This past weekend I completed my first 15K. Not just any race, The Hot Chocolate 15K, where after the race you are treated to delicious Ghirardelli chocolate. I’m proud to say that I completed the 9+ mile course in 1 hour, 37 minutes!
It all started this summer when I took up running to balance out the many BBQ’s and pool parties I was attending. I never thought that a casual, and at times hated, activity would turn into such a big accomplishment. As my running partner can attest to, I wasn’t always the happiest camper during our Saturday morning runs. Nevertheless, I was up for the challenge.
On race day, the temperature was a chilly 32 degrees, and I was prepared with the proper gear: gloves, headband, multiple layers and a kick-ass playlist. Throughout the race, I kept a good pace – 10.5 minute mile – and other runners were eating my dust. At around mile eight, I started to feel the race in my body and I was suddenly consumed with emotion. During this time, one of favorite songs came on – Help I’m alive by Metric – and tears welled up in my eyes. With my legs pumping against the ground and my heart beating like a hammer, I knew the race was mine. At that point, I reached a runner high, because the next thing I remember is crossing the finish line.
