"Do the work. Do the analysis. But feel your run. Feel your race. Feel the joy that is running."
Kara Goucher.
FLINT TURKEY TROT 5k
I started Thanksgiving with a local race for a good cause.
This lighthearted race with my friend Lacey and her daughter was the perfect excuse to wear a onesie! The soggy tow-loped course in Mott Park included bridge crossings and a course of 2 loops. I wasn't racing making our sub-9min/mi a surprise for enjoying the race and finishing with a smile.
BLACK TOENAIL 1/2 MARATHON
This race began with a little chaos when I forgot my earbuds and had to sprint back to the car, hearing the runners start on my return. I knew I was going to race this, and headphones were going to be a necessity. Andy was so sweet he waited for me as we were the last two to cross the starting mat. We had to work through the pack for the first 2 miles trying to be polite yelling "On your LEFT'. But Andy then encouraged me to go ahead.
On the trails. I passed familiar faces, Barb, Tonya, Sandy, and Alicia running behind her strong pace for a while. About halfway through the race I saw the ambulance and a runner on a stretcher, offering a quiet prayer as I passed.
Later I spotted my friend Danielle in the distance and dug deep to catch her. Seeing her smile when I did made it worth the effort! Though I wanted to stay with her, I pressed forward toward my goal time.
The last three miles were tough. Fatigue was settling in even though I was still passing runners I was trying to stay focused. I had come into the race already broken and sore.
No Excuses Anita.
The final mile was a seep uphill grind. Despite the challenges, I stayed focused cheering on the runners that I passed and the ones that passed me.
RACE RESULTS:
Chip Time: 1:56:40
Gun Time: 1:59:14
Pace: 8:54
Overall Place: 44 of 201
Female 50-54 Place: 1 of 9
Gender Place: 6
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:
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| Jim and Andy |
The trails were runnable, through leaf-covered roots and about a half dozen slippery bridges that required caution, I slowed down to a turtle crawl.
Temperatures were in the low 20's were tolerable at race pace, and the aid stations were stocked with Humas gels and very supportive volunteers were fantastic.
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| Erica taking another 1st place! Congrats to all my running friends! |
The RUNDOWN:
Sharing the Podium with Danielle who placed 2nd in our age group, was a highlight of the day!
This week was a mix of challenges, camaraderie, and joy. I'm grateful for the fun runs, the people I share them with, and the chance to push myself.
I am mostly humbled that the Lord protects me and keeps me moving forward one mile at a time.
Glory to Glory.
In Peace, Not Pieces,
Anita