I grew up in a small town, and the town of W was our main rival. All the while, we were also friends through sports and whatever else. So as fate would have it, year 7 of my teaching career was a side stop at W. My family had moved and I wanted to teach closer to our new home. W was a 30 min drive literally over the river and through the woods. I only spent one year there, but I met wonderful people that I still love to this day.
So when I found out a few weeks ago that they did a fun run every year to benefit Relay for Life, which is a big event that raises money for cancer research, I was in! My former students--fourth graders at the time--are now Seniors there!
I posted the race to my running group, and I was so excited that a few of them came out in support as well. I think we all just enjoy races in general and who could pass up a beautiful crisp morning to go run and up and back on a rural road? I couldn't!
The race was a 3mi/5mi fun run/walk. There were turnarounds at 1.5 and 2.5 miles. It started at the school and went up the valley. To be honest, I hadn't really driven past the school much, so I thought I remembered it being fairly flat.
I was wrong.
Well, anyway, my awesome friend D.G. was there with her wonderful daughter, and we sported our Q gear, but it was to show solidarity between communities. We are rivals, but friends too! But I swear, I will never run in cotton again! OK, we all know I will, but not if I have to. I was cold at the end!
So off we went, and immediately I could tell it was going to be bad because my iPod decided to go haywire. That woman who talks on it once in awhile decides to read my playlists during the music, or she'll stop my music all together, thus stopping my time on Nike Plus. Therefore, I had NO idea of my time. Immediately, I'm mad. "Oh Well, ENJOY YOURSELF!" I said to myself. I looked up and saw blue sky, runners, and realized how healthy I am and I thanked the good Lord for such a beautiful day. So I kept running. I tried keeping up with one runner, A.J., but after a water stop at 2.5 mi, she kept her pace, but I fell back. I had no idea how many rolling hills there were on this little jaunt! It was definitely not flat, but nothing too killer either. Just rolling hills.
On the last straight stretch, I could see the signs to the school, but it was deceiving. No matter how fast I ran, I didn't feel like I was getting there fast enough. Down on myself, I just kept at it. I had no idea what my time was, but considering I ran a 48.07 5 mi on a fairly flat course 2 months ago, and a 49:45 on a fairly flat course a month ago, I figured this had to be in the 53ish minute mark...
So imagine my surprise when I got up there and saw 49.25....26....27....
I crossed at 49:30. I was seriously shocked. I kept my pace right at 10 mile min. Surprised. HAPPY! This means I am on my way back! I had run several 5 milers leading up to this, and most times were around 53 min. A.J. finished about 2 minutes ahead of me, and I figure keeping up with her both helped my time and killed me in the end because I was DEAD.
Here are the two awesome ladies I had the honor hanging out with at the race from my running group. I'm the slow one of the three, but they seem to keep me around anyway :)
And again, here's D.G. and me after the race. Friends for life! And we will be rocking it on the Astoria-Megler bridge next week---ooooh YEAH!
Which brings me to today, and my blog is updated! But my run today was an interesting one. I wasn't sure if today should be a recovery 3 miles, a regular tempo run for 5 miles, hills for 4 miles, or a long run of 7ish miles. Last Saturday was a non-race weekend, and I went out for 7.2 flat miles and finished in 1:16. That was my longest run since the half marathon in June, and it felt good. But keep in mind that word "flat". I wasn't sure if today would be "recovery" even though I ran faster yesterday than normal, it was still only 5 miles. So I decided on the 6-7 mile option with rolling hills. Say WHAT? Yep, I'm that stupid. I finished 6.55 miles, totally dead at the end. Lots inclines, and I had to walk twice. Finished in 1:15. Not pretty, but it's done. My legs felt very heavy by the end, which I attribute to yesterday's harder than normal run for me.
On tomorrow's agenda: Work out at home--arm weights and elliptical as recovery. Probably a smart plan. Then Tues-Wed-Thurs a little harder. Friday will be a shorter easier run, then Sunday is the Bridge! Full report when I get back! My goal is to run the whole thing. On fresh legs, it could happen...or not. We shall see!
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