On May 3 2008, I participated in the MS Run For Research 8K Race. For all of my friends who don't run, an 8K is a 5 mile race. :) I know two very special women who have been diagnosed with MS so this race was significant to me. I dedicated this race them. In their honor, I decorated my race hat by ironing on their names and gluing on sequins.
It was a beautiful day for a race. Sunny and 66 degrees for the 9:30 am start time. It was windy! At times, I was being blown sideways as I ran the course.
There were a total of 42 runners doing the 8K race. There were hundreds of walkers doing a 1 mile and 3 mile walk/run on part of the 8K course. Each group had a different start time. Our 5 mile group started first. The 3 mile group was starting as I was finishing. To help us all navigate, there were color coded signs for the 1 milers, 3 milers and 5 milers. Still I was nervous about getting lost...
I am not good with directions. I have gone out for a 4 mile run and ended up running 6 because I got lost. :) So, at the race check in when she was explaining to me that the 8K course was a modified loop, my first thought was I might end up running my first half marathon today.
To add to my navigational challenge, the 8K race was made up of such a small group of runners, I was concerned that I would not be able to keep up and just follow the crowd like I typically do in races. Luckily, there were volunteers standing on the course who were paying attention to the runners. When I came around the second time, one of the volunteers waved me in so I didn't miss the turn.
I ran most of the race alone but I did not finish last. Out of 42 runners, I finished number 24 overall. There were 15 women in my age group. I finished number 7 in my age group.
The course was very flat overall. However, there was one very long hill that we had to run up twice. I was loving that hill the second time around. I passed 1 runner walking up the hill and another runner who had slowed her running pace dramatically on the hill. Then at mile marker 4, I passed two other runners (who were unable to recover from the second trip up the hill). Thank you hill!
As I approached the finish line, I had nothing left. That was great! I am disappointed when I end a race feeling like I could keep running forever. Not this time. I remember literally just putting one foot in front of the other. I had total tunnel vision and no sounds. All I could see were the balloons arched over the finish line. Then, like being awakened with a start, I heard Lauren cheering "Mommy!".
Right on time, she and Matt were waiting for me at the finish line. It is a great feeling to have my fans waiting for me at the finish line. At every race, they wait for me. Lauren cheers "Mommy!" every time. I never get used to it. Every time it feels special. I get goose bumps.
