Only 7 more minutes until 'go time' and I'm just finishing up putting screws into the soles of Kim's shoes. Kim runs off to the bathroom and we agree to meet out at the starting line, I lock up the car and realize I haven't taken any time to warm up. We parked about a block and half away from the start line so I decided I would jog over as my warm up. It snowed several inches the night before and there is still much remaining on the streets. I have to jog in the general direction of the front of the starting line, I silently say a little prayer pleading to NOT let me spin out on my face. I'd rather not start the race with pavement across my forehead. I make it safely and find a spot that LOOKED clear and immediately begin jogging in place. I accidentally land on some nice gentleman's achilles and apologize profusely. I just inserted screws into the bottoms of my shoes and explain that by injuring him was increasing my odds and part of my strategy ....he didn't laugh. I wasn't sure if his non-laughter was due to the cold temps, his recent injury or that I'm just not funny. I'm now beginning to wonder if Kim and I will start together, she's not back yet and it can't be more than a minute or 2 before we begin. I see 2 other runner's I recognize and give them a head nod. I adjust my hat and gloves and start running in place again ... a little more carefully this time. I wish I had gone to the bathroom with Kim, it would have been warmer in there. I check my pocket to make sure my car keys are safely zipped inside, yep. Kim shows up and we are off and running ...LITERALLY.
We dash down the street for several blocks, the new snow makes it very difficult to gain traction and I weave looking for areas with exposed pavement. I become over joyed when the course takes a right turn onto a bike path without snow cover. The wind is now blowing directly into our faces and with it only being 4 degrees at the start I pull my neck warmer up a little higher. My sub conscious and conscious mind begin taking over. "You can't hold the pace up ...at this speed?!". My legs are burning, "Just stop and walk a little, the pain will go away". I've decided it's just the wind chill and push on. My ipod has decided to repeat the same 2 songs, I'm assuming the cold temps keep it from working properly ...this has happened in training before. The race is an out and back and I'm happy to have the sun on my face during the return. I notice a few camera men taking snap shots. I'm never sure if I should smile and wave or keep running with a stone cold face .... I went with the stone cold, if I lift an arm it might take a second or two away from my time. I'm back on the street again and this time the snow feels much like running in sand. There will be no sprint to the finish.
I run it out to the end ( ...ok jog, it was as fast as I could go in knee deep snow!), congratulate my friend on a finish and immediately get inside for some food! Kim and I chat about the spots on the course we liked/disliked and laughed about the temps. We were both happy to have 'screw shoes' ...and again I apologize to the gentlemen who's achilles I detached. GREAT RACE!! I always enjoy looking through my packet for upcoming races and events. It will keep me moving and training.
Quote - "I've always seen myself as a winner, even as a kid. If I hadn't, I just might have gone down the drain a couple of times. I've got something inside me peasant like and stubborn, and I'm in it 'til the end of the race." - Truman Capote
