When I signed up for this race I had debated whether I wanted to do the 10 miler or 10k. I didn't even notice where it was being held. In the end I settled on the 10k since I rarely run this distance as it is a really hard one for me to nail down. I thought I'm going to train differently and hope for a PR I had to beat a 53:06 finish from 2006. So I was hoping to finish in the the 52 min range. Well it wasn't until packet pick up that I realized the race was in Rio Rancho which means one thing HILLS!! Luckily where I trained there are hills no matter which way you go. But that 52 PR would have needed a flat course. That being said I was still very excited for the race because I found out my parents and brother decided they were going to come with me and cheer and bring my son with them so he was going to be able to watch me!!! YAY!!!! Hubs stayed at home to finish sealing the floors in our house, although honestly when he has to watch Aiden during one of my running races he usually just stays home with him, I mean after a while people get bored watching me at races and prefer the comfort of their own home vs. chasing a toddler around for an hour. So the day of I realized I was a little nervous due to the hills and actually having a fan club. I had some butterflies which NEVER happens to me for running races usually only for triathlons. Because with running I never place so there is no pressure. Well today I was ready to tackle those hills and I was filled with such excitement and joy! It was one of those moments when the gun goes off and I was overwhelmed with emotions almost crying tears of joy!So here's the down and dirty 54/119 overall 5th in AG with a finish of 59:17; 3rd place in my age group finished in 54:42 I only mention that to point out the fact that the hills were a factor for sure if my PR would have actually placed me. I had 58 and change on my Garmin but I stopped it right at 6.2 not the finish. I kept repeating to myself "This is a race you are supposed to be uncomfortable." and "Finish strong for your son, he needs to see a strong mom who loves running!" Well it worked. As my lungs burned, my legs yelled at me and my mind went numb I kept running even though I was really tempted to join some of the others in walking some of the steeper hills. Mind you sometimes my shuffle was probably slower than a walk! :-) My mile splits were all over the place because on the downhill I tried really hard to make up the difference. 9, 8:30, 10, 9, 10, 8+ As I crossed the finish line the look of true excitement on my sons face as he saw me coming really gave me such a boost! I high fived my brother as I passed him which was hilarious because we aren't ones to show much emotion and he was caught off guard but it was fun! All I can really say about this race was I had fun and I felt so loved and supported and I kicked those hills hard! I may not have finished in the time I wanted but I finished feeling strong and like I had given it my all, what a good feeling. My dad entered my son in the kids k which was a disaster as 4 was the youngest age and at 18 months my son was confused and scared by the start horn. I had to carry him most of the way and the only part I got him to run was when he chased a piece of granola bar(wrong on so many levels)! But I guess he got his first medal as he crossed the finish line only running because he loves electronics and liked the digital clock and the shiny medal they were holding up. See what happens when you leave your son with his grandparents! :-) I will be waiting until he is old enough to understand and actually shows some interest in races before thinking about doing that again.
Now bare with me I have more photos than usual since I had a fan club! Happy Training!
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