What A Difference A Year Makes (that race story)

If you came across this blog thinking you would find a feel good story, you may exit stage left.

I ran the Run 4 Ed! 5k on Saturday; Earth Day.

I ran it for the first time last year; the 25th Anniversary.

This year, I am 15lbs heavier and untrained.

This month, I've only been to the gym 4 days; I've done 3 swim lessons, and not much else.

I lined up with the general running crowd.

The horn goes off and it feels like everyone is standing around just a little too long. My heart starts racing before I even take my first step. I start my RunKeeper app, I start my playlist, I take a deep breath and blow it out completely...

One foot in front of the other, one foot in front of the other...
Breathe, breathe, just keep breathing...
Oh gosh, it's already hot...
Lady with a turquoise top, lady with a scissor tattoo on her upper back... stop its too early to find someone to keep pace with...
One foot in front of the other, one foot in front of the other...

Mile 1 marker clock says 10 minutes plus.

I am slower this year...
Keep going, don't slow down, the water station is near Mile 2, keep going...
Why is it so hot?
Where is the water station?
Where is the Mile 2 marker?
Did I miss it?
I'm so confused...
Don't slow down, keep going...
Why is the water station way over here?
Oh gosh, what is gripping my quads?
Am I cramping up?
I'm not going to make it up these steep hills, I'm not going to make it, I don't want to walk, but I'm not going to make it...
Oh gosh, my quads!!!
I can't cry on the course, just walk it off, just walk it off...
I'm wasting time, but I can't restart...
Last hill, go, start running, it's flat, go, run...
Oh gosh, this hurts...
Is that the baseball Coach?
Smile and wave...
Is that the girl with the scissor tattoo?
It is!
Is that the turn to the Finish line?
It is!
Go, catch her, go!!!

I jog to catch her, turn towards the Finish line, and sprint to the end.
What did the time clock say?

My lungs and legs are on fire.
I grab my medal and collapse on the wet cool grass to catch my breath.
I remember to turn off my RunKeeper app.
The boyfriend hands me a cold bottle of water and asks how I feel.
Awful, it was a miserable run.

He shows me the pictures he took. The girl with the scissor tattoo was there, just behind me, trying to catch me at the finish line (in the black sports bra).

I thought she was in my age group; I looked up her bib number; she's WAY younger than me. It put a smile on my face.

Last years stats:


This years stats:


Had I ran last years time this year, I would have placed 3rd in my age group.

Last years medal:


This years medal: