Holiday Races, Places and Faces

 "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:

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. 

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