My very first 10k

The night before the race, I was so excited I couldn't sleep. I got a total of 5 hrs rest before heading to the kitchen for my pre run breakfast: a homemade breakfast bar and 4 oz of water. Coffee upsets my stomach before a race so I stopped at 7-11 & picked up 5 Hour Energy. I just knew I was gonna crash if I didn't.

So, I get to OrthoCarolina and wait around for a few women from my running group. After brief introductions and nervous confessions, we line up for the race. I like to be in the back so I won't feel too intimidated watching hundreds of people pass me by. I went through that during my first few races and didn't enjoy it too much. I know now to run "my race" but that feeling never really leaves you.

I set my Nike Sportsband, crank up Linkin Park and at the sound of the gun, we are off! I ran the route once before but that was back in June. I wasn't too confident about the route; I knew there were some steep hills. But hey, I've run more miles than 6.2; I should be fine.

And for the most part, I was. Linkin Park was motivating and because of the hills, I decided to run an even pace throughout, slowing when I reached hills. And OMG, were there hills! The first 3 miles were nothing but hills and inclines. We had almost a mile of flat road and there I decided to turn it up a bit. I really wanted to make up for those hills.

After 4.5 miles, I started to get a little frustrated and found myself thinking, "another f@*%ing hill?!?" I was trying my best not to walk; I'd been running throughout and walked only to drink from the two water stations. I really didn't remember all of these hills! Had I run the correct route? Or was my memory just awful?! Either way, I had to suck it up; I was more than halfway to the finish.

Enough with the complaining, I focused on finishing as best I could. I had noticed that my running form slacked off a bit, so I readjusted to mid strike and focused on breathing. I felt a cramp coming on and had NO time for that!

After passing the six mile sign, I knew the monster hill was next. And by the way, who the hell puts a steep hill right before the finish line?! @__@

I slowed down, took shorter steps and pumped my arms til I reached the top. I was so tired! Throughout the race, I'd been able to push through and continue, but I really felt like stopping. I looked up and saw the finish line and knew I had to keep going. Stop now? That was absurd.

Although I felt my pace had fallen, I continued to run. I was just soooo tired. However, when I heard the people cheering for me, telling me you got this, it gave me the strength to increase my speed. I was almost there. I could rest once I crossed the finish line...just cross the finish line.

Then I saw the time. Oh shit! It said 1:17:38 and counting. I picked up my pace and sprinted through the finish. I'd be damned if I added another minute to this already miserable time. I was deeply disappointed it wasn't better, but in time, I know it will be.

RACE RESULTS
Bib: 732
Last time of day: 1:17:52
Pace: 12:32
Division: 1F4449
Division place: 21/26
Overall: 255

from left to right: Marilyn, Me & Tonya

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