Why You Have To Run Your Race

Last Sunday, I decided to run 13.1 miles with my run group. They are all familiar with my run/walk method, and one assured me that she'd be ok with going at my pace. So, I met with them and we set off.

That's me on the right. :)

Right away, everyone put on their music and took off. So, I took off as well. While I tried to indicate that I wanted to run, I was unable to get my friend's attention; so I kept on running.

We headed straight up South Blvd. which is quite hilly. Although our pace was MUCH slower than the others in the group, we ran it for 6.5 miles. That was when my knee (the same knee which I'm still rehabbing), started to hurt. I stopped immediately. My friend looked back after a few minutes and I told her that I had to walk. My knee hurt too much. So we went at my pace for the last half of our run.

When the run was over, I felt terrible. My feet were killing me, my knee and legs were sore and I was beyond tired. I took my shoes off and drove home in my socks.

It took me a while to make it to my 3rd floor condo, but when I finally got inside, I begged my husband for the rubbing alcohol and ice pack (yes, I keep them in the fridge for days such as this! Here's how you make it.)

I usually hurt after my long runs, but this time, it took 5 days for me to recover. And it's all my fault. I should have stuck to the run/walk method and not let peer pressure influence me.

That afternoon, I got a call from an elderly neighbor. She saw that I was having trouble walking and wanted to make sure I was alright. I saw her the next day and explained what happened. She gave me a big hug and encouraged me to keep on running.

That, I will do. But from now on, I'm running my race at my pace.