Thank you, thank you, thank you for your well wishes for today’s race. They were just what I needed!
The alarm sounded at 4:30 AM and I was ready for it. For some reason, my nerves for this race were through. the. roof. I didn’t sleep well and I was ready to get the show on the road!
Per usual, we loaded the ontherun mobile and shipped it up to Salem for the Black Cat 10/20 Miler. Lauren kept me sane during the 1.5 hour drive!
Luckily, it was smooth sailing when we arrived in Salem. We had of time to spare. We picked up our registration packets and got situated before the start. There was much debate over what to wear, but I was happy with my shorts/shirt combo. It was perfect for a mild March day.
With a few minutes to spare, I found my favorite blog friends – Bekah, Lizzy, and Corey!
Let’s do this thing!
This was a small race – only 600 runners for both the 10- and 20-mile distances. There was no chip timing…just the good old-fashioned clock! Everyone had their own race to run, so once the gun went off, we settled into our respective paces.
I feared the loneliness of 20 miles…and the non-stop running! During long training runs, I often stop to refill my water or use the bathroom, but not today. I ran every step!
Within the first mile, all of my fear dissipated. I felt strong and comfortable in my pace. I settled into a groove and took in every mile. The day was perfect for a long run – temperatures in the fifties with a cool cloud cover. I focused on the other runners, the spectators, and the new course.
The course was a simple 10 mile out-and-back. Those running the 20 mile distance repeated it a second time. The route had plenty of rolling hills and a few windy patches, but I loved knowing what to expect the second time around. I was able to push myself and recover without fear of what was to come. It was an added bonus that I got to cheer on my speedy friends as we passed.
As I rounded the corner at mile fifteen, I felt a smile come to my face. This was my day, the best training run of the season. I was grateful for my legs, my lungs, and my amazing support system. My legs felt tight and tired in those final miles, but I did all I could to stay strong and steady. I thought about my friends at the finish line. It was just the motivation I needed.
The finish line! How exciting!
I was beyond happy!
Total Distance: 20.0 miles
Total Time: 3:13:50
Average Pace: 9:41/mi
This was my final 20-miler before the National Marathon and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. My run felt great, my friends were there, and my marathon goals are within reach.
On that note, let the good times roll!
Matching medals, matching shirts, matching expressions - two peas in a pod.
Stephy’s Kitchen provided the perfect post-race pancakes.
It was a day to celebrate!
“Celebrating life, one run at a time.” It’s the ontherun way.
Congratulations to all of the amazing runners in Salem today! Everyone has their own race story and every story is special.
Kick ass race!
Becky, it was awesome to see you today, and I totally agree that even though we didn’t run together just knowing that I would be watching you go by and seeing your finish was the best! Having spectators and friends running with you makes races so much more fun. Please tell your mom thank you for everything she did today – she is so sweet! (And a wonderful teacher like you, as I found out!) Your and Lauren’s shirts are so cute…you guys are going to rock National!! Hope you have a great, relaxing night – you deserve it after such a great run!
Congratulations! You’re going to do great at the National.
Congrats on an awesome race!!!
Congrats on the great race!! I can’t wait to see your results for the Marathon
You look so strong in your racing pictures! And so enthusiastic! Love your passion for the sport, girl
Great pace — and congrats on running every step! That can certainly be an intimidating thought, and it’s bound to be a huge boost coming into the marathon. Lovely pictures too — you look so happy
and ps — I also have trouble dressing for March running. Is it winter, is it spring, so I layer… Argh!
Thank you! It’s all about the layers this month. I tend to overdress and overheat, so I’m trying to avoid it. That means a chilly few minutes in the beginning!
You are an amazing woman!
Congratulations on an amazing race! I’m so proud of you and I had another fun day with the on the run team plus coach conkie and mom on the run. Can’t wait to do it again in three weeks. Great job on twenty miles. That is no easy feat!!!
Congratulations!
Where did you get those awesome looking shirts??
Nice job yesterday Becky!! It’s been a fun two weeks on the road with you and the rest of the ontherun crew. I loved being able to run by and cheer for you yesterday – it gave me that extra boost I needed to get through the run! It’s been so great to share this crazy training journey with you. The hard work is over!! Now it’s time to rest and get excited. Next stop: DC!
Whoever said running was an individual sport? It’s so much sweeter to share the victories of a tough training season with a great teammate!
NIIIIIIIICELY done my friend!!! Killer race! I am SO glad the weather ended up being perfect for your last 20-mile training run. SO happy. I thought of you all morning on Sunday as you raced away! I hope you felt the good vibes
1 – Love the matching shirts!
2 – The fact that you were smiling and happy at the end of a 20 mile run shows that you are going to do awesome at National.
Awesome job on the race! You are going to rock your marathon!!
love the shirts!! congrats on an awesome run (and running every step!). you should have so much confidence heading into national! can’t wait to cheer you on at the finish.
i remember seeing you out on the course! way to go – awesome job!!!
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