Toots and Sally Ride Again

What a fun race!! Well organized, not too huge- even had a bag check (great because I overslept, was totally late and did not have time to drop my swag and sweats back at my car…). All women runners, all shapes and ages. I really was not prepared for how neat that would feel. The 10 milers were all lining up for the start as the girls’ one mile race was finishing and I don’t think I was the only one who teared up a little… They were all having such a blast as they crossed the finish line!

Before the race I decided that I would shoot for a 10 minute mile pace, but quietly hoped for closer to 9:30… I ran 8.5 on Friday in an effort to redeem some of my week’s lost miles, and then walked and hiked practically all day on Saturday.  So I felt a little tired, but not too sore.  I took the first mile slowly in about 10:20, worrying that I would go out too fast and not be able to finish. I think my competitive side kicked in as I passed the one mile marker and heard the time called out. I decided to pick it up a little: I did say I would hold 10’s, right? Took the second mile in about 9:30 and started to feel good. The Pet Shop Boys were keeping me company (”Was it Worth It”??) and I cruised through miles 3-6. At the mile 7 water stop, my right hammy was feeling tight so I took 2 cups of H2O and walked for about 45 seconds trying to not to slosh on myself. I turned the corner and stepped onto the second bridge. I looked up at the Minneapolis skyline and the leaves that are just starting to turn and felt wonderful. Crossing that bridge was one of those moments I hope to have every time I lace up my shoes… “Orbital Bee Bop” played on the pod and I felt like I really might be able to Bossa Nova 10,000 miles above LA. I’m sure I had a grin plastered across my face…

I don’t know how fast those last couple of miles were. I do know that I passed runner after runner. Perhaps I should learn to run a more even race, but having that strength at the end felt amazing.  I don’t think I would want it any other way.

My time? 1:30:32. Couldn’t be happier.