Winning at Failing: Race Report

I had this grand goal in mind when I signed up for this particular race series. In 2013-2014, I did the Active Suncoast 22.4 Challenge – a 5k, a half, and a 10k. Each course was well-supported, scenic, and flat. Moreover, it dawned on me that each of my running PRs were on these courses. I thought to myself, “Yes! I will do this again! This is officially my PR series!” 

Nope. 

I knew there was no way on earth I would hit less than 29 minutes for a 5k in my current shape. Moreover, weather decided to drop into the 40s and all the running I had (or hadn’t) been doing was in the 60s. Did I mention I was still trying to shake a bad cold? And how much I hate running in pants? 

Goal modified, I created a playlist that reflected the new “win” – 6 songs – 32 minutes. I put tissue in my jacket pocket, prepared for the worst.

I don’t know what it was, but I felt great as I ran. I was able to run with very little coughing. My nose felt clear! I smiled as people ran by in winter themed outfits, even giggled when I was outrun by an Olaf. It happens. I was pleased that I had put “Paradise City” as my last song, as it was my warning that I needed to pick it up if I wanted to reach my goal. Sure enough, by the time the tempo changed, I saw the finish line around the corner. I increased my turnover and just made it before I would have had to run in silence, clearly apt punishment for a musician not meeting her running goal. 

I’m getting pretty good at failing. Practice makes perfect! 

  

Confidence, My Foot.

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know I like to roll solo. If not, bring yourself up to speed here.

Heh. Speed. I don’t have that. I’m running with the 2:30 pace group tomorrow, just slightly behind my best
half-marathon time I ran in January. Coachie says I’m not allowed to run the hell out of this race as Augusta 70.3 is in only SEVENTY-ONE DAYS OMG and I shouldn’t risk injury. Can’t be mad at that. Plus, I’ve been sleeping in this:

Mm-hmm! My strassburg sock brings all the boys to the yard, y’all. Which brings us back to preferring to be alone LOL! Today, I was at the race expo with my cousin. She will be running the 5k. It’s perfect because I had a buddy that I don’t actually have to run with. Everyone wins. As we were walking around, she was lamenting that most racing paraphernalia was geared toward the half-marathon distance. “Some of us aren’t there yet!” She rightly protested. Granted, the race is part of the Rock N’Roll Marathon Series, but if you’re going to have a 5k, why not ensure that runners of that race feel like they are equals? My opinion is not really humble here, but if you’re going out there and doing your best, and the best at that moment in time is a 5k as opposed to a half-marathon, why should you get any less props? I can’t say I remember feeling that way myself prior to running longer distances, but that may be because I’m already so accustomed to feeling inadequate that lack of representation through running swag was the least of my concerns.

And indeed, I did find it odd that I didn’t feel odd at the expo myself. As exhibitors asked me if this was my first half and I said, “Nope,” it further cemented that I am one of these running people. Slow as I may be, whatever distance I cover.

Upon returning to the rest of my family, I met this cool guy who has been running a long time. He was complaining that he could never get his full marathon time under 3:30. Hahahahaha! I regret not telling him what my time goal is tomorrow for my half. I let my fear of inadequacy win, which makes me wonder if I REALLY believe deep down that my 5k running cousin deserves those accolades.

Nah. I know she does. I know I’m awesome too – for being willing to grow and challenge myself. I just have to learn to embrace it.