Three weeks ago my BFF Christy (who is an AMAZING long distance runner) convinced me, in a moment of sleep deprived weakness, to sign up for the 10k Firecracker Race in Pogonip Open Space in S.C. on July 4th. I'm not a runner. I don't even LIKE running. I basically avoid it at all costs. So, even though I work out regularly (tae kwon do, cross fit, kickboxing and now Zumba), I do not run. But, here I was signing up for it anyways and thinking about how I was going to go from not running at all to running a 10k in LESS than 3 weeks.
Yeah, I'm not sure what I was thinking. But I set up a running schedule that started out on the treadmill at the gym doing first a 2 mile run, then a 3 mile run, then a 4 mile run the first week with no regard as to the time it took to do it, but rather just making the distance. The second week I hit the trails at Henry Cowell and ran around the .8 mile loop there starting to track my time/distance ratio. The second week I worked up to 8 loops which was equivalent to 6.4 miles. I was averaging about a 9-10 mn mile. I was getting in 2-3 runs a week. This last week I only got in 2 runs and felt really lackluster both times.
Last night I kinda panicked. The part that concerned me the most was that I had trained on exclusively FLAT territory the entire time and they call this race/course "The Hill" for a reason. Basically, the whole middle part is all uphill. I got NO sleep last night tossing and turning stressing out about everything that could go wrong, wondering what to expect (I've never done a race before), imagining myself tripping on my laces, stumbling on a rock and twisting my ankle, passing out on the hill etc... I'm a total worry wart.
But there was no turning back because I had also signed up the kids to do the 1k kid race and they were really excited about doing their first race too. Sadly, my friend Christy seriously injured her leg and couldn't do the race which was a total bummer for both of us.
I somehow managed to get the whole family up this morning at 6:30 am, which considering it was a day off for everyone was a feat in and of itself. Had a cup of coffee (BAD idea, with it being a diuretic and all, now I know....) and an energy bar and off we went.
The kids race was first and so stinking cute. Ellie, as expected, ran faster than her big brother but that girl outruns most kids twice her age. She has AMAZING natural runner's form. Such a thrill watching her sprint down to the finish line and see the pride on her face. Gavin and his BFF Nate (Christy's son) were right behind. They looked exhausted but equally proud to have made it. We had so much fun cheering for them! Here is a short video of the kids coming across the finish line!
Password: 1k
firecracker 1k kids from pascale wowak on Vimeo.
Then it was my turn to take off. Feeling the energy of the crowd of runners was very cool albeit I had a hard time initially finding "my" pace amongst all the different paces out there especially since I had trained alone these last three weeks and wasn't used to running with a group or even another person. Eventually I found a gal in blue shorts ahead of me that seemed to be at what I thought was my pace and just decided to keep "trained" on her and not worry about anything else. I had a GREAT playlist on my IPOD and just got into a groove. The hill did nearly kill me though and at one point was SO STEEP that I had to walk up it as fast as I could because there was no way I could run up that one particular spot. Then I had to find my pace again because I had lost my "rabbit" so to speak. I was soooooo happy to see the finish line approaching and dug deep to really hustle down those last 100 yards. My final time was 53:30. Which ended up being just slightly faster than my usual time!
Best part of the race? Seeing my kids and husband cheering me on at the finish line. Second best part? The popsicle they gave everyone who ran. :)
I used my little point and shoot to catch the video of the kids running but the camera was going on the fritz on me and not allowing me to get any pictures of the kids which was driving me crazy. This little P&S is only a year old and should not be doing this so I'm hoping it was a one time problem and will not happen again. Grrrr. I had no idea if the video portion would even come out but it worked and my hubby even filmed me coming in at the finish line for me which was a nice surprise! Here's my finish! Wooohoooo! I ended up coming in 5th in my division. For a first time runner who only trained for 3 weeks I'd say that's not too shabby! I just may have to do this again.... (by the way, I'm still not a natural runner and it was absolutely painful and challenging with every single step, this was NOT an easy run and I had to WORK for it...I envy all those gazelle like runners out there who weren't even breathing heavy whizzing by me as I was huffing and puffing and drenched in sweat!)
password: 10k
Firecracker 10k from pascale wowak on Vimeo.
So, a great way to start of the 4th of July and celebrate our country's independence. We are going to go see the Fireworks show in SV tonight so if you are there and see us, swing by and say HI!!! :)
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!
