My Race

A little over 9 weeks ago I started the couch to 5K program. It was something that I was really excited about. I was excited that I found a race that looked like it was perfect for me. I was hoping it wasn't going to be too hot and I thought running through the gardens at Thanksgiving Point would be beautiful. I trained hard and was really looking forward to my first race. 

The week of my race I tripped down the stairs at our apartment. I heard the pop in my foot and it hurt. I tried my best to run on it the next day but couldn't do it. I was so mad. Of all the times to do this WHY NOW! I had Brian put icy-hot on it almost every night and didn't run for the rest of the week. The day before my race my foot still hurt. But I was determined to run, no matter what. 

I went to bed early on Friday and was up at 5 on Saturday. I simply could not sleep any longer. I laid in bed for a while, read my book and finally couldn't take it any longer. I got up and had a protein shake and started to get myself ready. I was so nervous. A little after 6 Spencer stumbled into our room and said he wanted apples. If we gave him apples he could sleep longer. I then informed him it was morning and he could be awake. He said it was such a short night... I had to agree with him. 

I gave myself lots of time and got to the race about 7:15 where I quickly found my sister in law Missy. We got our timing chips on and started our warm up. We didn't get very far before I was spotted by Suzanne. I knew Suzanne on my mission. I taught her son up in Park City. It was so neat to see her and catch up. It was her first race too... seriously, what are the chances. 

It was right before the race started that my thoughts were turned to someone else. They started talking about different families who were running for different reasons and in memory of loved ones lost... many were children. My thoughts were turned to Tyler... who today would be 16. Right before the race they released some doves and I had to fight the tears. 

The race started and we were off.... all 1000 runners. Some fast, some slow but all were moving. close to the start I saw Brian walking with the 3 kids. Almost started crying again. Turned the corner and started running back on where we just came from... saw Brian and the kids again. Spencer was so cute and it was awesome to see them. I ran with Missy for a while and then I just started going. I knew I could go faster. I think it  is easier to run faster. So I stuck the other ear phone in and just ran. Lots of people had pictures pinned to their backs of the babies that they had lost. I was again fighting the tears. I had to just stop looking. I did have lots of happy memories though of Tyler. 

The path was a little narrow in the gardens. It was hard to pass people. I would find someone that I wanted to keep pace with and then they would start walking. then they would pass me again. then start walking again. It was a little frustrating. I just tried to focus on running and not stopping. It was great to see mile 1... I thought, "wow, that was fast" then I started looking for mile 2. It seemed to take forever to get there. Then I started to focus on mile 3... it never seemed to come. Right before mile 3 there was a hill. not a gradual hill like the others in the race but a straight up HILL. Sad to say I had to walk it. I was HOT and I HATED that hill. once at the top you could see the finish line. I dug deep and started to sprint. it felt to good. 

Right at the finish line they were having you stop so they could cut the timing chips off your shoe. it was really hard to stop at that point. I wanted to keep walking, catch my breath and find some SHADE. Brian was right there and willing to get me anything I needed. Water, food and shade. They had fruit, bagels and bread to eat and chocolate milk. I had to go through the food line twice to get enough food for the kids. 

My time was 34:48. Not great but not bad. I think I could have done better... but now I know for next time. Yes there will be a next time. I think I will wait for fall. running in the heat is not my favorite thing to do. 

I did it! I finished my first 5K and it was great. nothing like setting a goal and then getting there. Now I have a new goal to get faster. Brian took this picture of me right after the finish line where they made me stop to get my chip clipped. All I wanted to do was keep moving. 

Later that day my Mom called to see how my race went. After I told her she told me they were sitting there watching my sister do her first 1/2 IRONMAN. she was just starting her 26K run. GO TONI! She is a great inspiration to me. I wish I could have been there to cheer her on :)