The Sean May Memorial run was this Saturday. It is to honor a former Adams County District Attorney who was shot and killed in a suspected act of retaliation four years ago. The proceeds go to his family and to increase the community's access to justice so that everyone may have a voice and a right within our court system. The race was 9 miles, and the longest race I have ever competed in to date. I was up for the challenge. I was talking with some other races at the starting line, and two women were talking about marathons they had completed, and upcoming triathlons they were preparing for. I was very interested and not too affected by the comments until the one woman says, "yes, I use these short races (referring to the 9 miles we were about to embark on) to increase my pace." It was such a casual comment to her, but it horrified me! What did I get myself into here?! Sheer panic set in for the next 5 minutes while we were waiting to begin our adventure. Everyone around me had signed up because it was a quick stroll around the lake, for me, this was to be my largest feat yet! What if I pass out mid-race and my body just gives out?!
9 miles later...
I used the fear of other's ridicule to push my pace throughout the course, I sprinted across the finish like at 1:18:54! I won first place in my age bracket (20-29) and placed on the leaders board as #5 for women! The best part was I had co-workers, friends, and my Mom all cheering for me as I made the last few yards into the finishing shoots. It was truly one of the greatest and proudest moments of my life. And that woman who used the race as a time trial for her marathons? She high-fived me at the end - no judgment! :)
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| My first race medal! |
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| My racing partner - Mama (who by the way, earned second place in her age group for the 5k race)! |
.JPG)
