Name: Ali from Around the Veggie Table
Location: Maryland
Age: 20-something
Race: Frederick Running Festival Half Marathon
Personal Tidbit: Owner to two kitties named Tootsie and Roo, hater of raisins, lover of Mandoline slicers.
We walked out the door a few minutes before 6, and made the half-hour drive to the race. Traffic was backed up HORRIBLY and it didn’t seem to be moving at all. I started to freak out a little because I was now LATE so after about a half an hour of sitting, I kissed Boyfriend goodbye, hopped out of the car, and began to walk.
When the gun went off to start, everyone started shuffling forward. It took about two and a half minutes for me to actually reach the starting line, and even when we started running, everything seemed to be very SLOW for the first couple hundred feet. It really took about the first mile or so to get into my groove.
I knew I was in good shape when I made it to mile 7, because I was halfway through. At the next aid station, I grabbed some Gatorade for a few calories. Around mile 10.5 I took a Gu, and washed it down with some more water. At this point, I knew I was going to finish, but I started to get a little confused because I no longer knew where we were and I missed the sign for 11 miles. Finally, I saw the sign for mile 12, and felt a wave of relief. That relief lasted about 4 minutes, until I saw the GIANT hill heading up to the finish. It was steep. And long. And I was tired.
My whole family was standing at the corner cheering me on! I was so excited! I saw the sign for 13 miles and knew I was ALMOST there. I was really surprised at how great I felt the entire time (and afterwards!). I didn’t have to resort to any of the little chants I was going to tell myself; I just took it one mile at a time. I had fun and I didn’t push myself too hard, which I think is why I’m not sore at all. I thought I wouldn’t be able to bend over but I actually feel great.
I ran this race in loving memory of my Uncle David, who was able to save two lives through his donation to Donate Life. If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE go to donatelife.net and become an organ donor!
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Hey Caitlin – I think the link for Ali is wrong – it takes you to Amanda Lyons, rather than Around The Veggie Table!