I finished the race! It was a 3.1 mile loop around Harris Lake in St. Paul, MN. It is the kick off to my journey. As I neared the starting line, I was filled with excitement. It all became real. I looked to my right and I saw my parents, I could hardly look at my Mom. Her tears lead to my tears.
Not going to lie, things didn't go as I planned. I had a hard time sleeping last night. My time wasn't the best. My camera ran out of battery so I wasn't able to get any photos. These were minor details that might have disrupted me, if I let them. I chose to embrace the disappointments and take it for what it was. I had a lot of fun.
I also saw God's hand in it all. It was hard finding a place to park, but my Dad was able to snag a spot, and it was right next to a porta potty. Bazinga. (If you have run in any race before, you understand the importance of this blessing. Nerves have a funny way of filling the bladder.) We also filled up with gas at BP and the lady gave my Mom a FREE Cappuccino. Score. It was all good.
The thing that sticks out to me the most was something I heard along the trail. It came from one of the police officer's patrolling the course. I was on the home stretch and my legs and entire body were tired. I managed to give him a little smile, and he said, "Nice job, like to see the smile at the finish." It is hard to catch me out there running without a smile. It is something that I really love to do. I felt the whole race was worth it, I am doing what I love. Nothing else really matters. So I finished the race in 23 minutes. Mom and Dad were there to greet me at the finish and I also snagged some candy hearts to munch on on the walk back to the truck.
1 down, 10 to go.
