Just got home from running in my first official race. Citrus Heritage Run in Riverside, CA. I completed the half marathon event. 13.1 Miles, finishing around one hour and forty minutes. There was a moment while I was running through an Orange grove that I reflected on the fact that today is Day 364 of my commitment and I am competing in an event that I would not have even dreamed of doing a year ago. I wiped a tear from my eye, and was feeling really good about myself right up until a small woman in pink spandex ran past me like I was standing still!
For that woman and several other runners this accomplishment is not that significant, but to me it is a big deal. I pushed myself hard and finished a good 20 minutes faster then my expected time. I am already planning my next event, a full marathon in a few months.
There were some fun moments and a few not so fun moments during the race. First off, I was not as prepared as I thought I was. Getting there was hectic, and trying to safety pin a number on my shirt was not that easy. Also, M&Ms are a horrible snack to eat while running. You just do not want to chew, swallow and try to pick chocolate out of your teeth while you are running hard up a hill for 2 miles. I also discovered that drinking from a paper cup as you ran by an aid station is not an easy exercise. I should have went ahead and carried the squeezable water bottle that I had ready. Also, I do not need to bring any unnecessary clothing. It was 40 degrees at start, but after 8 minutes into the race, it might as well been 70 degrees.
I am more competitive then I thought. One of the women that ran past me, I set a personal goal to take her out (catch up to her). I worked on that for 3 miles, just to have her suddenly pull up and take a rest break, robbing me of the chance to run past her in revenge! The 10 year old kid that waited until the last mile to blow passed me, yelling “good job, keep it up” now has a special place in my heart (sarcasm intended).
I should have got more sleep, I should have ate more and better food and I should have stuck to my pace but at the end of the day I am happy that I gave it my all and accomplished my first ever competitive race.
Guy Reams (364)
365 Member
