Boy has my running life changed. I used to train with sprints, long runs, interval runs and insane cross training. Now, I'm just grateful to run without walking. During the race, I put a good game face on, but inside I was about to die right around the 4 mile mark.
At the end of the race, just before the pedestrian bridge, I started to worry about having a seizure. I was so exhausted, I was practically panting. I had spotted the rest of our group (that did the 5k) in the distance. I was grateful for our t-shirts because it was much easier to spot them! About a half mile north of the finish line I kicked it up a notch. Our group of 10k-ers started running even faster to catch up, and we found our original team. They cheered us on, giving us the burst of energy we needed to cross the finish line.
Thankfully, I ran across the finish line healthy, happy, in fact THRILLED and so incredibly grateful for our crew! There is no way that I could have finished this race without all of the support. In fact, if Danny, Annie, Michelle, Kristin, Cari and Heather hadn't have done the 10k right by my side I would have walked long before the finish line. Good thing I'm stubborn and competitive. I didn't want to drag anyone down, so I powered through and played it "cool."
I want to personally thank the members of Team Jess. Many walked, many ran, and many cheered us on in person and in spirit! We even had teammates that are in other states, and even other countries. The support carried me through, and I'm constantly surprised by my wonderful friends and family!
Here are some fun photos from the race:
