I strongly believe that I have the best experiences. I have been absolutely blessed by the people I have in my life, the opportunities I'm given, and what just happens to me. As Adam and I were driving home from our first 8K (4.9 miles) in Cameron, Missouri this morning, I realized just how true that is.
My goal for the 8K was the same as the one for the 5K ... finish it without stopping (not even stopping for a second to drink water). I'm going to have that same goal for all of the upcoming races. It's because my goal for the marathon is just to complete it. Up until then, I believe I need to make sure I run all of the other ones. I'm not a person that cares about my time. Being new at this running adventure, my goal is just to run. Today, we did exactly that in 55:26.
As we pulled into Cameron, I felt like I was right at home. Cameron is definitely a small town and I loved it! Being from Eldorado, I always feel like I belong when I'm a part of a small community. People say hi as you walk past them. You always get a smile. They have their dogs with them (unleashed of course) and everyone seems to know each other. It felt like a scene right out of a movie. However, Adam and I were a bit confused. Other than some orange cones, there was no indication that there was a 5K/8K April Fools Run starting in less than a hour. I was expecting the big "start" sign with the MC playing music. Um, not so much. Instead, we had the orange cones, spray painted lines on the road, and a woman with a megaphone.
The race started out like I expected. We were told that it would be mainly a flat course with some "gently rolling hills," which I later discovered meant some "enormous mountains." Much like the 5K, we had quite a few runners pass us and we were able to pass a few along the way. We were running along the street, across I-35, down by the hospital, which overlooks the mountain I had to conquer, and down a long stretch of isolated road, and back again. Some people were running solo, others in groups, some had their kids, and one even had her dog. Unlike the Snake Chase, there were no volunteers along the way encouraging us. All of the motivation had to come from within (granted, Adam provided countless encouraging comments along the way. So much so, that I thought I was competing in the Olympics).
We had moments where we were running directly against the wind and up a hill. I kept thinking about a quote I had recently read, "When you're running, the body isn't the one that gives up. It's the mind that gives up." I just knew that I had to get through the hard parts and not give up. It also helps to know that once you get up the hill, you're going to be going down. Aside from the wind, we running in 64 degree weather. It was gorgeous!
At the 5K half-way point, we lost all of the other runners and it was just the two of us running to the 8K half-way point (the other 8K runners were way ahead of us). In that moment, I just loved it. I was running next to my favorite person on earth and we were running in our first 8K. As we running to the next water station, other runners passed up on their way back. I can't begin to describe how inspiring and motivating it is to have others say "Great job," "You're doing it," or just give a smile or a thumbs up. You feel like a part of community that is incredibly supportive and encouraging. In that moment, you realize you all have a common goal ... to finish the race.
On our way back, it was obvious that we were two of the last ones (aside from an older man behind us). At one of the more difficult parts of the run (back up the mountain), I saw a father walking with his son, carrying another son in a pack on his back. When I saw that, I thought, "If he can do this with two kids, I can do this" and I just ran (while also telling him that it was incredible what he was doing). A few minutes later, we approached a woman, walking with a son, pushing another son in a stroller. When her little boy saw us, he started running. His mom told us that we provided him with "inspiration." We had a mile left and the little boy ran with us the remainder of the run (okay, I should probably mention that he ran ahead of us). As he ran, I was absolutely inspired. He could not have been any older than 6 and he was having so much fun. Since we were running along the road, I would say to him, "Stay over here" or "Move over a bit so you're away from the car." When he listened, I said, "Good listening" (the speech therapist is always in me). When I could see the finish line with the orange cones, I just said, "Keep going. I'm following you!" That little boy finished with me and Adam right behind him.
Another one of my favorite moments occurred after we crossed the finish line. Moments after we finished, the people recording our times stood up, folded up their lawn chairs, and put their clipboards down. That would be because Adam and I were the last runners to come in (only three parents were behind us, walking their toddler children). It definitely made me smile. That, my friends, is why you do not care about your time. If you did, that moment could have sent you into a deep depression.
As always, to finish a run is invigorating and overwhelming.
During the awards ceremony, Adam learned that he placed first in his age group. As he was accepting his award, he said, "I love no competition" (he was the only one in his age group).
Regardless, he earned that medal. Adam has been beyond encouraging. I know I married one of the most amazing men, but he continues to show me this level of love and support that means more to me than I can even begin to describe. With him by my side, I feel like I can accomplish anything. Even those mountains in Cameron, Missouri.
As we were sitting in the car, updating my facebook status, and talking about the run, the father of the boy that carried us to the finish line walked up with his son and said, "He wants you to have this." The little boy was holding his medal. As he handed me his medal, tears immediately filled my eyes and I said, "You want me to have your medal?" He nodded. For whatever reason, that little boy decided to give me the medal he had earned. To be a part of such a selfless and giving moment was more than I ever thought I'd experience because of running.
Little does Anthony know, but he provided me with another reason to say, "I have the best life and the best experiences."
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