I don't have any races on my calendar right now, which is bugging me a bit. Just because my fall is going to be busy, and I'm just getting back into the swing of things running wise. I've been thinking back on my past races, about each one, and how I felt about them, to get an idea of which I would do again....or run away screaming from. I'm happy that I've run all of them, but these two stick out:
Favorite: NYRR Mini 10k
I ran this in 2001, right after we moved to Queens. It was only my second race ever, but it was so much fun. The race is All Women, and takes place every spring in Central Park. It was a gorgeous morning, and Mike came with me as my wing man. I don't remember being nervous, I was excited to see what I could do. It was fun to be running in the park, there were a couple of hills on the course, nothing too bad, and I actually passed some people! I finished it with a smile in 1:03:13, so it shows I haven't gotten any faster with age....but I haven't gotten slower either. Mike gave me a flower at the end, and after I got cleaned up, we met a bunch of friends at a beer garden in our neighborhood. Although I can't remember if I wore my medal or not that day, but I remember feeling very happy.Least Favorite: The Mountain Goat 10 miler
This race takes place in Syracuse, and I ran it for the first time this year. This was my worst race ever. I wasn't happy with my performance, and got into a funk about it for a few days after it was over. I'd been scared of this race for a long time, not because of the distance, but for it's extremely hilly course, hence the name. I felt confident going in, mainly because I had done the work and ran the official training runs leading up to the race. Race day it was unseasonably hot, and they ran out of water on the course. This ended up being a test of my mental toughness. After one particularly hard hill, I hit a wall at mile 6, and ended up walking most of that mile. I struggled the rest of the way, and was not a happy camper when I finished. Classic case of beating yourself up instead of pushing through, and I definitely learned some lessons after that one. Honorable Mention, The Rochester Half Marathon
I have to include this one for two reasons. Reason One, this race was back when I ran with just water, or maybe Powerade if the mood struck me. No fuel belt, no GU or Nuun, I just ran it and relied on the water stations for fuel. Which cracks me up.
Reason Number Two, I never thought I would run more than a 10k. Then, never more than a 15k. This was a logical progression in race distance, and after I ran it, I couldn't believe I did it. And that's how my marathon came about. You never know what you can do, until you do it.
21 comments:
I can only speak from a triathletes point of view, I am not sure how runners view races. But I believe in you race your "distance speciality" some people are sprinter, some are olympic distance, some are HIM and IM distance. Too much is put on doing an Ironman, I dont think everyone needs to do one, race what makes you happy
I like BDDs comment. I wonder what "my distance" is :)
I loved reading the older reports that were before I started reading your blog. Isn't it funny about how we change to? I was totally unprepared for my first few yet looking back, they went surprisingly well even if I didn't think so at the time!
running has taught me to never under estimate myself. I thought I'd stop at 10K too ---until I did 15K, and 21K several times. Now I'm going to be doing my first full marathon in december. *gulp*
Come join me! I'm doing a 5K in our town here. Working my way up...to a 10K
BDD always says the perfect thing. Love him.
Love the goat shirt. I'd do it for the shirt! ;)
I like this post! It actually gave me a little more confidence in my own abilities. While you were looking back at your races I stopped to think back to mine. I realize that just over a year ago I couldn't run around the block. My goal was to run 1 mile without stopping. Today I just registered for my 2nd half marathon - with my first happening next February!
Have fun picking out your next race!
~RR
So fun to read about your most and least favorites - do you think you'll try the Goat race again to see if you can have a better experience? :)
Love this post!
I like looking back at races. I have to tell you I don't carry anything for a half marathon. I've never found it a problem.
Hi Molly,
You should be proud of all your accomplishments! I bet you run a marathon again...sooner than you think! Let us know what you decide to do:) Woo hoo...it is Friday tomorrow!!! Take care!
Fun post! I love that you never thought you'd run more than a 10K and went on to do a marathon. I can't imagine getting beyond my first 10k coming up...but you never know :)
Cute post. Yes the Mountain goat sucked this year, but I've done it for 4 years now and this is the only year I've hated it!! :)
I've run the mini 10K twice and LOVED it! I wanted to do it this year but the foot kept me from it. Next year it's top on my list! Maybe you can come down and run it again ;)
Ah, you put me to shame-there are no "k's" in my future I'm afraid, but your logic-"You never know what you can do, until you do it"-is right on!
2 thoughts.
1. In that NYRR picture, assuming Mike took the picture, I am impressed you could see him from so far away and time a perfect BIG wave. Nice photo
2. I would have never run my first marathon if I hadn't decided, on a whim, to take an extra turn and divert from my normal training route. That turn led to a little more mileage each subsequent run.
BDD nailed it! Race whatever the heck you feel like racing at that moment. And I'd bet even money that a full mary comes back into play!
Totally love the old recaps...and reminds me of my first race when all I drank was water with no fuel or gagets!
I would think that there would be several races taking place in the fall because of the cooler weather. That would be enjoyable to run in the lower temps.
You sure have a lot of races behind you already though!
I think I only stopped at 2 water stations at my first half, didn't carry a handheld or any gels, just ran, slow, steady and determined to the finish line! What a difference a year makes!
I'm sure it won't be long before you have another race or two on the agenda.
Isn't it interesting how we progress through the distances? One goal leads to another.
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