My First Bib #325! Run of Luck St Patty's 7k Race

Mission Accomplished!

Here are some reflections of my first race experience. I was wide awake at 5:15 am. on Saturday and rolled out to get geared up for my first race in 30 years. Kelly and I left the house at 7 am. and arrived in Evansville and hour before the race. Rookie that I was I realized about only 100 of the 602 runners had showed up by that point. The jitters, the excitement were running over. Could I keep everything under control until the start?

Did my stretching and warm up jog, feeling unusually comfortable. Sips of water, chatting with new running friends, figuring out how to attach my running chip and running thoughts kept me mentally limber too. At 9:45 am. runners started milling around the starting line. Got my good luck hug and kiss from Kelly and then weaved through the pack to the back third of the starting field. (I read that rookie runners should start back there.)

Runners were gabbing, drums were playing, national anthem was sung, and prerace instructions were given through a mega phone (heard none of that).

As I was getting set, Sue (Shoals high school teacher/runner), her friend Charity and I all exchanged thumbs up. And then the much anticipated words were shouted---"On your mark, get set, GO!"

The waiting was over. All the trainning miles in rain, wind, snow and sun would now be tested.

Since I started in the back, I weaved around the pack in search of my place and pace. I saw the 1st K marker and clicked my watch at 5:12. I wondered was that too slow or too fast? I really didn't know. I asked myself was my nervous energy carrying my feet fast than they should go? I didn't know. All I recall is that I past alot of people early.

At about the mile marker 3 guys passed me but I don't recall any others moving ahead. It must have been at the 2K mark that I heard footsteps to my right and a voice of encouragement. It was Sue. She said she was right here and that she saw my times on my blog and thought that it would be a good pace for her. The rest of the way she was running side by side. Checking to see how I was and reminding me that we were getting closer.

I was worried that I was hindering her but she was resolved that this was the pace she was aiming for. A few times I felt tired but was helped by the sound a feet running in sync toward the finish line. Along the way there were onlookers who cheered and reminded us of their support. The route ran through old parts of Evansville, along the Ohio river, through an old residential neighborhood and back to the convention Center.

The finish line was a bit of a surprise. I was expecting to end where we started. With that in mind, I started my kick but when I saw that it was moved, I let up. I kept looking for the end line but it was hidden from my view until I reached the top of the gentle incline. When I saw the crowd I knew I was almost there. Then I kicked it into gear for the finish passing 4 or 5 runners with less than a tenth to go.

When I crossed the finish line, I was huffing but smiling as I stopped my watch. I looked at it and saw my time: 35:25 or an 8:09/mile pace! Not fast by most people's standards but I was thrilled and shocked. I went straight over to Kelly and hugged my #1 fan.

I thought if I can run a 9 minute mile that I'd consider the race a success. The real reason I was acheive more was because of an unselfish runner and encourager who knew this was my first venture. Thanks, Sue, for not only telling me about this race, but going "the extra mile" to make the first run more than I dreamed possible.

I told Kelly at the end that I was hooked now. I am looking forward to the next race. Jasper 5k fun run??

A nice surpise to cap off the experience: I went to an online race result site the next day and learned I was able to finish in the top 3rd of 600 runners (184th). To end up 12/28 in the age 40-44 men's division was very satisfying. And to think that at race's start the goal was to stay in front of the ambulance.

Crossing The First Line?

I think a runner has to cross many lines before he gets to the ultimate finish line. Yesterday I crossed another one. I registered for my first race since I ran high school cross country, 30 years ago! This Saturday I plan to run in a St. Patrick's Day 7k race at Evansville.

Now my mind seems to be consumed with the starting line. Honestly I am both excited and nervous at the same time.

I have to remind myself that I have already crossed some other lines.

• I crossed the line of will, knowing that it takes more than talking about running to do it.
• I crossed the line of endurance too, recalling some of winter's harsh elements blowing in my face and through my bones.
• I have crossed the line of self doubt going from success if I could run thirty minutes non-stop to running nearly 2 hours uninterrupted.
• I continue crossing lines with personal best times and distances which has meant passing a line of greater expectations.

On so Saturday I will cross a new line when Kelly and I jump in the car and make the two hour drive to my first race. A new running friend sent me this quote from a book she read: "If you can make it to the starting line of a race, you will finish because the biggest obstacle is making it to the starting line." I'll keep that in my head when I place my toe on the starting line this week.