Today I ran the Cox Rhode Races (Eident) Half Marathon. It was truly an amazing day. It was a race where nothing went according to plan, yet everything fell perfectly into place.
It was a race that almost didn’t happen because on Friday, this happened.
Sickness. A sinus infection, to be exact. I hadn’t felt quite like myself all week, but I kept shrugging it off – pre-races jitters, allergies, busy days – excuses. I was sick. I needed a doctor, antibiotics, and lots of rest. I stayed in bed, but I didn’t count myself out. I went to get my race packet on Saturday.
The energy of the (very small) expo was just enough to boost me up. I ran an easy three miles on Saturday and felt pretty darn good. My emotions were high. This race held a lot of sentimental value for me. It was my first half marathon last spring and so many of my friends and family were running. I wanted to be there, too.
And so this morning started as most race days do.
All smiles, Adele sing-alongs, and ridiculously flashy race day attire.
I was with my favorite people and they were ready to race. I put my game face on and began the push to the starting line. My aunt was prepared to run a sub-two hour half marathon and I stuck with my plan to start with her, but I didn’t know what to expect of myself.
Although the start was congested, the crowd moved quickly and the first couple of miles were fast.
Thanks for the cheers and the photo, Evan!
My aunt was running strong and I felt confident that she could hold her pace. My body didn’t feel nearly as strong and I struggled to maintain the sub-9:00 pace. It was really hard to stay behind, but I knew I had no other choice. I waved her off and continued on.
I ran the next two miles with negativity screaming through me. Nothing hurt, but nothing felt right. My legs were tired and my heart was with my mom, who was minutes behind me, running her first ever half marathon. I knew I needed to change my plan and make things right.
Somewhere near the four mile mark, I saw my dad and I came to a screeching halt. The tears began to flow. It was not my day to race, but it was not my day to quit. Through teary eyes, I watched intently as each runner passed. Standing on the sidelines wearing my bib, I caught sideways glances and concerned looks, but I was focused on finding my runner – MomOnTheRun.
Minutes later, I spotted Mom. I jumped back into the race. She looked amazing, so strong, so happy, and so determined. I told her I wanted to be with her. She smiled. Energy surged through me and everything felt right again.
From that point on, my exhaustion turned into excitement. I was running side by side with my mom.
Suddenly, the miles that seemed to be ticking away so slowly started to fly by. We chatted about the day, the race, the runners, and the spectators. Together, we remained strong on the rolling hills and we shared only positive thoughts.
By mile eleven, Mom started to feel the fatigue of the distance. It’s an inevitable part of the race, but we both knew she had it in her to finish strong. I wasn’t wearing a Garmin, so I had no idea what our pace or time was, but I knew Mom was on track to beat her goal time of 2:15 and I didn’t want anything to stop her. I offered words of encouragement and refused when she urged me to go ahead. Sometimes just the sound of another person’s footsteps is enough to keep you moving. We stayed in sync. We ran…
Hand in hand to the finish!
And again, my eyes filled with tears. I was overwhelmed by bittersweet feelings of pride and joy.
My mom didn’t run a 2:15. She didn’t even come close. She ran a 2:09:13! She crushed her goal time. She’s an inspiration to many, especially me! Congratulations, MomOnTheRun! Thank you for allowing me to share this special day with you. It is something I will never forget.
And my aunt and uncle also met their goals and set new PRs on the course today. Congrats!
Stay tuned for MomOnTheRun’s full report!
Congrats to you and Momontherun!!! That is awesome.
I’m glad you ran with her and what an awesome time!!! I did the same thing with Jason during our marathon last year. It just didn’t seem right to not be together.
Congrats to you and MomOnTheRun.
I feel your sick pain. Well, I’m not sick, my allergies are just killing me. Hope you’re feeling better!
Way to go Becky!! It’s always about following your heart and doing what is right (for you). Glad you and your mom were able to enjoy this fabulous day together!!
You rock. Proud of you and pam. I’ll send photos soon. Xo
What a special day for you and your mom. Good decision, Becky! What a great feeling you must have had to run side by side with your mom. So sweet!!
