Goals: Emile: 29:53 Minutes Susan: 34:25 Minutes
You should know I walked up that first hill. My adrenaline was pumping, my stomach was twisting, and I needed to try to calm down. So, I started out running, but walked the steepest part. I was passed by a man portaging a canoe, but I felt no shame. As I was being strategic – saving myself for the end. Watch out, Canoe Head. I’ll be coming for you.
At the top of the short but steep hill, I started running. I was able to run the next 1 km, but it was all generally uphill. At this point, I was questioning “Why do I do this?”. I could easily put $50 into something else. But if I could just make it to the 2.5 km mark, the race got easier from there. I stopped and walked briskly for 10 seconds. I started running again. I walked again. There was someone I knew at the corner, I started running again. Gave a high-five to the kid at the corner – made his day.
And that was a general summary of my race today – running quickly, walking quickly, running, walking. Running, Walking.
Emile and I did not start out at the same place on the race today – I didn’t want to be distracted by him or what he was doing. But, our racing styles are completely different – and completely reflect the way we face the world. Emile doesn’t worry or plan for all contingencies. He starts and keeps running until complete. No fuss. A solid and steady pace from beginning to end. I, however, plan, think, and strategize every step of the race. I concern myself with how I should handle everything. I need to have music and sunglasses. I get nervous, I fuss. But when I run, I run fast. Faster than Emile. But I also stop and walk because I can’t run 5 km at that speed.
I didn’t feel very good running this race – I felt slow, sticky, tired. But I kept going – but really what was the alternative? Was I just going to lay down on the road and await a medic? You just keep going despite your mind wondering why your lungs and legs hurt. When I crossed the finish line, I forgot to look at my timer, and forgot to look up at the race timer. I was just so glad to be finished. Why do I do this? Get me some water.
After minutes of recovery, I started wondering about my time. Here is the before and after Emile checking the chip times:
June 10th, 2012 Extra-Ordinary: Personal Best for both of us, wife of the 40-49 Male division Winner. I’ll never hear the end of this.
Emile Results:
Time: 25:26 (personal best, and -4:28 from target)
Overall Finish: 9th (OMG!!!)
Gender Finish: 5th (OMG!!)
Category Finish: 1st (with a medal and ceremony to prove it)
Susan Results:
Time: 30:39 (personal best and -3:46 from target)
Overall Finish: 33rd (!!)
Gender Finish: 22nd (!!)
Category Finish: 8th (OMG!!)
The Daily EO 