NO....I did not run three races in one day.
It was just another opportunity to run strong as a family. 8k. 5k. 3k. Definitely a family affair. Three Greens out on the course. Three different races. Three different sets of smiles.
We were at the start line and I was listening to the race director gives comments and rules. At the same time, I was prepping my music and my wireless headphones. Before I knew what was happening, I heard a siren and saw people moving all around me. I finally got myself going but with no music and never started the clock on my Garmin.
Oh well.
I set out to complete 4.97 miles so I knew I'd get it done. I quickly realized that it might not be pretty but as long as it got done, it didn't matter how it got done.
Here's what crossed my mind during the run:
1. Hydrate. I received my Zooma Summer Challenge swag and noticed it included a water bottle holder. I never used a handheld water bottle during a run so I figured today was the day. Boy was I happy to have it. There was one water station that I passed two times during the race but early into the race, I knew I needed water everyone 8-9 minutes. It was blazing hot out there. My shirt was soaked within the first mile of the race. Not normal for me, but having water handy kept me hydrated throughout the 8k and after. Remember to stay hydrated!
2. Know your Route. I ran this race last year but for the life of me I couldn't remember much of it. All I knew is that it was a trail run. My oldest daughter asked if this was the course with the mud and water, I told her yes, but honestly, I didn't know. When I heard the race director mention water and a hill, I thought "Oh wow. What did I get myself into?" As much as I tend not to like loop races, having the loop in the first half of the race helped me get through the entire race. Once I knew what to expect with the water and the two fantastic hills in each loop, the rest was easy peasy. When available, get information on your route before you start.
3. Know your body. I twisted both of my ankles right around the half way mark. I could have stopped the race or even decided to to cut my route short and finish on the 5k route. Instead, I trudged along. I told myself that I was not quitting. I was not going to alter anything. I was going to finish what I started. And I did. It didn't feel good in the moment. But after I spoke to my ankles and told them we were finishing, I didn't feel any more pain. Running regularly has allowed me to get to know my body better and to know how to push my own limits. Get to know your body inside and out.
4. Finish strong. You've heard the saying. "It doesn't matter how you start, it matters how you finish." I felt like a turtle during the race. I was just moving along, putting one foot in front of the other. So many people were ahead of me and a few people passed me by. That could be discouraging but I reminded myself that the race my my race and I was not competing against anyone but myself. By the time I got to the end, I wanted to empty my tank and give the finish everything I had. I sprinted my last quarter mile and felt so good crossing that line. No matter how you feel, always finish strong.
Every race will be different but these reminders will remain the same. Find your tribe and plan your next race.
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