I arrived at the Rotary Park in West Provo at 8:00 am when they began registration and one hour before the race began. I signed up and got my sticker.
(This was a kind of casual run, with all monies going to Nie Recovery.)It was a bit long to wait but I was eager. There was another early bird who seemed lost and nervous, just like me. This was her first race and she said she hadn't been to the gym in a month. I felt pretty good about my condition, as I've been training for 8 weeks (slow and steady...)for this.
But let me bore you with the short story made long. Near the end of my high school career, I realized that I could be in serious trouble, fitness-wise, if I didn't find something active that I liked to do. You see, sports and me, we don't get on well. I played high school volley ball my freshman year. We won a game. After that, I went back to the drama a choir rooms where I belonged, never more to sally forth into the gym but for the mandatory pep rally or don't do drugs assembly.
So, I needed something to keep me from turning into an unhealthy blob. I figured running was a safe bet since all the equipment I needed was a pair of good shoes and a street and all the skill I needed was to be able to put one foot in front of the other. (Although, at times, that too has proven to be a challenge.) So, I ran. Sometimes. Without much purpose or progress. Then, as I began college, I coerced a friend of my sister, recently returned from a mission, and a former cross country runner to run with me. He ran across town to my house, ran with me, and ran back home. He was patient as my early endurance efforts carried me a full two blocks. He taught me form, skills for running up and down hills, and breathing techniques. (Turns out there is a little more to running than just strapping on a pair of shoes and going.)He encouraged me to go a little farther. And in the couple of months that we ran, I acheived the great distance of 2.25 miles. A feat I never thought I could accomplish.
Then I went to BYU and ran sometimes with my roommates. Then a mission and I ran sometimes with a companion. Then marriage and I tried kickboxing and weight training. Then in 2004, I was feeling like I was not finishing anything in my life. I was discouraged at my lack of discipline and determination and focus. I set my sights on a 10K. I used Hal Higdon's training guide for novices and in June of 2004, I ran the Salt Lake City Classic. They ran out of cups at the first three water stations before I got there so I didn't stop to hydrate. By the mile four marker, I just used my hands. Right after that was a steep hill. I walked. I walked one other portion too. I finished in 1 hour and 12 minutes. But I finished. And after giving The Rose and Mr. Man a sweaty hug, I went into the port-o-john and wept. It was awesome. I was hooked on the experience.
Then I got pregnant. Then I got pregnant again. People in better shape and with more, I don't know, awesomeness than me run through the second trimester (Marika) and others run a marathon four months pregnant (Mary), but not me.
So here I am, baby three is 17 months old and I have finally committed to the inevitable. I will run a marathon. Furthermore, I will run a marathon next year. There, I've said it. Now you all have to hold me to it.
Back to yesterday.
Almost. I was using Hal Higdon's 8 week training for a 5K and new my 5K date was October 18. I also knew I would be playing Simon Cowell at Open Auditions that day. I also did not know of any 5K in the area on October 18. Until it was announced that there would be a 5K benefitting Stephanie Nielson on the very day that I was scheduled to run a 5K.
Alisa was very generous and allowed me to be late to Open Auditions. She even made stickers for all the adjudicators to wear about the run. (Thanks Alisa! That was awesome!)
I placed myself near the beginning of the crowd to start and was quickly overtaken by half of the mass. For the first mile, I couldn't feel my feet. I hadn't realized they were so cold. I heard some other runners talking about it. It was comforting to know I wasn't suffering some bizarre neurological malady. The course took us through some quiet residential neighborhoods in the Grandview area of town. Early on, my nervous new friend from before the run, passed me by, but I caught her with about 3/4 of a mile to go. She gave me words of encouragement as I passed her and I huffed something encouraging back. I was feeling pretty strong, though and pleased that I had paced myself. The last quarter mile, with the finish in sight, I found an extra gear (maybe just a half gear), lengthened my stride and finished amidst a crowd of well wishers. Then I heard, "Cotton!" (OK, he used my real name.) There was My Canadian Rose, The Princess, and Mr. Boy. I was so happy to see them. The Rose had worked until 3 that morning, so I wasn't sure if he was going to be up to the task of getting himself up, let alone getting two others ready. (Mr. Man opted for sleeping in.)
Here's me. All sweaty and red faced in my very fashionable Pepto-Bismol colored running gear. Maybe for Christmas I'll ask Santa for some fancy schmancy, high-tech running clothes.
