Sally and I are official runners now! We've done the training runs to prepare us; we've had the early morning race day jitters and the pre-requisite breakfast banana before heading out in the early morning light to meet up with thousands of other folks who also had the bright idea that this would be more exhilarating than staying home under a warm down blanket this day. Those 21,000 people were right.
As we stood in the 15K heat (and I'm not talking about warmth) waiting for the gun to go off I glanced over at my little sister and felt so much pride, joy and love that I had to bite my lip lest I start tearing up. Saved by the starting gun!
We saw Troy around mile marker two and he was a cross between frenzied paparazzi and dutiful supporting husband, as he snapped photos and then ran up the block ahead of us to snap more as we travelled up Broadway! (Thanks, Troy!)
Soon thereafter Sal and I gave each other the "love you" nod and she forged ahead while I traveled my own pace.
The Terwilliger hill? Not as daunting as I anticipated, thank-you-very-much. Before long it began winding down hill... Ahhh, down hill...... And then zchooooop.....another HILL??? Course Designer, I hate you.
But before I knew it, mile marker 6 turned into 7, which morphed into 8......9..... and I was running (with springing steps I think Mr. Webster would be proud of) down the chute to the FINISH LINE!
Troy was on my right, Sally and Eric on my left as I crossed the finish at 1:46!
Why do we run?
We run to achieve a goal.
We run to challenge our bodies and our minds.
We run to be a part of something that collectively is bigger than we are as individuals.
We run so we can say, "I did that".
We run for reward.
Today I ran for pizza.
And to spend an early Sunday morning with my sister.
How many people get to say THAT?!?
You captured our morning well. I can honestly say its the best morning I've had all year! Can't wait for April 11th!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I especially love the part, "We run so we can say, "I did that". It was so awesome to see you guys finish and thanks for finding me at the end of my race! You ladies rock!
ReplyDeleteDad and I are so proud of you both...meeting goals is a good high...don't forget to rest once in awhile...keep us posted on your progress...
ReplyDelete"We can't all be heroes because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."
ReplyDelete- Will Rogers
Dad and I will be clapping!