I spent a lot of this last fall and winter training for long distance races. It took time, energy, patience, and scheduling. I’ve found that I’m not really cut out for any of those things. Left to my own devices I will lay on the couch and drink beer. Chrysa, on the other hand, is a master motivator. She is somehow able to peel my ass off the couch and get me on the road. I have to thank her for that. Word of advice to all the lazy runners out there, find a motivated spouse.
With the gypsy lifestyle and Chrysa working days I had to learn a whole new set of skills. I’m not talking about the domestic house husband skills I have been picking up. I’m talking about self motivational skills. Imagine my surprise as I wake up in the morning, not the afternoon, and go for a run. A real run too, not a silly little jog for a couple miles.
I set an ambitious goal for the Run with the Buzzards race in Thorntown Indiana. I wanted to do a sub 20 min 5K. There I was on Saturday evening at the starting line. Amped up and ready to tear up the road. I hit the gas as soon as the starter said go. The weather was hot, the start time was weird (7PM…so weird), and the humidity was high.
I started out really fast. I don’t think the race organizers were expecting anyone to take this run seriously. Right off the bat I passed the 4-wheeler that was acting as the pacer. The race started on the streets and had a very slight climb that led to a rails-to-trails greenway. The surface on the greenway was very comfortable. It really allowed me to keep my pace steady.
This race was essentially an out and back. It wasn’t until the turn around that I realized I was in the lead by a comfortable margin. Although it was in the back of my mind, I didn’t allow myself to consider actually winning the whole thing. I continued on and the sound of footsteps behind me diminished. It was somewhere around mile 2.5 that winning became a reality.
The park and the finish line were ahead and I had enough in the tank for a final push. I crossed under the gate and I had done it…I had won! As I crossed the line the race organizers had water and cold washcloths and I accepted both gratefully. The win didn’t really sink in until the second place finisher crossed the line. I never did catch his name but he congratulated me heartily. He went on to say that he had me in his sites, and tried to push to catch up, but couldn’t. It felt really good that I was able to pull out a win against that guy because he looked to be a fairly serious runner.
I received many other congratulations as additional competitors crossed the line and I stayed to cheer people on. As the race started to wind down the clouds on the horizon started to look fierce. There were no announcements or awards at this race. Most people were locals and met at the neighborhood restaurant for some food and drinks. Chrysa and I live about 30 minutes away so we wanted to get on the road before the crazy Midwest rain hit.
So did I make the 20 min goal…
In short, no. I still have a lot of work ahead of me on that. But, I’m not to worked up about it. It so happens that all that training actually paid off! On that hot, humid evening in a little town in Indiana, I won my first race! My best was good enough that day. My birthday was the day before and the win was one of the best presents I have ever received.
Post race
Finish line
(493)
