I was fully engaged in training, and my first true race of the year, a 10k in Sacramento, came on Super Bowl Sunday.
Gleefully PRing, giving the camera grins at 5:55 on the way to a 36:47. |
I recall feeling glad to have so much confidence in my running. In just a year, I transformed myself into a racer, and on this particular morning, I was eager to best my previous performance on the 10k course.
Evidence from the year's waning months, however, provide a stark contrast. My final race of 2012 came in the half marathon at the Clarksburg Country Run.
Angrily PRing, giving the camera nothing at 6:03, heading to a 1:19:11. |
I'd already given up on racing to the finish, but after pushing through the ugly moments around mile 9, my pace bounced back to form. I resolved to give it what I could. It wasn't an enjoyable experience, as the image shows, but I'm happy to have the evidence, because there was a lot to learn in those 13.1.
And even though I didn't "race" in the California International Marathon as a relay participant and husband/coach, I do want to offer a final race image from my 22-mile run alongside Stephanie (just out of frame), who herself PR'd with a Boston Qualifying 3:33.
Running? Raining? Both! |
It's been an incredible year--not necessarily one comprised of dramatic contrasts, but certainly one including its ups and downs. I can admit that, now that December's unfolding, the miles again include smiles. The easy ones, at least.
I promise!
No comments:
Post a Comment