Stars and Stripes

I returned to Concord's Stars and Stripes 5k with the goal of beating last year's miserable time. 

Admittedly, at this time last year I was happy. I had zero focus on running--all of my effort was in a relationship and all of my energy was poured into making that relationship successful.  

This year, I find myself happy again, but in a different way. I am single but I am hardly lonely. I have assembled an incredible tribe of women who support me and my goals and celebrate my successes, every little one.

No more trusting strangers to take post-race photos.

As I crept towards the front of the corrals I had hesitation in my heart. Sure, I could beat last years time, but where should I put myself in these unmarked, unregulated corrals? Not too far forward, because I'm honest with myself. But certainly not behind the women whose idea of a pre-race pep talk (about twenty people back from the start line) was "well run whatever you can." 

The start gun went off and I weaved my way through crowds for about a mile. Well, that's 1/3 of the run done. Finally opened up and I was free to let loose. With just two little hills to push through, I felt great. I knew midway I would crush last year's goal, but had no idea where I was in relation to my age/gender. I pushed a little harder; perhaps this is the first time I truly "left it all on the course."

I saw the timer at the finish line and kicked it into high gear--I was gonna beat the :30 mark for sure. 

Some of the tribe.

Splits

Mile 1 7:54

Mile 2 7:35

Mile 3 7:47

End 7:17

2018 Finish 24:21

2017 Finish: 27:38

I ended up placing fifth in my division (strange because the post race results had me at fourth...) I missed third place by about forty seconds.

Life Lessons learned: Push your way to the front. Even if you think you can't win, surround yourself with the winners and you'll be closer than you thought possible.