Happy Birthday To Me!

Is there room for two athletes in the family?  Because I just ran my first race! 

Actually, I am totally kidding.  I still would not consider myself an athlete in any way, but I did run the race.  I didn't exactly kick ass, but since I couldn't even run a mile a few short months ago, I did OK.  It was somewhat anti-climatic.  I'm not trying to shortchange myself, but there was a lot of build up to this race.  And I guess that is one of the reasons why I have always, in the past, played down this sort of thing.  When your expectations are low, it is hard to be disappointed.

I was a little nervous this morning, fretting about getting there on time and what to eat.  As we were pulling out of the neighborhood, Matt asked if I wanted any pointers.  Sure, I said and then realized that I had walked out with my Crocs on (I am a Croc Lover, by the way) and left my sneakers by the garage door.  Good start.  First pointer, wear your sneakers.  Hah hah. 

Once we got there and I did the pinning on of my number, I felt a little more anxious.  Not a lot.  I don't like waiting and will often volunteer to go first in order to get something over with.  I just wanted to get going.  It was odd being the racer and not the spectator.  When Matt and the kids starting eating the muffins we had picked up, I was torn between feeling jealous and feeling important (I can't eat the muffins, I am The Racer).  I don't really like people watching me, either.  I don't like going to a gym for that reason.  I would much rather do my own thing, without an audience.  After the race, Matt said he didn't realize how much work went into being the spectator and watching the kids.  It was good that he saw how difficult it can be to cart the kids around.  Imagine doing that for an Ironman Race.

Once we got started, I was surprised at how hard it seemed.  I knew I could run a 5K distance, but it felt more difficult.   I guess it was the race factor.  That there were all those people doing it, too.  And that I was unfamiliar with the course.  I had no idea how fast I was going.  When we got to the first mile marker I thought, finally, it seemed like forever.  The running class instructors kept pace with their students.  Which numbered only a few.  The handful of the more than 30 or so people who had started the class.  This I feel proud of.  At least I saw it through to the end.

So I ended up running the race, mostly, with the one instructor.  This was very helpful.  According to my NikeiPod, I ran a 9:30 average mile, pretty steady, ending the race in about 31 minutes.  I wanted to do it in under 30 minutes.  I felt fine as far as my legs were concerned.  But, I have to admit, I did feel a little sick to my stomach.  Maybe it was nerves, or the heat, or not eating the right thing.  It is also the time of the month when I get migraines.  Not so good timing.

Not trying to make excuses, because, as I said, I did fine.  It just wasn't like it was the greatest feeling when I finished.  It just was what it was.  So now the question is, do I go on?  Do I take the next class, a level up, to complete a 10K?  I do have in the back of my mind, and I know if I say it here it goes down on my permanent record, that I would like to run a marathon.  A completely crazy idea for sure, since I feel that I barely completely a 5K.  But hey, all ideas start somewhere.

So, anybody in?  Maybe a fall 2008 marathon girls?  We could train in our own locations and then meet up somewhere for a race.  The Philly Marathon in November, or maybe the Marine Corp in DC in October.  Who wants to make the commitment with me and see if we can reach it.  We could do check-ins here.  I need motivation girls.  I am 39 today.  One more year until 40.  I am happy about that.  I think the best years of my life are still ahead of me.

Show me some love.  It is my birthday, after all.

Comments

[Lori at Spinning Yellow]

Barb - I thought I might be able to count on you! OK, I know intrigued is not in, yet. But I have some time to convince you. Just think you'd be doing it with me, who would never have dreamed I'd do it. The same person who was track manager in high school and wore a letter jacket with Twirler on it. Come on, you want to help me get there, right? Now, if only we can get a group together...

[Barb Laurenson]

I'm somewhat tempted to say "Yippee! Count me in for the marathon!" Part of me really wants to do another one. But it's such a time consuming endeavor! I think it would be wonderful to run a big race with you and make an event out of it. Fall of '08 would be a good time to do it. You've got me intrigued.

[Laura]

Lori-
Happy Birthday and Congratulations on the race! What an accomplishment for sure! Now that I am actually 40, I don't think I will be signing up for any marathons. Life is after all, a marathon in itself. Keep it up girl!

[mjshapiro]

Results...!

236.Lori F 31:35 10:10 84/112 F35-39:9/14 48.2% N/A

9th of 14 in your age group! 236 / 285 overall!

Not too shabby on a very hot and difficult morning! Woo Hoo!!!

[mjshapiro]

Running a marathon...hmmm...yes, as Dee mentioned preparation is the key and the training is harder than the actual race. The race is the reward for the training. The marathon is more mental than anything and if Al Gore and Oprah ran Marine Corps so can anyone else. If you do the preparation you should be fine the next day. People who wreck themselves running a marathon did not put in the time, the miles or respect the distance. Consistency....take a look at
http://www.marathonguide.com/index.cfm
for a good overview on all the races.

[Dee]

Lori, you did it! Congrats! I think it is a major accomplishment. Think about it: a year ago would you have thought you'd run in a 5K race?

As far as the marathon goes, I'm sorry, but that is not for me (especially since I've never run more than a mile or so, even in track in HS). My employer sponsors the NYC Marathon and I've seen people from our office who have run in it. This one woman was in excruciating pain for days afterward! Preparation is the key I'm sure.

Happy b-day!

[Delilah]

Happy Birthday and congrats on the race!

Lori G

[mjshapiro]

Jane, Scott and I are sooooo proud of you and we couldn't think of a better birthday present. We love you and are proud you are our mommy (and wife ;)!!