Let’s recap. Even though I got all my fancy new gear and I was active over the holidays, I still did not feel like I was where I should be training wise. I went to practice that week anyway and I found out the team was going to run the Fred Lebow race that Saturday in leu of practice. So, it was run 5 miles by myself on a treadmill or sign up for the race, practice with the team and get some race experience. The thought of running 5 miles in a race scared the life out of me. Let’s be honest, the last time I ran in a race was probably 4th grade and Im pretty sure we were walking. And before that night, I hadn’t run/walked or anything longer than 2 miles. ever.
I partnered up with a guy from the team and together we ran 3.4 miles in intervals of Effort level 1 and 4 (more runner speak. Just know I really wanted to die while doing Effort level 4.) When they told me how far we had run, I was in disbelief. 3.4 miles and I was still standing. In fact, I kind of felt great. I felt like I could do 5 miles.
That’s one of the many things I love about training with the team. They are so supportive and motivating. I could never do it alone. If I tried, I know the first sight of a subway station; I would have been on it back to my couch in Brooklyn. Everyone has been in the same place I am right now. They understand and want you to succeed. It’s an amazing group of ordinary people who want to run to help an extraordinary cause.
So, I signed up for the race. And I got a pretty cool t-shirt for doing so.
Then it snowed. And snowed. And snowed. But don’t you worry, it was rescheduled for a 26 degree cold Sunday morning. And guess who still got out of bed at 6:30am to run in it?
And the most amazing part? I FINISHED. I was fully convinced someone was going to have to come find me via GPS somewhere around mile 4. No such luck. I don’t know if it was the adrenaline of the race or the fact the park was beautiful in the snow but I did it. Not only did I finish, I actually threw caution (and my intervals) to the wind and ran the last quarter of a mile by myself. I was actually smiling as I crossed the finish line (I will spare you that picture. Although I am extremely photogenic, I need to work on looking better while running. Ha!) It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt. I am fully addicted to the finish line and I can’t wait for the next one.
See yall then!
