Want to talk about spirit….wow the feeling of running in the Air Force 10k was amazing. As a 10k participate, I took off from the start line with the full marathoners, so thousands of runners taking off at the start line, hence why it took me nearly 5 minutes to get across the start line. But the spirit that was there was amazing. The race started with a fly over by the B-1 Lancer, nothing like the roar of a jet engine to get you fired up. This spirit, carried me at least the first few miles, I felt like I was part of something amazing.
I guess this race kind of has a special meaning to me because I got the honor of spending so five years working besides our military in Iraq, Germany and Saudi Arabia. The feeling I had at the beginning of this race was similar to the feeling of comradery I felt in these places.
Since this was my first race with thousands of people what I found funniest was the clothing laying all over the sides of the road, as you get into miles two and three. It makes total sense since it is so cold when we begin; guess I just never thought of it before. Also, along the course you have the fans (even Austin Powers, haha) and bands playing.
The most inspirational thing I saw, in fact I started to cry was the double amputee running. Wow, losing both legs fighting so we could all have the freedom to run and getting out there in running with us. I am sorry, if this guy can get out there and do this, who has an excuse why they can’t get out and do it. I also heard a story of a blind runner running the half with two guides…WOW!! I have no excuse why I can’t run a half marathon, or even a full one for that matter (just no desire yet). See these people just remind me of I don’t have it that bad, and my struggles and pain are nothing. When I saw the double amputee it reminded me also of all the runners who I was probably surrounded by that are suffering from PTSD. Just another exampling of overcoming obstacles by those who fought for our freedom, if they can do it I can do!! This race, on the heels of anniversary of 9/11 was full of American spirit! Another inspiring item was the group of running in full battle gear, showing remembrance of their fallen comrades.
When I finished the 10k, I got my free beer (hehe!!) and waited for my teammates from RTR to finish the half marathon. Talking about another group of inspirational people. I have said before, I just met these folks and there is no doubt in my mind they will be the folks to help me get through this journey. I recommend anyone with a goal of running a half or full marathon find a team to run with. I have to say I was surprised at how quickly I felt a part of something. Amazing…can’t wait to be running the half with the RTR next year.
The sweetest thing I saw the girl that got engaged as she crossed the finish line after completing the half marathon. I read an article he did here so her family could be there since they live in New York.
And sense of accomplishment….I finished my first 10k in 52 seconds over my goal. Now one team member will say ohhh don’t count the seconds….me I have to. If I only would have known I was really that close I would have probably pushed myself much harder…but mid race I said ok if I keep pushing myself I will finish just under 1:35…I did not properly account for the time it took me to cross the start line. But now that I have my Garmin this should better in the future. I like the fact that all participants get a metal as they cross the finish line, to me this let’s everyone take home that sense of accomplishment.
My guess is that will be one of the most inspiring races…I can’t wait to do the half next year!!
My next 10k is October 2, 2011…Let’s hope I can set a new PR!!
Just remember those of you considering starting this journey….it is as simple as one foot in front of the other!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Two Months In
It has been a while since I wrote...well actually I think I wrote a blog and deleted it...a serious urghh! Anyways...I have so much to write about...I am going wrote a couple different blogs over the next few days to hopefully keeps my thoughts in some kind of order. I do have a tendency to change thoughts mid-sentence which results in a big wtf or I can't believe I really said that; that is so not what I meant to say coming out a few hours or days later....I digress.
So it has been three weeks almost since I wrote a blog. Since then I have completed three 5ks and a 10k. I will write about the 10k under another blog because it really was a completely different experience than the 5k.
I have made significant progress on the 5ks....nothing to brag about time wise, but I am happy with my progress, I have taken 2:38 off of my 5k PR in 28 days. This is why it is important to me to complete these races every weekend to see the progress. While I am always near the tail end of the group, it is something that is officially measured and a good way to get some new t-shirts..hehe. Sure I can look at my log otherwise and see progress but there is something about completing a race. The three races were the Piqua Heritage Festival Run, Raider Run and the Applefest Run. I have about 6 more 5ks I am going to do this year, one 10k and I think a five miler turkey trot, and whatever else comes up. Let me know if you are up for one or two or three…you get where I am going.
While I am still struggling to see the weight loss I was hoping to see from this, there is no doubt I am getting stronger. There is no way I could have cut that much time off without building muscle. It has officially been two months yesterday since I started this journey and I definitely see other health benefits. Earlier in the year I went to the doctor and my blood pressure was 120/80....normal. However, I knew in the back of my mind this was not and with my family history it was going to be another medicine if I did not do something. This week when I went to the doctor with a sinus infection, on sinus medication that raises your blood pressure it was only 110/74...I have to contribute this decrease to the running.
Now for one of the best changes in my running journey...I believe I had mentioned early I found a running team in Troy I was going to join. I had read a book, and this is one of things it had said was very important to successful running. It said its not necessary that you run together but to have that support at beginning or the end, people to talk through challenges with, people to help keep you on track. So I began looking first in Dayton because I figured there would be nothing in Troy, being a small town and all…I was wrong.....I found Reasons-to-Run. After meeting this group (just Monday), I can see why the book said it. The team was so welcoming, I really look forward to spending more time with my team members; they are nice, fun, funny and really supportive. While I was reluctant to at first go alone and meet up with runners when I am just starting out, I realize now this was definitely one of the best decisions I have made in this journey and I came across an awesome team, I feel really lucky about that. A few things I really like about this group is apart from running and training together they have social activities and do community service which to me is awesome. Since I moved back I have wanted to get involved in a form community service but have struggled to find a way to do that and balance everything else on my plate...so this a great fit and I am sure will help me find other ways I can give back the community.
