It’s been said that running is the best metaphor for life and I’m a believer. Every race, from 5K to marathon, teaches me something about myself as a runner and a person. I grow and I learn with every mile. Tory Row was no exception.
Lesson #1: Keep a positive attitude. It’s the one variable within your control.
I love races. Most times I’m the obnoxiously peppy runner at the start. It probably borders on annoying, but I really love the excitement and camaraderie of race day. Not today.
I’ll be very honest and tell you that I was beyond nervous going into the race. For some reason, I really wanted to break 25 minutes and hoped today would be the day. Until today, that is. I don’t do well with time goals. They make me very anxious and take some of the fun away for me. Once I put pressure on myself to hit a certain time, I cracked beneath it. The good news: By mile two, I was able to assess my goals and find that race day excitement again. Thank goodness!
Lesson #2: Respect every race.
Signature running pose.
I run races all the time and every race is hard. The ability to run a marathon does not imply that running a 5K will be easy. I signed up for this race with Lizzy and had grand plans to bring home my shiny, new PR. I felt rested, refreshed, and strong on most of my recent runs, so I really thought I had it in the bag. I had no idea what the course was like (hills and tricky turns) and I never trained to improve my 5K time, so this race was tougher than I expected. I probably should have planned for that. A 5K is no joke.
Lesson #3: Even the toughest races are fun when you’re with friends.
I’m sure you recognize these ladies. Lauren and Lizzy are champion runners, cheerleaders, and friends. They put up with my pre-race antics and keep things interesting! I know Lauren secretly loves my stress-relieving sing-alongs and Lizzy thrives off my talk of stomachaches and porta-potties. I wish I could have all of my favorite people at every race. Good times.
Lesson #4: New shoes may not lead to a PR, but they are pretty dang sweet.
I rocked a brand spankin’ new pair of Saucony ProGrid Kinvaras during today’s race. I bought them for racing and speed workouts and it was love at first step. The shoes have a lightweight, flexible, minimalist design and feel amazing. They made every mile a little bit better. I can’t wait to log more miles in these puppies and tell you all about ‘em!
Lesson #5: Drink the post-race beer and celebrate your accomplishments.
Even if it is 10 AM on a Sunday morning. A 5K finish calls for a celebration.
Official Results:
- Time: 25:53 – 8:20/mi
- Division: 18/52
- Overall: 94/271
I didn’t bring that PR home today, but in the end, this race was about more than a PR and I’m really happy with my performance.
It was about staying strong when I wanted to quit, about digging a little deeper than I thought I could, and making sure to smile at the finish.
Much like my life in recent weeks. Running and life…like peanut butter and jelly, folks.
How do you feel about time goals? Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? Honestly, I think my love for the marathon stems from my dislike for time goals. Time goals make me happy, but distance milestones are definitely more my speed. (Pun intended.)
