12 June, 2010

Turtle's Report from the Komen Race for the Cure - 12 June 2010

It started out as a rather hectic morning. So much so that I got to the race & had to run to the start/finish line to make the start of the race. It was crazy, but exhilirating all the same. It was a jammed packed race which made it a bit challenging to maneuver around. But I figured it out, kept my focus and ran my boobs off. HAHA!

It was HOTTER than hell and the course was a little more challenging than I anticipated. Or maybe it was just the heat. I dunno. The folks who lived in the neighborhood we ran thru were awesome. Some had their sprinklers out for us to run through and a few neighbors had water gun stations where they'd squirt you as you ran by in an effort to cool you off. Several also had signs hanging up to show their support and many would cheer us on from their front porches or driveways. The atmosphere as a whole was very moving & inspiring.


As I was completing mile 2, I really started to think that I wasn't going to PR as I was draining fast from the heat & my right leg was starting to go numb & drag from the comparment syndrome. The next thing I knew I found myself running the last leg of the race w/ a soldier in full uniform w/ a ruck sack on his back while he was pushing his 2 kids in a stoller. Clearly I gained a whole new perspective in a matter of 10 seconds and not only was I honored to be running along side one of our own, but seeing his strength motivated me to push it through to the finish line. I didn't even bother to look @ my time when I crossed the line b/c @ that point I was so proud to FINISH that my time didn't mean jack to me!!!!





Once I got home, I checked the race results & I can't believe it. I PR'd!!!!
In addition, I came in 147 out of 249 in my age group.



The only bad news...I might have a stress fracture in my left foot. Oh well, for now I'm enjoying being proud of myself for my accomplishment and the success in raising $1200 for breast cancer. Thank you so much to everyone who donated to this event and for all yor support. I have the most amazing family & friends a runner could ask for.

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