch to help me keep time. There weren't any mile markers at the beginning of the race so I just kept running and assuming what mile I was on by what time was on my watch. The run was very pretty. We were on a river trail with the canyon surrounding us and the river right next to us. We passed campers along the way. I felt very much at peace. Running near the river was like running near the lake down in San Diego which made it feel familiar and comforting.
During my training I had paced myself for a 10-10:30 minute mile. So by the time I found my first mile marker at mile 9 (I went 9 miles without even thinking about it!!) I was surprised to see the time on my watch which read 1:23. My last training run had me at mile 8 at 1:23. I felt like shouting out loud a cheer of triumph. I managed a little fist pump. I didn't want to throw off my groove.
As I approached the finish line I started looking for my family. I was searching the crowds for my biggest fans and support system. Finally I heard Lily's voice saying "there she is" and knew exactly where to look. They were cheering a clapping and taking pictures of course. It was wonderful to see their supporting faces.
Next goal: Provo Half Ironman or Full Marathon.
3 comments:
That last picture is just like College Rachel. Have you made friends yet? I finally am. It's so hard sometimes!
You are amazing Rach! I think we need to do another race together!
This is awesome, Rach! I recently set a goal to run one mile without stopping. I did it the other day and thought I was going to DIE. I can't imagine a half, or even a full! Andrew wants me to do a 5K when we are in Seattle for his marathon in December. That thought FREAKS me out. Kinda wish you were here to train me. :)
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