April 24, 2010

So I know I should be posting this with pictures, but they are on Evan's phone and I don't know how to upload them. Sorry folks. Anyways I finally ran 13.1 miles and it wasn't that enjoyable believe it or not. Evan was a wonderful husband and got up with me the morning of at 5:30 am and we drove down to Thanksgiving Point. While talking about all the freakishly skinny runners there we started placing bets on who would win this. Evan is really good on helping me not get stressed out about stuff, so this talk helped ease the nerves. So by the time we started I was in a great mood laughing with him and it all got started. It was actually a pretty course it went through the Thanksgiving Point golf course that had the tulips blooming and other flowers so it wasn't dull by any means. The only downfall of the golf course are the out of control hills, no thanks on that. I was feeling good all the way until mile 10 when I just decided I felt like dying. My feet were hurting with the new shoes and all, (read previous post) and I was starting to feel some major rubbage. (Is that a word, if not I just made it up) On top of it, this 75 year old Grandma would pass me, walk and as soon as I would catch up she would start running. At mile 11 she explained to me that I was motivating her. Oh thanks, I'm glad a 75 year old lady is running faster then me, confidence booster sunk by 100 points. On top of that this old lady is talking like its no big deal. Asking where I'm from, am I in school, am I married? I was barely gasping out replies and finally she realized she might have a death on her hands if she kept on chatting with me so she picked up the pace and passed me again. Wonderful. At this point I was keeping my goal pace of 9:30-10:00 minute miles. But by mile 11 to mile 12 with my feet, I swear I could feel the blisters forming I got a wonderful 13 minute mile, by the last mile when people were hustling to the finish oh a wonderful 15 or 16 minute mile. My gas tank was fresh out of juice. I did finish however, with no walking. I kept a constant pace, well minus the last two miles, and as soon as I finished I was on the verge of tears because I saw my time and realized I didn't make my goal. 2:24 was the final time, and I kicked off my shoes to quarter and dime sized blisters on my feet with Evan (the sweetest guy in the world) hugging me and telling me what a great job I did. And here I am almost in tears telling him how I didn't make my goal. Oh well, it's weird how you're emotions get when you're just exhausted. Overall it really was a great experience. Evan even seemed more motivated to maybe run one(maybe he was joking) because he wanted a medal and is more excited for the Wasatch Back we are tackling June 18th. Thanks to everyone for the early morning texts, Tina and Amber! They meant the world to me that you guys were thinking of me that early. And thanks to everyone while I was racing that sent kind words and immediately after as well. And especially thanks to Evan who was there the whole time and was cheering me on throughout the race. Don't think I would've been able to do it without him, he is the best husband in the world and took care of me the whole day. I love you to pieces Ev!