This past Saturday I ran the Dam to Dam for the first time ever. I was so nervous because since my 1/2 marathon I've been nursing my knee and not doing too much for distance - at most 6 miles. I just didn't want to over do it and go into the run injured.
Anyway, I was so happy with my time. I finished in 2:16 which gave me a faster pace than my 1/2 marathon. The run was 12.4 miles which makes me wonder why they just don't make it a 1/2 - seriously, it's not even a while mile farther. Anyway, there were way more people at this event than my 1/2 marathon and I'm so glad I decided to do it. My friends Leslie, Josh, and Barrett signed up and asked if I wanted to join in the fun.
I had decided I would do the event by running 6 minutes, walking 1 minute. I think mentally it really helped because I just kept telling myself, you just have to make it 6 minutes and then you get to rest. When I was running I tried to look around and enjoy my surroundings but I found it was easier just to focus on the path ahead. We ran through camp areas, cornfields, over the interstate, residential areas, and into the city. It was very cool! I had never done anything like that before. I remember the last water station being maybe 1 mile from the finish, it was probably closer but it seemed far away and I could see the finish line. I smiled and said out loud, 'it's like a mirage' and the people around me giggled. About 400 meters from the finish line I saw Ryan to my left and no joke, the wind went out of me because I thought I was going to burst into tears. I was so happy to see him. I have been running a lot and training for these distance runs and he has been so supportive. Even with my complaining about my knee he continues to cheer me on and even has started running himself. I am proud of him. I love that he came to see me finish, I love that my son was there and jumped into my arms when he saw me after I crossed the finish line. I love that my dad came down to watch me and told me how proud he was of me. I love that this activity I once dreaded has become something I look forward to and I love that I do it only for myself and nobody else.
I'm looking forward to more events as the year goes on and I know I have great support from the people I love and who love me which makes crossing the finish line all the more exciting.
1 comment:
I must tell you again- congrats! Your story is very inspirational:) I hope all is well with you. Keep up the hard work Sam. If anyone can do it, it is you.
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