Remember when I got all excited about the Rim-to-Rim 10k in October? Since I registered in August, every time I hit the treadmill or ran outside I visualized being in the race and, most importantly, crossing the finish line. I was excited about reaching the goal I set for myself in January. Back then I couldn't run for three minutes straight, but now I can run for an hour without stopping. I'm really slow (mostly 11-minute miles; my high-school self is stunned), but I have built some endurance this year. Well, due to last-minute circumstances beyond my control, I wasn't able to run the race as planned on October 6. I was devastated. I had worked so hard to reach my goal and didn't reach it.
After mourning my loss for a while, I decided to run a 10k anyway, race day fanfare or not. This week I plotted a 6.2-mile course on a map around my neighborhood. I marked clear starting and finish lines, and even set a start time: 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 20. I started visualizing my solo race: concrete sidewalks, hills, stop lights, and all. Even though the last three weeks have not been stellar in my personal health and fitness realm, I hoped I could still complete my run and meet my goal.
And so, this morning, I woke up early. I ate oatmeal and read my scriptures in the quiet kitchen. I loved that I opened to Mosiah 4 and read, "...it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize." How appropriate! Then I brushed my teeth and slipped quietly out the door. I jogged to my starting point (the SW corner of Research and Rangewood, in case you locals are interested), stretched for a few minutes, and with a deep breath and a click of my stopwatch, headed south on my first leg of the journey.
I ran unplugged--no phone, no music, no camera--and it was awesome. I loved being alone with my thoughts and my breath and my stride. The first three miles were great. I made good time and felt strong. But during a long hill on Lexington I hit the proverbial wall. It kind of felt like the last couple of years. I just couldn't do it anymore. So I walked briefly to catch my breath and pressed on.
Reaching the corner of Briargate Parkway and Union (heading east) felt like a great milestone. With only about 1.5 miles to go, I knew I could go the distance. Just as I was ready to cross the street, Garry drove by in the van and cheered me on. That was a pleasant surprise! I had planned for this to be a solo journey, but the support was wonderful. Garry followed me past the YMCA, shouting encouragement and taking a couple of pictures.
I was grateful for the downhill slope on Rangewood. It helped me gather my courage for the last half mile. At that point I was really fighting my sore muscles and tired feet and over-worked lungs. I turned east on Research for my final stretch. I had forgotten about the dip in the road...and the hill at the very end of my run. I tried to pick up speed during the dip so I could power up the hill to the finish line.
That's when I saw I wasn't alone. Waiting at the corner of Research and Austin Bluffs were Garry, Lexi, Kate, and a group of my friends! They were yelling and cheering and taking pictures. Two kids held a crepe paper finish line. I was overcome with emotion and cried as I approached them. Breaking through the crepe paper, surrounded by people I love, felt amazing. Not only did I reach my goal--in 1:07:18, which thrilled me--but I wasn't alone. It was a very symbolic moment for me.
We all stood on the corner for a while as I tried to recover. I laughed and cried and hugged everyone who came. We took pictures (I'll post more when I get them from everyone), and I basked in the warm glow of friendship. I couldn't get over the feeling of celebrating my success with my family and friends. Victory was so much sweeter than I ever imagined.
Kym, me, Amie, Elizabeth, and April
......
To celebrate my personal victory, I'm sponsoring a little giveaway. Leave a comment here or on my Facebook link to this post for a chance to win some fun fitness-themed goodies. I'll draw a winner on Monday, October 22.
Hooray for running!
19 comments:
Way to go! I'm proud of you for making it happen.
I haven't been reading blogs much lately (or writing them!) but this was just too cool not to stop in! I think from now on I will imagine that every person I see running on the roads is running their own personal 10K. Congratulations!!!
That is so awesome- and I may have teared up with you as you approached the finish line- what a sweet surprise! You inspire me... I should set some goals too. :)
I kind of got teary eyed reading this post. We are not meant to power through everything on this earth on our own. Sometime it flea that way... and then there are surprising arms visible or not around us. But not only that Heidi, you did something really hard today. Something that took a lot of courage and determination. And you conquered. Way to go girl.
I kind of got teary eyed reading this post. We are not meant to power through everything on this earth on our own. Sometime it flea that way... and then there are surprising arms visible or not around us. But not only that Heidi, you did something really hard today. Something that took a lot of courage and determination. And you conquered. Way to go girl.
I love that your friends and family were there to cheer you on at the end. What a great metaphor for life. Sometimes we may feel like we are running our race alone but during the hardest parts we always have cheerleaders--family, friends, our Heavenly Father.
Thanks for always being a good example and inspiring me in so many ways.
SO GREAT! May this be only the beginning of many successful races on the road .... and in life. It's the hardest things that create the greatest moments. Don't stop running :-)
SO GREAT! May this be only the beginning of many successful races on the road .... and in life. It's the hardest things that create the greatest moments. Don't stop running :-)
SO GREAT! May this be only the beginning of many successful races on the road .... and in life. It's the hardest things that create the greatest moments. Don't stop running :-)
Such sweet friends and family you have!! Great job on your race, I think it's amazing you ran a solo one still...I think I would have needed more motivation!
What wonderful family and friends you have! I almost cried at the end of my 5k last year. I have NEVER considered myself a runner and even considered my 12 min. miles pretty great. :) So to read about your experience, I have a lot of empathy for that experience. I'm glad you chose to run it anyway. Here's to many more races in the future!
Great job Heidi! I trained for a 5K last year - and did the same thing - had my own race. Just to prove to myself that I could do it (I've never been a runner - ever) So proud of you!
Heidi, what an amazing accomplishment as a result of a lot of perserverence, dedication, and focus. You should be totally proud of yourself. A job well done.
Way to go Heidi. I don't think I could ever go that far, even when I was younger and in better shape.
You are so inspiring! And, your Garry....well isn't he amazing? I'm so proud of you!
Way to go Heidi! You have such an amazing husband and awesome friends! I have about 6 weeks until I get back on the exercise bandwagon! I hope I can (slowly) get back into running too.
I think that is just WONDERFUL! What a special way to complete a huge goal...so much better than the actual race would have been. Congratulations Heidi!
This made me cry. Good job Heidi. When I was little I thought that you were amazing because you skipped first grade. N
Dang phone... Now I think you're amazing for a million other reasons. Thank heaven for blogs. We should sign up for a race together sometime and make it a little trip. Running is proving to be so symbolic and spiritual for me. Thanks for sharing your journey! Much love to you! And p.s. I think 11 min miles are pretty fast. Especially when you do six of them!
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