To be honest, I was a little nervous about this race. If you have been following the blog, you know that I've been dealing with a case of runner's knee since about June, right before my first 5k. I didn't make it through without stopping to walk. My second 5k was a few weeks ago. My goal was to finish in 35 minutes without walking. I really was hoping my knee would hold up. My time was 35'46" (11'32 pace) and I had to walk about .3 miles. I wasn't too disappointed with my time because it was realllly close to my goal, but I was a little disappointed that I had to walk. I had to listen to my body though and my body was screaming at me to give my knee a break. As you can see, I did not look like I was having a good time.
I was really excited about race number three. I love my city, and being that Cleveland is the city of rock and roll, it only seemed appropriate to participate. It also happened to be the inaugural race for our city, which made it even more exciting. As the race approached, I did everything I could to reduce any knee pain I might feel. I ran intervals, did strength training, stretched, etc. I also tried to keep a positive mindset and set new goals. Again, to run the entire race without stopping to walk and to keep about the same pace. I knew it was a pretty lofty goal considering the past two races, but I went with it anyway.
Race day, I met up with my running buddy and we headed downtown. It was POURING. I just kept thinking this was going to be no good. Buuuut the rain stopped and the sun started to come up (the race started at 8, so we were down there by 6:30,) so we lined up in our corral and got ready to run. The waiting is the hardest part. But finally we were out and on the road. The first mile was great. There were so many people out cheering for us. I had to choke back a sob at one point because I was so emotionally overwhelmed by the support. I started to think about how far I've come and and that I am a runner now. I am a runner now. And there are people cheering for me. It gave me such an adrenaline rush. Until I hit mile 1.5, which is when I hit a wall. I started to think "I need to walk." Except the thing was... I didn't. My knee wasn't bothering me. There was no reason for me to walk. I argued with myself about it for a few minutes, but I realized if I walked I was giving up and I wouldn't reach my goal. So I didn't. Lucky for me, there were more people to cheer me on and another adrenaline surge hit me. It also helped that my power song on my running playlist came on. I don't know about you, but Katy Perry's song "Roar" just amps me up! That really got me moving. Before I knew it, we hit mile 3. My knee was bugging me a little, but the pain was manageable.... Until we ran down a huge hill (downhill running and runner's knee don't mix.) But the end was in sight. I saw the finish line and I just started hauling it. I had made it and I just wanted to finish--- and I did! We collected our finisher's medal, water, and banana and celebrated our time: 37'49" (11'06" pace.) That time right there, plus the fact that I ran the whole race, meant I had met my goals. In fact, I improved my time from the last race. As my friend and I talked about how we did, we realized we were pushing each other without even noticing. When I wanted to walk, it didn't seem like she was going to let me and when it seemed like she wanted to walk, I kept running as well. That's what I love about running with a partner; it's nice to have someone to push you along the way.
This race really enforced to me the importance of not only listening to your body, but being aware of where you're at mentally. If I didn't do both of those things, I truly believe I would not have been successful in my race. Physical, mental, and emotional awareness are huge keys to success in health and fitness. And I think I needed that reminder.
I probably should mention another HUGE factor in wanting to run this race. There was a free concert at the finish line by my favorite singer, Gavin DeGraw. So that was some motivation to make it to the finish line as well ; )
Overall, I am so happy with how the race went. I am looking forward to my next one, whatever it might be. In the mean time, I will be in the process of healing up this old knee of mine.
With my finisher's medal in front of our very own Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...
"I've got the eye of the tiger."