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again – I’m proud of both you and your Mom. I loved that you ran the race together and finished hand in hand. This will be something special that the two of you will always have, and I think that’s pretty amazing.
Congrats MomOnTheRun for your awesome first half marathon finish!!
And Beck-rest up and get well! We have a state to run across!!
This is amazing. I am in love with you and your mom. That must have been such an incredible experience to cross the finish line together. Congratulations to you both. Talk about a family of rock stars!
That sounds like such a great experience!! Congrats to you and your mom! I almost signed up for this race but am doing the one in Boston at the end of this month. The weather looked gorgeous! And I hope you’re feeling better!
Great job Becky! I can’t believe you ran 13.1 with a sinus infection, those are the absolute WORST
I love that you were able to run with your mom and enjoy the rest of the race, such a special day! Congrats & get well soon! PS Love your shorts!
thats so awesome! great job! I am running a half with my mom in February and I can’t wait to run it with her and have fun!
Ahh Becky, I am so happy you had such a great race with your mom!!! Having finished Boston twice with my mom, I totally know the feeling and how overpowering the emotions are. It is truly incredible to go through the ups and downs of a race with your parent by your side and then cross the finish line together. Some races are about things SO much more than time or pace, and this was definitely one of them for you. This will be a special memory you’ll never forget. Also, you race outfit was awesome – those shorts are so cool! And I hope the sinus infection clears soon!
awww, congrats to you and your mom! That must have been an awesome experience to run with her and help her through to an awesome time. It make me wish my mom had even a tiny bit of athleticism and/or drive to run. Hope you’re resting up now and feeling better!
i have chills. adorable. congrats to you AND mom on the run!!
WOW. Your mom is amazing!! And you’re an amazing daughter for running by her side the entire way. I love this!!
Aww, man. I missed Adele sing-alongs? I really should have ran this one.
Congrats to you and your mom! Looked like a terrific day with a lot of energy.
There will be some serious sing-alongs before the Rock ‘N Roll. After all, that’s the point, right? Be prepared. And thank you for being there to cheer for us on Saturday!
Yay MomontheRun!! Great story Becky! And I hope you feel better soon..
Yay! This is awesome. Congrats to you and your Mom! I was thinking of all the runners Sunday morning – it looked beautiful out!
Hey Becky!
GREAT job! I am so psyched for you and your mom! It was an amazing day!
It was so nice to meet you at the expo!!
Congrats on the race, and another big congrats to your mom! 2:09…amazing for a first halfy!
Congrats on running such a great race! And congrats to your mom for her time – that’s incredible! And is inspiring me to sign up for my next half asap
Congrats to all! It is so difficult to run with a cold, good for you!!! Plus I heard about you giving up your iPod, wow thats amazing, so nice of you!
I saw you at the race!!! I was too shy to say hi. I’ve been reading your blog for awhile and it was like a blogger celebrity siting lol!
love the race recap!
I didn’t have the race I was planning for either .. but that’s okay because finishing was the goal! Plus, I raised money with Team in Training!
Next time, say hi! I would love to chat! Congrats on your race – running for a cause like Team in Training is so incredible and their signs on the course are always my favorite! Hopefully I’ll catch up with you at another race soon.
What an amazing story about not only runners but about mother and daughters. To be there to see your emotion at the end truly touched me and I am so proud of you both!
Per usual, I teared up while reading a running story. I’m such a weakling. That is so awesome that 1) you mom RAN a half and 2) she finished with such a great time!!!!!!!!!!!!! My dad and I are planning to run the Savannah half this fall – it will be his first!
This is incredible!
First, I love your outfit. The pink compression socks are perfection!
Second, I am sorry that you didn’t have a great race day but I’m so happy that you were able to turn it around and make something positive out of it by supporting your mom. I can’t even imagine what it must have felt like to cross the finish line together.
And congrats to your mom for rocking her first half!!!
Congrats to both of you! Are you feeling any better?
Becky, congrats & what a great recap! Nice work by your mom, as well, on the 2:09! Hope you’re recovering well from both the race & the sinus ick.
I also wanted to throw in the towel after the 11-mile mark; glad I’m not the only one who struggled there.