adventures of the miebs family: skinny mini 6k

so, you know how things can seem like a good idea at the time? well, that was me, like, 11 days ago when i signed up for this race. fast forward 3 days (yes, a mere THREE days), and i was laid up in bed with strep. gah! training before a race? getting in some jogging miles? or even walking? nope. so with that i was running on a prayer...

20 minutes until start

and, we're off!

the babes started to fuss so after ben wished me luck and gave me a pat on the butt, we waved good bye. shortly after, it was go time. i turned my ipod on and selected my custom 6k workout. as the announcer counted down from 10 seconds, my heart raced and my belly flopped. i wondered if i had time to use the port-a-potty for a third time. as the buzzer signaled the start of the race, i pushed play and shipping up to boston filled my ears.

as we raced down h street, i felt this fullness, this satisfaction. i guess i was already proud of myself, and the race wasn't even a quarter of a mile into it! just being out there, doing it, i had already felt accomplished. turning onto 2nd avenue and eventually onto the coastal trail, i couldn't help but notice the view. breathtaking, literally.

rounding along westchester lagoon, the headwind was so fierce that i slowed to a brisk walk that was even to my jogging pace. but, after just a few feet, i began to run again. throughout the entire 3.7 miles, i walked 4 times, maybe equally a minute total. i really did not want to walk any of it. you end up playing little mind games with yourself out there. i would think ok, i'll walk until i get to that tree which may be just 20 feet ahead.

in the last mile of the race, there were some pretty significant hills. when i first glanced ahead to take note, i felt like oh, man! but in all actuality, i felt best running up the hills. i felt strong (and passing people helps boost your esteem, too!) so coming off of beech lane, crossing over p street, i could see the finish line. no better feeling! right at that point, i spotted ben and my babies, and for an instant, i felt a lump in my throat. i heard ben cheering and jack was yelling mama, come back! but, rather than feeling like i could spill some tears, i couldn't wipe the smile off my face. i had did it. i crossed the finish line at 39:10 placing 54 out of 145 runners.