About a week ago I ran my first race in...oh my gosh, ten years!!! I registered for the race months ago and in that time I started training so I could build my endurance and stamina. In the beginning I was very diligent about running on the treadmill and I even dedicated my time to strength training. It took weeks to get into a habit and routine with my workouts, and after those weeks I started seeing results. I felt better, had more energy, and my muffin top was starting to disappear. Sadly, it doesn't take much to get out of habit and out of a routine.
In the middle of March I came down with the flu. I'm talkin about the stomach flu, and it kicked my butt. I was out of commission for a good 48 hours. And after those 48 hours I was so weak and so tired. I honestly can't remember the last time I was that sick. So to make a long story short, that was the beginning of the end of my training. I just couldn't get back into the habit of running. In the months following my "near death" experience with the flu I can only count a handful of times that I actually ran. It was bad! About a week leading up to the race I decided to run with my husband and during the run I was cussing myself out! All that training LOST! I was so mad at myself! I told my husband I was going to eat the registration fee and not attend the race. I just couldn't embarrass myself.
Well, about three days before the race my best friend called me up to see if I wanted to run the race with her. I hesitated at first, but then realized how much fun it would be to run a race with my bestie. The drive up to the race would be fun in itself. So I quickly said "YES!"
To put it simply the race was amazing! The day was gorgeous and the scenery was postcard perfect. Since I hadn't been training I was a bit rusty. I definitely did not run the entire 3 miles, but in way it was a good thing. I was able to enjoy the scenery all around me and visit with one of my best friends. I know she could have easily ran the entire 3 miles, but she stuck with me and encouraged me along the way. Toward the end of the race she pushed me to run the rest of the way. I'm not going to lie, it was a challenge. I was tired, my legs and feet hurt, but I just kept on going. I didn't want to give up. When I saw the finish line I was able to muster up enough strength and sprint to the finish! It felt sooooo good! We finished 3 miles in 38 minutes (about 12 minute miles.) It's not a record breaking time, but I'm still proud of it. We were the middle of the pack, so at least we weren't the last. But let me tell you something, the minute I crossed that finish line I was hooked! Hooked on running! I never thought I would LOVE to run, but now I do! I can't wait to run my next race! And hopefully I can do 10 minute miles! So sign me up and I'll see you at the finish line!!!!
