The Race That Started It All

Last year, at the beginning of January, my running partner asked me if I would run the 8 3/4 mile local race that happens every year. At that point in my life, I hadn't run more than 3 miles in probably 6 or 7 months. I begrudgingly agreed and we ran it together in 1:13. She kept me sane through the entire thing and kept me running. This sparked a love of running long distances in me. Yesterday, I ran the same race again. In 1:03. I shave ten minutes off last year's time!

The morning started with coffee and Greek yogurt with berries and peanut butter. Boyfriend got off work at 8am, and as soon as he got home, we were off to catch the shuttle.

It's a really small local race with only about 450 people running. When we got to the start line, I waited in line for the porta potties. They were the shortest lines ever, so I was in and out in 5 minutes and spent the rest of the time waiting for the start by staring at this view.

I mean, really, it was awful. 

We all lined up at the race started at 10am promptly. The 8.75 and 3 milers started together and the 5.75 mile race started an hour later. The race is an extremely hilly course with big hill climbs and steep downhills. There is a river crossing at mile 6 and you get to finish on the beach with soggy shoes.

I made the mistake of being right up front with all of the local cross country boys. I started way too fast, with my first mile clocking in under 7 minutes. With massive hills. Boyfriend kept up with me until mile two when he fell behind. For awhile, I was running with some really nice boys from the team. They broke away from me and I, again, found myself alone for most of the race. When I got to the beach, my legs were absolutely dead. I was desperately trying to stay under 8 minute miles, and I did. I kicked it into high gear when I saw the finish line, wanting to make it before 1:04. My Garmin said 8.55 miles, so being Type A, I cooled down to get it to say 8.75.

Boyfriend and my mom had completely missed my finish because they were walking down the beach, but they found me.

I waited at the finish line for my friend who completely surprised me by finishing her race in under an hour!!! She just started running again at the end of last month and she ran the 5.75 mile race in 54 minutes. She's amazing!!

Then, the best part of my whole day happened when my running partner came up to me and gave me a huge hug! She had her baby 7 weeks ago and she ran the whole 5.75 mile race WITHOUT walking. She didn't tell anyone she was doing it because she thought she was just going to walk it. This is why she's my partner in running crime. Because she's just as crazy as I am.

The college band was on the beach playing for the runners, and I joined in in the dancing.

I was also interviewed for the local news, so that was weird.

I was rungry by the time I got to the car, so we stopped at our local sandwich shop for a lettuce wrap.

When I checked the official times, I was very surprised to learn that I was first in my age group by 2 minutes. I was shocked. Boyfriend came in first in his as well! I won't tell you that he was the only one. :-D All in all, it was a pretty fantastic day. Followed by homemade sushi with the ladies at night.

How was your Saturday??