The 10K was great. We had what I consider to be ideal running conditions: it was cool and misty, even a bit rainy at times. As I've always found to the be case, I was motivated by having a friend to run with, an event to run in, and no stroller to push. My friend and I ran the whole way and finished the race in just over an hour, at a pace of just over 10 min/mile. I could not have asked for more.
It was incredibly inspiring to run a race for women only. There were over 7,000 women registered to run, and the people-watching before the race was fantastic. I saw moms running with daughters, a high-school cross-country team, women easily old enough to be grandmothers, and women pushing their babies. I saw women in full makeup and women who looked like they'd just rolled out of bed. There were women of all races and sizes. Many of the runners thanked the volunteers who handed us water, and thanked the spectators who cheered us on. I've never heard that before in a race. It was so nice.
I passed a women wearing a T-shirt that said, "Four Months Past Baby." I said to her, "You're awesome. It took me a year and four months to get out here!"
There were a few men running, some wearing numbers that were clearly pirated from the kids' 1K fun-run. (The kids' numbers all started with 7, so they were easy to spot.) I was surprised by how irritated I felt to see men on the course. It seemed to rude and disrespectful of them. Come on, guys! How hard is it to find your own 10K to run? Let us women keep this one for ourselves.
I was also surprised by how emotional the start of the race made me. We were asked to raise our hands and cheer if it was our first race, if we were moms, etc. All of the cheering and pep talking and group dynamic totally set me off. There were tears running down my face for the first half mile, at least.
I need to keep running races. The races make all the training—all of the running with no other adult to talk to and a stroller to push—worth it. After having been in a running rut, this was just the inspiration I needed.
Moi
- Snickollet
- I'm a mother and a widow, and a whole lot of other things. Here, though, I tend to write about parenting, grief, and their intersection.
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24 comments:
That's awesome. It sounds like an inspiring experience. And if you, a single mom of twins, can find time to exercise, what's my excuse?!
I'm so glad it went well. I have also found women's races to be some of the most fun around. I'm a big fan of the Danskin triathlon series. I have recently moved such that I don't have one close by, but I flew to the one near my mom this summer, and she and I and my two sisters all ran it together. What a rush to be at the start line for the swim with 3-5000 other ladies (don't worry, only 100 in a wave), and to be so encouraging all along the way.
Congratulations on your achievement! I used to do the occasional 5K and such, and I remember that wonderful high and sense of accomplishment.
When's the next one?
Fantastic! Good job you! I am very impressed that you ran such a great time!!!
Races are the best way to lift your spirit. There is something about runners...during a race, the sense of community just oozes.
Great time, by the way!
you're awesome! I'm with Rachel...what the heck is MY excuse for not getting out there. I wish I loved to run but I'm happy when I WALK 2 miles in 30 minutes on my parents treadmill! BTW, chocolate croissant bread pudding...are you kidding?!? Y-U-M!!!
Congratulations. It sounds so inspiring and fun. I keep feeling bad that I might not run my half marathon as fast as I did pre baby, but now I think I need to give myself more credit that I am running a 13 miles eight months after having a baby. Thank you for that. And congratulations again.
Oh, Snick, good for you. It's true - there is nothing like a race to keep you motivated... Congrats!
I'm so glad to hear that you are ∑ reacquainting yourself with something you once loved!! What a great way to make yourself happy. Good job!!!
How awesome for you! I was going to run that very race you speak of, but ran the BAA Half Marathon on Sunday. Again, ideal running conditions!
I'm hooked!
I am so very, very proud of you! I don't run...I walk, but I understand the motivation and sisterhood of getting together and celebrating our lives during a run or walk.
When's your next race?
Congratulations! It sounds like it was exhilerating. SO GLAD you had ideal weather too.
Congrats on your awesome run!
Way to go!! I'm training for my first 5k right now, and I'm also one year and four months post baby. I'm in awe of YOU.
So wonderful! Congratulations!!
~Misha
I am in awe. Good for you, Snick.
Good for you!
WTG! I agree that one must keep on running in races. Book them long in advance. Like you say - it makes the running alone worth it.
Good for you, Snick. I heard about it on the radio and was thinking of you. I can barely walk up the five flights of stairs to my office! After the baby's born, I'm going to have to get in training.
wow--I have NEVER run anywhere in my life, but your description almost makes me wish I weren't so pathologically lazy.
And I am late to the party, but I recommend Dermatologica moisturizer--it's the ONLY thing I have ever found that doesn't make my dry skin get all oily and gross. I use it in the a.m. and as a night moisturizer. I also have an Aveeno daily moisturizer that has an SPF (the derma...doesn't, at least the one I currently have) and reduces redness, which is an issue for me. It works pretty well...
So congratulations, and I await the results of your scientific moisturizer self-study!
ooo, way to go... I was going to do that race too, but the long weekend got away from me. It sure was a perfect day for it though!
Congrats! Yeah, another runner on the bloggies who shares the passion! So happy for you!
I love that your ran, and ran so happily.
It's neat that you have friends with whom to run the race.
Congratulations -- that's terrific!
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