My First Competitive Race, and I Didn't Throw Up!

My head was spinning.  It was 5:45 in the morning on Saturday, and as I pulled into the parking lot where I would catch the shuttle that would take me to the pre-race location, I thought I would throw up.  I honestly thought about turning around and heading back home.  I thought about it hard until my cell phone rang.  It was my friend Kimberly.  She was waiting for me in the lot, ready to jump on the shuttle and run with me.  She didn't sound nervous at all.  Of course, Kimberly has been in races before.

I was a little more than an hour (a nerve-racking hour I must say) away from my very first competitive race.  I've never been a runner.  I'm 40 years old and I only started running a couple of months ago.  What on earth made me think I could do this?  Unemployment, that's what.  That may not make sense to most people, but those who read my blog regularly have followed my employment (or lack there of) woes.  I was laid off in February and the technical field I am in isn't so popular at the moment.  So, what does that have to do with running?  Not much, except that I can't control the economic situation we're in and whether or not employers are hiring, but I can control my outlook, attitude and well-being.  Running is one of those things I've decided to do instead of jumping off a cliff, driving into a brick wall, chaining myself to cement blocks and going swimming in the swim club down the street, etc.  To date, it seems to be working.

The race was the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure^® and I chose to run the 5K co-ed competitive race.  It started at 7:00am!  As Kimberly and I walked around, checking out the vendors and information booths scattered throughout the race area, I was trying to remember why I thought I could do this.  I was scared.  My legs felt shaky and I wanted to crawl under a tree and wind myself into the fetal position.  It was the adrenaline coursing through my veins that stopped me.  I was nervous, but I was excited!  I can do this.  I really can do this.  The 40-year old chick who has never run a competitive race in her life can do this.

When the announcer said go, there were thousands of runners taking off.  I was still questioning my sanity, fearing my pride was about to take a sharp smack in the teeth, but I took off at a slow-paced jog, then picked up some speed.  I was doing it!  Before the first 1/2 mile, I noticed my shoe was untied and I debated on stopping or waiting until I tripped on it and fell face first into the street.  I stopped, tied it quickly, then jetted my way back to the quickened pace I had achieved before the shoe string incident.  At the 2K marker, I was tired, but I kept going.  I ran like my life depended on it.  And it just might someday, so the idea that I was running for a cure for breast cancer made me go even harder.  Spectators on the sidelines were cheering us on, and I closed my eyes (for just a second, I didn't want to trip) and soaked up the feeling like a sponge!

Then, I came to the "1/2 Mile to Go" marker and I started to lose some steam, major steam.  I chatted myself up, reminding myself that I have been running at least two miles a day for the past couple of months, and 1/2 mile is a piece of cake (cheesecake with strawberries on top!).  I regained my momentum and ran like hell.  When I first registered for the race, my goal was to finish the race, even if I came in last, it wouldn't matter.  Well I did finish, and my time wasn't so bad (36:40) either.  I can do this.  I did do this!

 

--Fortuitous Observer

For more information on the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure^® or to register for the race in your area, please go to this website.  I'm personally challenging every woman (and man) 40+ who has never run a race to give it a try:  http://ww5.komen.org/

Comments

[Rich Dansereau]

This is a wonderful achievement. Being able to push beyond self doubt to reach a goal should always be applauded. I appreciate you sharing your Race for the Cure story with the readers of the Athletic Alley Blog Carnival.

[Fortuitous Observer]

Thanks Rich! I appreciate the kudos. I'm already looking at signing up for a few races in the fall!