The Sacrificing of the Race Virgins



Me, Cheryl, Ben and Maddie after the race.



At the beginning of this year (NOT a resolution.  I don't make those), I decided to make some changes in my lifestyle for health purposes.  A few friends had done the Couch to 5K program with success in weight loss and in strength.  I was unsure for myself, having never run before (and having been the kid who cheats during gym class and says I've run 4 laps when I've really run 3), but I figured that I didn't have anything to lose, except, well, maybe weight. 

The program is done over 9 weeks, starting with intervals that are more walking than running.  I decided that my "goal" was to not only finish the program, but to compete in a 5k race when I was finished. 

I started in January, an optimal time in which to start running in Michigan.  Luckily, I have a treadmill, but I was worried about running outside for the actual race.  I found one that would give me enough training time, plus some for outside training.  April 30.  That MY day.  

I blazed through the C25K, having only a few "bad" runs, and never having to repeat a week.  At 6 weeks, you are scheduled to run for 20 minutes straight.  A feat I had never accomplished.  When I got near the end and was losing steam, Ryan said to me, "You pushed out three babies with no drugs!  You can run a measly 20 minutes!" And I could.  At that moment, I realized my body was STRONG.  It had done some amazing things, even when I didn't think I was strong. 

After completing the program, I ran outside a few times.  Unfortunately, this was the coldest start of Spring in, oh, EVER, and continued to snow well into April.  I started to panic.  When I was able to really begin training outside, I realized that my neighbor and surrounding areas were HILLY.  Now, I obviously had noticed this before, especially when I moved here at 15.  I had been an avid biker in my old town, biking practically everywhere.  In Romeo?  Solid hills. All up.  It is NOT easy to do.  I got a little discouraged.  Race day Loomed. 

All along, I had dealt with this little shin "issue".  But as soon as I started running outside, it got bad.  The day after one particularly long run I couldn't walk.  So I spent the (insane amount of) money to get new shoes.  Two weeks before my race.  So I had break in a new pair of shoes, heal my shin splints and train for a race, all at the same time, all seemingly counterproductive. 

The day before the race I went to pick up my race packet.  I wasn't sure what to do and I didn't want to look like an idiot.  I was a Race Virgin, after all!  But fortunately, almost all of the runners I have encountered have been MORE than helpful in getting me started.  They all seem to want to have another one in their ranks.  I was nervous about my shin and my shoes.  I didn't sleep that night. 

Our entire family got up at 6 am (amazing for Maddie, let me say.  With NO complaining.  This is how I know she loves me).  We got ready and Cheryl drove over to join us.  My mother-in-law was a Race Virgin too, so we decided to do it together.  It was a clear, bright, COLD morning.  We were a little unsure about where to be for the start of the race, but The Race was a virgin too, this was all very new. 

They sang the national anthem, we started slowly toward the large red balloon starting line.  And then; we were running. 

It was crowded at first, but we passed some and were passed by others.  Soon we got into an even pace.  I was amazed at how easy it could be when you weren't winded after the first quarter mile due to hills.  We ran some, we walked some.  It felt amazing to see all those people with the common goal, a common struggle, striving for the same finish line.  Cheryl and I made it all the way together, ending at 36:02. 

I had no time 'goal', I just wanted to get through it.  I knew I could, and the nagging doubts in my head were silly.  Yes, my shin hurt.  My shoes were fine.  I didn't die. 

I want to do it again!