8k Race Day

It's quite the feeling to accomplish something in life that you never thought you could do. As I crossed the finish line at yesterday's 8k race, I was surprised to feel emotional and a little shocked with myself. Running is a strange thing and it has taught me a lot about myself, and about life. I would have never dreamed that I would be able to tackle this distance, or that I'd be one of the "crazies" that was out in pretty cold weather yesterday for the race. I felt pretty proud of myself when it was all over, but mostly I was grateful for the opportunity and ability to do something I enjoy. Running is not my life, and if tomorrow I woke up and could not do it, that would be okay. But I thank God for good health and that for now I am able to run.

The race was...hard. So very hard. Much harder than I'd anticipated. It was cold, but that wasn't really a problem once I got going. The main challenges in this race were the hills and the snow. Wow, the snow. I did not anticipate running in so much snow and it really took it out of me. It takes a lot more energy and slowed me down a lot. The hills were frequent but not too steep, although they were killer on the way back (it was an out and back course).

Best move of the day: Putting vaseline on my face. It totally helped me not get wind burn.

Worst move of the day: Not wearing my YakTrax on my shoes - they help you grip on snow and ice and would have come in very handy during the race! Unfortunately all the roads near the start line were really clear and I thought I wouldn't need them. Big mistake!

I have to say that Brad wins the "Husband of the Year" award for his support and love yesterday. Without complaining he bundled up, pushed Matthew around for an hour while I ran (Matthew fell asleep before the race even started!) and cheered me on at the finish. Seeing him as I neared the finish line brought a smile to my face and gave me the boost I needed to finish.

I managed to meet all of my goals for the race:

1. Run the whole race - check!

2. Finish in under 1 hour - check! (official time: 54:53)

3. Not get beat by any speed walkers - check! I passed a couple of ladies early on and made it my goal to not get passed by them again :) There is nothing quite so humbling as being passed by a walker when you consider yourself a runner!

After the race, I got a quick snuggle from Matthew, then we loaded up and headed to our favorite and enormous Christmas store. It is beautiful! We found an ornament for Nathan, a train ornament for Matthew, and saw lots and lots of lights while Matthew stretched his legs.

After a delicious lunch, we headed home and ended up driving through blizzard conditions and seeing many cars go off the road. It was quite scary and I was thankful when we arrived safely home.

I am so sore today! More sore than I have ever been after running I think! I think I'll take a few days off and then...half marathon training begins :) Although I did ask myself in the middle of the 8k what in the world I was thinking with this half marathon stuff. But I love a challenge, and I need something to keep me busy while I wait for Nathan, so...here we go!!!!