My new obsession: Racing and Pacing
This past weekend, I ran my 16th and 17th races of the year. Ever since I retired from soccer 2 years ago, I've needed something to keep me in shape, and something to look forward to. Racing has become an obsession and I love it.
Saturday was the Woodinville Half Marathon in the wine country just North of Seattle. I was the 2:00 Pacer for this race, meaning I carry a little sign that says "2:00," and anyone hoping to run a 9:09/mile pace, runs along with me. I get to encourage and meet other runners. Very motivating and fun. The race started at Chateau St. Michelle. When I was in law school, their Reserve Cabernet was Robert (that's a throwback, eh?) and my favorite wine. I ran with about 15 other people for the first half of the race, carrying on a few conversations. I lost most of the runners around mile 10 - some moved ahead and some fell behind. I also caught up to one gal who had been in front of our group the whole time and it was clear she was struggling. I caught up and encouraged her. She stayed with me for a little bit, then fell behind. At mile 12, I turned around and saw her just 50 yards behind me, along with a few other runners who were still trying to keep up with my pace. I cheered them on and told them they could do it. I literally jumped over the finish line. As I met up with another pacer to collect the signs, several runners came over and thanked me, including the gal that I had passed. She gave me a huge hug. I got a awkward fist bump/high five from another gentleman. And the wife of another runner who had been with me, came over and showed me the picture she got of me jumping over the finish line. I'm grateful she caught that. It was overall an incredible experience. This was my 3rd pacing experience, and I can't wait to do more!
Sunday was the Beer N Brats Run here in Boise. The course was pretty, along the Boise River. I planned on taking it slow, but ended up running 7:57/mile pace. I finished 8th overall (out of 69) and 2nd female.
Racing keeps me grounded and focused. It keeps me sane outside of work. And I'm meeting some great people.
To date, I've completed 22 half-marathons, 9 marathons, 3 Half-Ironmans, and 3 Olympic triathlons. I've got 3 half-marathons, 1 marathon and 1 50K left for this year. It makes me happy to think about it.
Saturday was the Woodinville Half Marathon in the wine country just North of Seattle. I was the 2:00 Pacer for this race, meaning I carry a little sign that says "2:00," and anyone hoping to run a 9:09/mile pace, runs along with me. I get to encourage and meet other runners. Very motivating and fun. The race started at Chateau St. Michelle. When I was in law school, their Reserve Cabernet was Robert (that's a throwback, eh?) and my favorite wine. I ran with about 15 other people for the first half of the race, carrying on a few conversations. I lost most of the runners around mile 10 - some moved ahead and some fell behind. I also caught up to one gal who had been in front of our group the whole time and it was clear she was struggling. I caught up and encouraged her. She stayed with me for a little bit, then fell behind. At mile 12, I turned around and saw her just 50 yards behind me, along with a few other runners who were still trying to keep up with my pace. I cheered them on and told them they could do it. I literally jumped over the finish line. As I met up with another pacer to collect the signs, several runners came over and thanked me, including the gal that I had passed. She gave me a huge hug. I got a awkward fist bump/high five from another gentleman. And the wife of another runner who had been with me, came over and showed me the picture she got of me jumping over the finish line. I'm grateful she caught that. It was overall an incredible experience. This was my 3rd pacing experience, and I can't wait to do more!
Sunday was the Beer N Brats Run here in Boise. The course was pretty, along the Boise River. I planned on taking it slow, but ended up running 7:57/mile pace. I finished 8th overall (out of 69) and 2nd female.
Racing keeps me grounded and focused. It keeps me sane outside of work. And I'm meeting some great people.
To date, I've completed 22 half-marathons, 9 marathons, 3 Half-Ironmans, and 3 Olympic triathlons. I've got 3 half-marathons, 1 marathon and 1 50K left for this year. It makes me happy to think about it.