What feels right.
I'm aware that what feels right isn't always what is right. But what about what's supposed to feel right, just doesn't? Do you ever have those days - that you know you're not doing the wrong thing, yet somehow you're not up to par with those doing the right thing.
Who identified this "right thing" anyway? And why did they make the definitions on it so vague? All I know is that what feels right is going to be what is right for right now.
End scene.
The great race was the weekend and it is always just that - great. We did something "great racey" every day of the weekend. The expo was on Friday, we lounged around Saturday then went to the pasta party with Corey and Stacey at night. And no, you can't get 34% off with your shirts. :)
Then Sunday was the big day. I think the greatest thing about running races is not being alone. So many of the 14,500 runners there run on a daily basis by themselves, and there's something magnificent about coming together and all running together for the same finish line. Our group of runner friends have increased as our years here add on and I know they're freakishly faster than me, but I enjoy start line and finish line laughter with them.
I like waiting in line for the bathroom for 45 minutes with them and then waiting another hour to leave a parking garage. I love waiting on the sidewalk for Pamela's in agony due to our hunger pains and then eating so fast that we don't talk throug our meal or slow down for fear that we'll realize that we're full. I love pushing each other and all of us being just as excited as the other for our times. And I love how modest all of us are, right? :)
Running is lonesome duirng the training, but greatly rewarded with company during the run that counts.
And this run that counted? It counted. I had goals in mind from day one (improve last year's time) and with just a week to go, I upped the anty. I almost did this same thing for the half in May and knew better, but for some reason it seemed right to give myself a second goal. Instead of improving, I wanted a great time. My best time. Ever. From all races - so my best pace for a race was the great race 5k at 8:19/mile. So I'd be elated with 8:18.
The first mile I was dodging left and right trying to make sure that my time didn't suffer due to the masses of people. First mile - 8:10. I was feeling confident.
Second mile the dodging continued and I lost Kurtis in here due to so. many. people. Second mile - 7:58.
I was feeling confident that I could do it at this point. I had flown through the first two miles that I had time to spare for the rest of the run if I got tired. Third mile: 8:11 and 5k Split: 25:27 (best 5k time!).
I pushed myself a bit much into the next mile, but it was a great gradual down hill so I coasted along. Mile four: 8:00.
This was where all energy started draining. According to anyone else I've talked to I heard the same thing, and my time showed it. Fifth mile: 8:42.
I was disappointed, but knew that I was still ahead of my initial goal and so close to my newer, higher goal. I gained some momentum with awesome music along the streets and another downhill slope. Sixth mile: 8:12.
And the last .2 was 1:34 (a 6:25 mile).
Not only did I do it, I did it. I finished in 50:50 which just looks awesome written down, and feels even more awesome. Too often I question myself before runs out of fear - what if I did something out of routine, will that screw me up? Did I eat the right thing? Did I wear the right outfit?
Yet with prayer, a supportive husband, friends, and family I nearly always make it though.
Next up, Bettis 5k with hopes of beating this pace, which ended up being 8:11.
I love running. So much that I know it's one of the right things I do. Even if it means missing church for sometimes.
Who identified this "right thing" anyway? And why did they make the definitions on it so vague? All I know is that what feels right is going to be what is right for right now.
End scene.
The great race was the weekend and it is always just that - great. We did something "great racey" every day of the weekend. The expo was on Friday, we lounged around Saturday then went to the pasta party with Corey and Stacey at night. And no, you can't get 34% off with your shirts. :)
Then Sunday was the big day. I think the greatest thing about running races is not being alone. So many of the 14,500 runners there run on a daily basis by themselves, and there's something magnificent about coming together and all running together for the same finish line. Our group of runner friends have increased as our years here add on and I know they're freakishly faster than me, but I enjoy start line and finish line laughter with them.
I like waiting in line for the bathroom for 45 minutes with them and then waiting another hour to leave a parking garage. I love waiting on the sidewalk for Pamela's in agony due to our hunger pains and then eating so fast that we don't talk throug our meal or slow down for fear that we'll realize that we're full. I love pushing each other and all of us being just as excited as the other for our times. And I love how modest all of us are, right? :)
Running is lonesome duirng the training, but greatly rewarded with company during the run that counts.
And this run that counted? It counted. I had goals in mind from day one (improve last year's time) and with just a week to go, I upped the anty. I almost did this same thing for the half in May and knew better, but for some reason it seemed right to give myself a second goal. Instead of improving, I wanted a great time. My best time. Ever. From all races - so my best pace for a race was the great race 5k at 8:19/mile. So I'd be elated with 8:18.
The first mile I was dodging left and right trying to make sure that my time didn't suffer due to the masses of people. First mile - 8:10. I was feeling confident.
Second mile the dodging continued and I lost Kurtis in here due to so. many. people. Second mile - 7:58.
I was feeling confident that I could do it at this point. I had flown through the first two miles that I had time to spare for the rest of the run if I got tired. Third mile: 8:11 and 5k Split: 25:27 (best 5k time!).
I pushed myself a bit much into the next mile, but it was a great gradual down hill so I coasted along. Mile four: 8:00.
This was where all energy started draining. According to anyone else I've talked to I heard the same thing, and my time showed it. Fifth mile: 8:42.
I was disappointed, but knew that I was still ahead of my initial goal and so close to my newer, higher goal. I gained some momentum with awesome music along the streets and another downhill slope. Sixth mile: 8:12.
And the last .2 was 1:34 (a 6:25 mile).
Not only did I do it, I did it. I finished in 50:50 which just looks awesome written down, and feels even more awesome. Too often I question myself before runs out of fear - what if I did something out of routine, will that screw me up? Did I eat the right thing? Did I wear the right outfit?
Yet with prayer, a supportive husband, friends, and family I nearly always make it though.
Next up, Bettis 5k with hopes of beating this pace, which ended up being 8:11.
I love running. So much that I know it's one of the right things I do. Even if it means missing church for sometimes.