The Sands Point 5K race on August 11th was a big disappointment. The weather had been very hot and humid but nevertheless I trained right through it. This race was on a trail/paved road combo. It felt like I was running through a rain forest as most of it was in the woods. I was ahead of my competition for a good portion of the race and then I tanked and watched as they all passed me. The only push I seemed capable of was seeing the finish line and not wanting to end up at 32 minutes!
My goal of place, show or win in all of my races for the summer evaporated at this race. I was really bummed. The next week, I persevered and continued my training in hopes of a better race the next week. August 18th Hope Runs Here 5K started out with a steady on and off drizzle of rain. The temperatures were cooler and I even more my rain jacket as I warmed up for a mile or so before the race. I scoped out my competition and noted who was there. Funny, I did not see any of them running before the race. I did all my race preparations and headed to the start line. During the Star Spangled Banner I realized I left my nanno in the car! Oh well! No time to head back for it! I moved up towards the front of the starting line. I like to run near people who seem to be actual runners! I noticed a woman in the AG below mine who runs fairly fast, so I decided she would be my pacer. I figured if I could keep her in my sights I was running at a good pace. And then we were off; I kept diligent about my pace being being consistent. I stayed with my "pacer" and at times getting a little closer. At about mile 2.5 I was trying to pick it up a bit and heard some "heavy breathing" on my right. My competition was closing in on me fast! My breath was getting more labored but not yet impossible to maintain. She was on a mission to pass me!! So as we closed in on the 3 mile mark and I could hear her trying to make another move and then she was right next me!! I kept it up and as soon as I saw the finish line and the time I also started to put the pedal down a bit more mainly because I wanted a win and also because I could not believe the time I saw!! 26 minutes!! Whoaaa!! That was a bit of motivation right there. We were definitely next to each other straining to keep at it!! I said to myself there is NO WAY I am going to not at least stay with her to the finish line; and at least step on that mat at the same time. If it was going to be a tie, that would be ok with me; but I really wanted to beat her! As soon as we stepped on the timer mat, I felt like I was going to heave...but a minute of walking took care of that! I recovered; got a drink and a banana and took a walk to the time sheets to see how I did at the finish. 26:41!!! I beat her by 2/100ths of a second. Wow! I CRUSHED my PR by 52 seconds!!!! I came in 2nd in my AG and 3rd overall for Breast Cancer Survivors!! 2 plaques and a rose!! This was a very sweet finish for me!
