Well today was the big day for me. Des News 10k is....done. I spent the last 8 weeks tyring to trick my legs into running, and I think they are finally catching on. For me, the worst part of running is having to wake up early, especially on race days. Anything before 6am is early, and I'm not a "before 6am" morning person.
RAD gave me a wake up call, and even a ride to the event. (Thank you) I think you can hire her for wake up calls/event transportation for a small fee, or maybe just a smile. :) Since I wasn't smiling much at 5am, I might owe her some money.
I was happy that my teenage son decided to run the 10k with us too. This was his first 10k, and hopefully not his last. It was fun to meet some new people. I met Carolyn in Colorado, just as pleasant and friendly in real life as on the blog. I met Cat, briefly, as she ran by me on her way down the hill. I also met Allie, who wasn't running, but I hear she is a speedy gal.
I felt good about the run. Got a text from Quiet Pirate at mile one, I was surprised at my newfound ability to run and text at the same time. QP couldn't join us today, but she got a chuckle out of the pix we sent her with the Quiet Pirate signs on our backs. Going downhill, I felt good enough to talk to a lot of people along the way, and it felt even better to be able to pass them, even if slowly. The last 1/2 mile up to the finish line was hard. I was already tired and it took everything for me to sprint. It was nice to see RAD and CIC waiting to run with me into the finish line. I guess my teenage son was too cool to run with me to the finish line. Somehow, that kid beat me, without even practicing at all for the 10k....that seems so unfair.
After I got a drink and caught my breath, I went out to meet my other family members that werer running the 5k. I was proud to see my teenage daughter running, and not walking. I ran with her into the finish line. After she stopped she released her balloon into the sky, as a sign of victory. I went back and found my youngest running, neck to neck, alongside his cousin. My husband couldn't keep up with the 2 boys as they sprinted to the finish line, and he finished a short time later. Regardless of his finish time, my husband liked hearing me call him my "5k althlete" all morning. I walked back into the 5k runners one last time to find Grandma and the baby stroller. She may be 25 years older than me , but she can still walk faster than me. We took a few family pictures once everyone was done. Wow- What a fun morning. Heading to a BBQ and fireworks this evening. Reminds me of the song by One Republic, "This has got to be the good life..." :)
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