Sunday

The Year of 31:49

I ran my final 5k of the year this year on Saturday, called the MADD Dash.
It started out rough. My I-Pod malfunctioned right at the start. My sunglasses kept fogging up. I started cramping up really early. I was huffing and puffing. There were way fewer runners than I have ever run with in a 5k before and it was the first time I thought that if I didn't motor it, I could theoretically come in dead last. I was scared. And people were passing me left and right.

I thought to myself, "Oh well. Everyone has a bad race in their life sometime."

But I kept pace. For the first time, I ran with my mind completely blank. I just ran. I looked at the pretty leaves, I paid attention to my feet and my steps and my breathing but I didn't think about anything.

I rounded the first mile at 10:15 which was a huge first for this 12 minute-miler. And it renewed me. When my feet wanted to slow down I said no. I rounded the second mile at 21-something and I was disappointed because I thought my 30 minute 5k was now out of reach. So I picked it up. I was huffing and puffing now.

Then I saw the two kids who were obnoxiously cheering people on around the 2nd mile which meant I was approaching the final stretch. So I said, "Legs, don't fail me now." And I picked it up. And by now I am almost sprinting because yes, I did pass the 30 minute mark but with 2/10ths of a mile left I could still make the 31's. And I ran my heart out and made it across with a time of 31:49.

31:49!!!!!!!!

I never want to erase my watch ever ever ever!!! This is huge for me!!!

My last 5k in September was 35-something!!! WOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!

Not to mention the fact that after I posted my time, I found out I won the raffle too!! I never win anything!! Yes! I have countless giveaways on my blog but I never win anything!!!!!! I won a gift certificate to a running store!!! I want to put an exclamation mark here! And here! And another over here! I want to have exclamation marks everywhere!!
!!!!!!
!!!!!! and !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So it started out shakey but the race was actually my best one yet and I'm just happy that I can finish out the year on this wonderful high note. It gives me renewed resolve for the year ahead and I'm excited to do this same post next year, I wonder what will be in it and what will have happened. We shall see. So, to everyone, a wonderful healthy and happy New Year ahead. May you reach all of your goals!!!

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14 comments:

  1. Christie - EXCELLENT job! I'll add a few more exclamation points just for you!!! ;-)

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  2. Way to go Christie! I am so proud of you!

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  3. Good for you! Awesome race!

    I gave you an award. Come on over and pick it up!

    You've because you've really inspired me to get off my duff and do something. I'm so glad I found your blog. You are very encouraging. And I appreciate the accountability.

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  4. Awesome race, Christie! Here are some more exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!

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  5. I'm so very thrilled for you! Can I be proud of you, too? As someone who has been following your progress? OK, good, then I'm proud of you. That is really just awesome.

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  6. That is rockin' awesome Christie!! You should definately be proud of yourself!!

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  7. Awesome job Christie!!!! You go girl!!!!

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  8. By the way, I meant to tell you that I gave you an award! Stop by and check it out... I'm sure you already have this but I think you deserve two!!!!

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  9. Congratulations! Way to go. I marvel at anyone who likes to run!

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  10. **cue confetti shaped like your ironman watch**

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  11. Way to push yourself...congratulations on a run well done!!!! For someone who considers herself not much of a runner, you sure have turned into one. ;-)

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  12. Congrats on your final 5k of 2008. That's a wonderful picture of you!

    Happy new year!

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  13. Great job!! I got my bracelets in the mail - thank you!

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  14. That's awesome girl!! I'm so happy for you. You are spurring me on and making me think about doing a 5K this spring. I'll have to really think about it.

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