This year was the 10th year for the CHKM and my second year running it. It also became my third half and as I stated last week I had no expectations going into this race- my goal was to finish and finish strong! I did well for the first 8 -9 miles and then the heel pain flared up and I ended up having to walk WAY more than I planned (plus I had to make an extra stop at the porta potties). BUT, when I hit that downhill that takes you into the stadium- oh my the tears popped to my eyes and I just kept pushing. To run into the stadium and see that finish line on the 50 yard line and hear your name called out as a finisher and then get that finisher medal was the icing on the cake.
Can I tell you what the best part was though (besides finishing of course)? I took a personal day on Monday and when I went back to school on Tuesday I took my medal with me so I could show it to the kids. I decided to take their picture of them wearing the medal. One of my sweet 4 year olds looked at me after I put it away and said, "Ms. Grandi, I am going to get me one of those medals." Me, "You are?" Her, "Yes, I am going to run a really long race when I get big so I can have one of those!" Me, "I bet you will!" and I gave her a high five. Made all of the torture (ha), lack of training, pain, and tears worth it. Even when I feel like I have failed because I didn't meet my goal- or I didn't do as well as I wanted- I haven't failed- not at all because in the end- maybe, just maybe, I have inspired someone to go out and be strong.
Oh, and my finish time- it was 3:04 on the dot. Not as good as last year but many lessons learned…
