New Thing #6- May 2010- Running in a Race

I did it. I ran in the Amy Thompson Run for Brain Injury race today. I went back and forth as to whether or not I'd do it. Ultimately, I couldn't not do it.

I was stoked to start running a while back and did really well for a while. Then I fell off the wagon due to some stress, chaos and general craziness.


I participated in the 2 mile run (there was also an 8k/ 5 mile run). I know. It's not hardcore. I am not hardcore. The good news is that the majority of those running a 2 mile race aren't necessarily hardcore either.

My strategy going into the race was to scope out an elderly bunch and lope alongside them and then, as I neared the end, I would pull out in front for a glorious sprint across the finish line, leaving my new blue-haired friends in the dust. Thus, I would not come in dead last. That was my plan. I also drank a Red Bull in preparation. Here's what the label claims, "Improves performance, especially during times of stress or strain. Increases concentration and improves reaction speed. Stimulates metabolism." Sweet. Sign me up.

There was an interesting mix of individuals running the race- young, old, really young, really old, pregnant women, folks pushing strollers, really fit and toned people, some not so fit and toned. Some of the more "fit and toned" category looked like they could have competed in the 8k, but were settling for this one so that they could do it with their kids. I overheard one dad leaning down and telling his son, "If we get separated, go towards the finish line." That's helpful. I made mental note to be ready to call Child Services if need be.

There was a Super Man.  I thought for sure I'd beat that dude. I didn't. He passed me after the 1 mile marker.

The race started with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. It's funny, I've had that song creep into my subconcious recently. If I'm thinking about a particulary challenging situation,  I somehow find myself humming that tune. It's very bizarre. The first time it happened, I just thought it was a weird happenstance. By the fourth time it happened, I thought it must be a sign. Today, I took it as my cue to think about the Big Picture.

(I do understand that the national anthem is sung prior to every type of sporting event and that this wasn't some weird coincidence. I might also remind you that I'm not a regular attender or participator of sporting events of any kind, so I don't often get a lot of exposure to that song.  I digress).

Ready. Set. Go! Off I went.

Thoughts that went through my head during the race, in chronological order:

• I love that we just sang The Star Spangled Banner. I'm so thankful that people are willing to sacrifice for our freedom.
• I think it's great that this race is on Memorial Day.  
• This is so cool! Look at all these people running!
• What a beautiful park and neighborhood.
• This isn't so bad.
• Where are my blue-haired friends?
• Hmm. The one-mile marker has to be close.
• I think I have a stomach cramp.
• It's probably frowned upon to cut through people's yards.
• Is this a runner's high? No, I don't think so. If it is, it sucks.
• Thank God the last half mile is down hill.
• Are those blue-hairs already done?
• Holy crap, I have to go uphill to finish? That's cruel.
• Thank you sweet 8 lb baby Jesus, I see the finish line.
• Good thing I'm ahead of the pregnant lady.
• That little kid ahead of me is going to ruin my finish line photo. I can't come sprinting in alongside a 9 year old. How embarassing. Have. To. Go. Faster.
• Shew. I did it. I think I'm going to throw up.
• Wahoo! I did it!

My husband was waiting for me at the finish line with water and camera in hand. He was very sweet to give up his "morning to sleep in" to come support me. We left the munchkin with his parents since they're visiting. Thanks, Ron and Barb!

After walking off the pain a little bit, I ran into someone I knew from my Professionally Speaking group. A little while later I saw my friend Kate. I heart her; she's one of my favorite friends even though we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like.

I learned a few things in my adventure today:

• Underwear choice is important.
• As is sock choice.
• I should probably prepare a little bit more.

The Amy Thompson Run was a lot of fun. I highly recommend it! The course is beautiful and the staff puts on a great, well organized event!

Upon leaving the park this morning, I'd already decided on the next race I was going to run in. Believe it or not, but I'm actually looking forward to it!

Here are a few more pics:

I'm a Runner!

I'm a runner! Okay, maybe I'm currently more of a jog/walk/jogger, but according to Runner's World Special Beginner's Guide that I received as a free gift for subscribing to the magazine, "It doesn't matter how fast you go. If you consider yourself a runner, you're a runner." I'm a runner!

For New Thing #6, I will be running in a race at the end of May. You read that right. Me. Running a race.

(You may be wondering what happened to New Thing #5 that's to take place in April. It's in the works. Don't worry).

In a previous posting, I told you about Carolyn Mitchell, the 74 year old marathon runner. Just to refresh your memory, she's completed 97 marathons in 50 states and on all 7 continents and she didn't start running until she was in her 50s. I find this incredible and it made me want to start running. I was further inspired by Billie Jean King and the other amazing women that shared their stories at that luncheon and it motivated me to push my athletic potential. I might have been blinded by the aura of that moment of inspiration or someone could have laced the iced tea I was drinking. Either way, I'm going for it.

I've never really done much running before. I've actually been guilty of making fun of runners and declaring that I only run when my life is in danger. I can be a little cheeky.

In preparation for becoming a runner I did a few things:

• Downloaded a PDF called Couch to 5k in 8 Weeks.
• Bought a new workout outfit.
• Subscribed to Runner's World and ordered the free corresponding Beginner's Guide and Runner's Log.

With those things under my belt, I was on my way.

Last Friday I began my running journey with a triumphant 2 mile jog/walk/jog on the bike path near my house. It took me a ghastly 31 minutes. Yesterday and today's times were just as ghastly, but at least I was out there doing it. I don't expect myself to be a fabulous runner straight out of the gate so I'm not terribly upset about these numbers. I'll get better and I have some time to train.

New Thing #6 will commence on Memorial Day with a 2 mile run to benefit an organization that one of my friends is associated with- the Amy Thompson Run. Proceeds benefit the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City (http://www.biaks.org/). They provide critical funding for prevention programming as well as information and direct support for individuals and their loved ones who face the ongoing trauma of brain injury. Since its inception the run has raised more than 1.5 million to help all people with brain injury. For those of you interested in the race, there's also an 8k course and a Kiddie Dash.

My goal for the race is threefold-

• To finish without embarassing myself too greatly.
• To run the whole way with no walking.
• Use this as a starting point to run in longer races in the future.

I know my little 2 mile race isn't impressive to most people, but I have to start somewhere. Wish me luck!