Oh I believe I talked about this in the blog that was lost. In my 5k adventures there is a group of super supportive ladies that all do 5ks together. I first met them at the 5k from hell...the moosefest (which I am considering doing again next year to see how far I really go in a year). I see these ladies at most 5ks I do and they are another super supportive group of gals. They all have matching shirts for the crew they formed. One of them will always come back after she finishes and push me that last leg of the race. I joke and tell her one day I will coming back for her....in a day far away but one day. This is just another great example of spirit that goes along with this sport.
I really try to encourage a lot of people to get out and do 5ks but I believe half the battle is they think they have to run the whole thing, not true....I am getting closer to achieving this...but still not there. Or they feel they have to win the race, the only person I race each week is myself...and I know some days I am not going to win that race but I will keep signing up. I am happy when someone says yeah I would like to do a 5k with you, or that through our conversation they were motivated to take a run or walk. I try to pass along the inspiration that I get from so many people to others...it is part of what makes this journey a little easier. Through doing this you have the feeling of accountability; which to me greatly pushes me to strive to be a better person and in this case a better runner. It’s funny how I can take the principles I am learning about leadership and apply them to running.
Well....that is all for today, I have to get to church but look forward to a blog about the AF 10k and since I am now a member of Reasons to Run...the reasons I run...I have been keeping a list since I started two months ago and get longer each week!
So it has been three weeks almost since I wrote a blog. Since then I have completed three 5ks and a 10k. I will write about the 10k under another blog because it really was a completely different experience than the 5k.
I have made significant progress on the 5ks....nothing to brag about time wise, but I am happy with my progress, I have taken 2:38 off of my 5k PR in 28 days. This is why it is important to me to complete these races every weekend to see the progress. While I am always near the tail end of the group, it is something that is officially measured and a good way to get some new t-shirts..hehe. Sure I can look at my log otherwise and see progress but there is something about completing a race. The three races were the Piqua Heritage Festival Run, Raider Run and the Applefest Run. I have about 6 more 5ks I am going to do this year, one 10k and I think a five miler turkey trot, and whatever else comes up. Let me know if you are up for one or two or three…you get where I am going.
While I am still struggling to see the weight loss I was hoping to see from this, there is no doubt I am getting stronger. There is no way I could have cut that much time off without building muscle. It has officially been two months yesterday since I started this journey and I definitely see other health benefits. Earlier in the year I went to the doctor and my blood pressure was 120/80....normal. However, I knew in the back of my mind this was not and with my family history it was going to be another medicine if I did not do something. This week when I went to the doctor with a sinus infection, on sinus medication that raises your blood pressure it was only 110/74...I have to contribute this decrease to the running.
Now for one of the best changes in my running journey...I believe I had mentioned early I found a running team in Troy I was going to join. I had read a book, and this is one of things it had said was very important to successful running. It said its not necessary that you run together but to have that support at beginning or the end, people to talk through challenges with, people to help keep you on track. So I began looking first in Dayton because I figured there would be nothing in Troy, being a small town and all…I was wrong.....I found Reasons-to-Run. After meeting this group (just Monday), I can see why the book said it. The team was so welcoming, I really look forward to spending more time with my team members; they are nice, fun, funny and really supportive. While I was reluctant to at first go alone and meet up with runners when I am just starting out, I realize now this was definitely one of the best decisions I have made in this journey and I came across an awesome team, I feel really lucky about that. A few things I really like about this group is apart from running and training together they have social activities and do community service which to me is awesome. Since I moved back I have wanted to get involved in a form community service but have struggled to find a way to do that and balance everything else on my plate...so this a great fit and I am sure will help me find other ways I can give back the community.
Oh I believe I talked about this in the blog that was lost. In my 5k adventures there is a group of super supportive ladies that all do 5ks together. I first met them at the 5k from hell...the moosefest (which I am considering doing again next year to see how far I really go in a year). I see these ladies at most 5ks I do and they are another super supportive group of gals. They all have matching shirts for the crew they formed. One of them will always come back after she finishes and push me that last leg of the race. I joke and tell her one day I will coming back for her....in a day far away but one day. This is just another great example of spirit that goes along with this sport.
I really try to encourage a lot of people to get out and do 5ks but I believe half the battle is they think they have to run the whole thing, not true....I am getting closer to achieving this...but still not there. Or they feel they have to win the race, the only person I race each week is myself...and I know some days I am not going to win that race but I will keep signing up. I am happy when someone says yeah I would like to do a 5k with you, or that through our conversation they were motivated to take a run or walk. I try to pass along the inspiration that I get from so many people to others...it is part of what makes this journey a little easier. Through doing this you have the feeling of accountability; which to me greatly pushes me to strive to be a better person and in this case a better runner. It’s funny how I can take the principles I am learning about leadership and apply them to running.
Well....that is all for today, I have to get to church but look forward to a blog about the AF 10k and since I am now a member of Reasons to Run...the reasons I run...I have been keeping a list since I started two months ago and get longer each week!
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