I think psychologically I was avoiding this race. I have run a total of 2 times since the last race. Part of it was an issue with my prosthetic liner, but I know there is more to it. I have been very busy with school, and stressing about making deadlines at my internship. I may be taking a bit of a break from the 5Ks and running for me for a little while. I need some time to run for me, when it feels good, instead of worrying about doing well at the next race. I'm thinking of hitting the track as much as I can while the weather lasts.
To sum up this one...Race Day: 27 degrees, 13 MPH wind, and the lake effect (Don't ask... It's a Chicago thing). I can honestly say that I have NEVER been so cold in my entire life. (It didn't exactly help that I had Mr. McSarcasm/Wimpy-Wimperson muttering profanity in my ear). We did sort of show up an hour early... part of my routine to arrive early, change legs, and listen to music to calm my nerves a little.
A few weeks ago I saw my friend at the track whom I had seen a few times before. He smiled when he saw me and told me that he had something for me. He pulled out a pink rubber bracelet that read "FINISH STRONG" and told me that he had made them for his girls basketball team. He had wanted to give me one, so I would remember to finish my 5K's strong. I was really touched by this, and the impact I had made on this man's life. I wear the bracelet to remind me out two things: to finish my runs strong, and to remember that just putting myself out there may be enough to change someone's life.
I had mentioned the bracelet story to Chris and as we came around the corner headed towards the finish, he looked at me and said FINISH STRONG Meg :) I kicked it into high gear and ran through the finish. So... Shout out to Erick at the track. Thanks for being with me at this one. :)
Chris and I spent the rest of the weekend together, and the break ended up being awesome, despite the fact that i was not at home with my family. :) I would like to make it publicly known that I, Meaghan, 5'1 3/4, beat Chris' 5'11" ass, 3 separate times at "Super Shot" basketball at Dave and Buster's (by more than just a few points I may add...) He pretty much beat me in everything else... but I felt pretty awesome. Also... I welcome the opportunity to take on any challengers :) Bring. It.
I rearranged my collection of race bibs on my fridge yesterday. It was sort of powerful to look at them. Five 5Ks in three months. I may not have ran the entire way, but I finished all of them. I may not be the fastest kid out there... but I have been the only blade runner at several of the races I completed this year. I run for me, and am proud of what I have accomplished this year.
My sister wants to "run into the new year" in January, and we may be doing the "Resolution Run 5K" in Denver. Not sure what running at altitude will feel like after training at Sea Level... but I think I want to start the new year running :)
Some Pictures from my Thanksgiving run and weekend with Chris :)
For the camera... at the Turkey Trot :) Headed out for Thanksgiving Dinner at Carmine's
Dunkin it :)
