Turkey Trot 2007

before mile three

Race Day: I did not get a good nights sleep. Miles was up a lot, and there was a chill in the air. The high was supposed to be 31F. All I could think was, I don't want to do this. What was I thinking? But I ate a bowl of Cheerios, and a sandwich for breakfast. Got all dressed in my running clothes, threw on my parka and we packed up the kids and went. Once we got there, and I stepped out of the car, I was thinking, no way. I'm going to freeze in my running tights. Geoff kept assuring me I'd warm up once I started running.

We had 45 minutes before the race, so we walked around, picked up my bib and timing chip. Walking was not warming me up at all. I jogged a little, but was certain I'd want to keep my parka on for the race. At 10am I had to go line up. I found a spot in the crowd and tried to keep warm. I had given up my parka, but there were a lot of people wearing more than me, and a lot of people wearing less. The announcer was filling the time with a list of people who were there. The woman next to me was annoyed her "nemesis" was there. I chuckled at the idea you could have a running nemesis. Her friends were chuckling too, while she bemoaned that this woman was going to move into her age group next year, making it harder for her to win anything.

Once the race started I waited until everyone around me was jogging, and we started. I waved to my boys as I was off. I listened to the chatter of people, the mundane conversations about work, tv, and dinner plans. I swear the 11 laps at the gym don't feel as long as these miles felt. Before mile one, there was a house with a big group outside cheering people on. They even had a bagpiper! Another house around the corner from them also had a cheering party. If I had a place at Washington Park, I'd do likewise.

Before mile two is a water station. I partook of some water and continued running. Saw Geoff and the boys and heard Elijah ringing his bell. Saw them again before mile three, where there was another water station. I didn't stop for this one, just wanted to finish. It felt so long, but I wasn't overly tired. I got very excited once I finally saw the finish line. I pulled out a little more gas and was able to cross under the banner at 49:59.

I eventually found my fans, which had now grown to six. Kevin, Ali, & Kevin's mom Cindy arrived to applaud my effort. I was sweaty and thirsty, and had to hunt down a bottle of water. I did manage to grab a yogurt for Elijah, but did not want to wander around collecting what little swag there was. I was feeling discomfort in my back and feet, I just wanted to go home and have a shower.

So, would I do it again? Why not. It's doable. But next year, I want a running buddy. And it's for a good cause, the United Way. And it justifies the Thanksgiving feast.

My goal was to run the whole thing, and I did. I believe this half-marathon isn't so crazy. I just need to train properly. And that will start sooner than I think.