I skipped this week's Saturday morning run and instead ran the 31st Shamrock Run 8K Race on Sunday. I participated in the race last year with my good friend Corinne and fellow runner Laura, and had a great time (Lauren cheered us on)! I remembered at around mile 4 there was an aid station with little cups of Guinness. You can't beat a race that serves you beer while you run!
I'm sure many of you were still sleeping Sunday morning around 6:30 am, but I was up listening to the rain come down. I finally pulled myself out of bed (after much consideration of just sleeping through the whole thing), found my green shorts and shirt, pulled on my shoes, zipped up my heavy, waterproof jacket, and headed out the door. It was pouring.
I met up with the rest of my team before the race to pick up my timing chip and bib number. Then, among 20,000 people, I lost my team. I was really running solo this time, which was new to me. I run by myself all the time, but when I do these little races, I've always had a friend there with me. I missed that. I had a side ache that stayed with me throughout the race, and I had to get through it by myself. Corinne is usually at my side, saying "You can do it, just breathe." This time it was all me, and her little voice in my head.
I'm sure many of you were still sleeping Sunday morning around 6:30 am, but I was up listening to the rain come down. I finally pulled myself out of bed (after much consideration of just sleeping through the whole thing), found my green shorts and shirt, pulled on my shoes, zipped up my heavy, waterproof jacket, and headed out the door. It was pouring.
I met up with the rest of my team before the race to pick up my timing chip and bib number. Then, among 20,000 people, I lost my team. I was really running solo this time, which was new to me. I run by myself all the time, but when I do these little races, I've always had a friend there with me. I missed that. I had a side ache that stayed with me throughout the race, and I had to get through it by myself. Corinne is usually at my side, saying "You can do it, just breathe." This time it was all me, and her little voice in my head.
The weather took a toll on everyone. I kept hearing comments being made on the weather. It was definitely hard to ignore. Rain pelted your face, gusts of wind blew the group to one side of the road or pushed you back. Less than ideal conditions, but that's just part of running in Oregon.
The course started at the waterfront, wound its way around downtown, out to southwest (just past my house), then back to the waterfront. Coming down the final stretch I was focusing on the finish line and the free beer that awaited me, when some man came up beside me, told me I had a nice stride, and continued on. It was the BEST compliment and run that I've ever had - actually the first. I cruised through the finish line with the biggest smile on my face.
It worked out perfectly that the sun came out after the whole event had ended. This race was a great experience for me. Never have I been so wet, never have I finished a race so cold, and never have I had to face wind like I did on Sunday. The reality of it is - that's Oregon in the spring - wet, cold, and at times windy. I feel a little more prepared for the elements that I might face on April 5 (RACE DAY). I also experience running without a friend pushing you on. Come Race Day, it'll just be me running among the thousands of other people. That's something that is still scary to me. I'm beginning to come to terms with it.
Thanks for all of your support!! I'm getting so close to my goal! A quick THANK YOU to those who donated this week - Dad, Corinne, Judy, Trevor, Chris, Lauren, Gina! You guys rock!
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