September 19, 2009: Race Day
One of my goals for 2009 was to run in an organized race and on September 19th I did just that. I had originally set my sights on a half-marathon, but I just could not get myself prepared mentally and it affected my training. It's amazing how large a role the mind plays in physical endeavours; if the mind isn't in the game neither is the body. So, instead of the half-marathon, I ran the 5K.
This was the second race I've ever run and the first time with a chip so that was kind of exciting. I felt like a real racer. (Hah!) Mitch and I arrived at the race site while it was still dark and very chilly and I have to admit that I was kind of crabby that morning. I didn't want to be there - I was tired and cold, but most importantly I felt intimidated by all the "real athletes" and was disappointed in myself for not being one of them. I felt as if I had no right to be at the event. After watching the marathoners, half-marathoners, and relay-marathoners take off, I started to get excited. I could feel the energy in the air and some of that magic rubbed off on me.
My nerves got to me as the 5K-ers lined up, but after we started moving I was nothing less than thrilled. I was now happy for the cool temperatures and realized that those "real athletes" I had been watching earlier had started out where I was and that only meant I could get to where they were.
I had a lot of fun at this race - more than I thought possible. While I wasn't thrilled with my time (33:02), I was happy I ran the whole thing and realized that now I have a time to beat. You can't set records if you don't have a starting point, right? In any case, it was a wonderful morning and I can't wait to race again!
