Last year I decided to run the Susan Komen after putting off racing with a lot of excuses and a lot of, "I'm not readies." Truth be told I was very insecure and unsure of myself. My physical and mental strength was un-tested and the old fear of failure ruled my life. However, with much prodding of my girlz and because Breast Cancer hits so close to home I took the plunge and easily fell in love after completing my first run in 28:04.
I didn't run any other races in 2011 but once 2012 came around I started racing and didn't stop. One 10K led to another, led to signing up for the Marathon on a whim, led to Marathon Training Clinic, Half Marathons, and Marathon Readiness Series runs. I was hooked!!! In the span of 365 days I went from considering myself a non-running to a girl who thrives on racing!! And so today was a very special day to celebrate!!!
I was glad to be running with my running crew today. We had fun planned including a theme of "red" and brunch at Sam Choy's BLC. Just the idea of spending some kidless time with these amazing peeps had me excited!!
3:30 wake up call came way too early but it allowed us to score pretty good parking and make our way to the Waikiki Shell to meet up with everyone and do a Zumba warm up. We also got to check out the crazy costumes (pink speedos and gas masks) and spend time chatting and laughing. We were laughing so much that we ended up with crappy staging and when the race started (I don't remember hearing a gun, horn or anyone saying, "GO!") I found myself behind a slow moving, walking pack of too many people.
I started my Garmin and began walking behind the crowd. Because I was injured I didn't have any set strategy for today's race, but being as competitive as I am, I of course was hoping to 1) Improve upon last year's 28:04 finish time and 2) Improve on my 5K PR time of 27:02. I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it and so I was very torn as I walked behind the crowd. Part of my was saying, "You're injured, don't sweat it," and the other part of me was SCREAMING, "Get your asses out of the way people, don't you know this is a RACE and I got a time to beat?!!!" Of course voice number 2 took ahold of me and I decided I needed to make my move. Without a word to the husband and without looking back I began to weave in and out of the throng of people. I had to stutter step, twist, angle, suck in, dodge strollers, cars, and dance but slowly and surely I passed the bottle neck by the Honolulu Zoo and began heading toward Zippys. I felt really bad about ditching the hubby but something took over and I began focusing on getting ahead (as well as chastise myself for not getting a better start, note to self, next year walk straight up to the front of the pack). As I made the turn past Zippy's I began to pick off runners and make my move. A glance and the Garmin showed that I was running at a sub 9 pace, about 8:45. For the first time ever I could feel my heart and lungs burning and I realized that I was feeling what sprinters feel and I wasn't sure if I liked it or if I would be able to hold the pace for the duration of the race.
At about 1.5 miles I heard someone say something and I realized that hubby had caught up with me (Impressive, huh?) and we began to run together. With his help I was able to drop my pace further and we ran hard together in sync. My injured foot and body was feeling pretty good, the chest a little tight, but all of it together gave me strength. As we rounded Kapiolani Park I knew that we had about .6 miles left to the finish. I knew I didn't have it in me to do my usual kick but I tried to put it into a higher gear. Hubby kept up with me step for step. As we neared the tennis courts I looked at my Garmin again and did the math. If I were able to stay on this pace it would be a new PR but breaking 26 would be a close call. I tried to push hard again. The end was getting closer and I was running outta gas. I looked at hubby and said, "You can beat me, I am tired" and I only half expected him to surge ahead but we continued to run together, step by step. As we passed the finish line together I stopped my Garmin and was stoked to see 26:19. New PR! Better yet, if it weren't for the crap start I probably would have went sub 26!!! Already I was thinking about the next 5K.
As we left the course and headed to see the booths it was time to reflect on why I was running. To find a cure. Too many people close to me have been affected by breast cancer and cancer. My running was my means of fighting back and pledging to support the fight against it in any means that I am able to.
After reflection it was time for fun with the crew and we took some fun pictures, talked story, and went out to brunch at Sam Choy's BLC. I ate way too much (Portuguese Sausage and Oreo Cheesecake was to die for!) but the company was fabulous!!!! It was a wonderful morning.
I rode the high from the race and fun times with friends by getting the kids and taking them to the Honlulu Museum of Arts for Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday followed by Basketball Sign ups and Swimming at the Pool. A year ago I would not have the energy nor the desire to pack so much into one day. But I have found that running has totally changed my outlook on life. I can never seem to get enough action. I never want to sit down and do nothing. I want to move, move, move and live, live, live!!!
It's been quite a ride and I am thankful for the second chance to live an active life.
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