The last time I ran this race, I was 20 weeks pregnant! I was pretty bold, wasn't I!?
This time, I saw my son's pediatrician at the start. She said, "You're gonna win it right?" and I laughed...saying something like "Probably not, but we'll see!"
It was a glorious spring day, sun shining, and it's always nice when you can run to the start (just 1 mile from my house) to warm up.
They'd changed the route this year--avoiding the windy trail section in Oyster Shell park (for the best, in my opinion!)--and I was excited to be back to this distance!
Enter: mental component of running. I really started getting in my head here. Like no way, you're not the first woman. Someone's about to come catch you. Whatever, it's fine if they do, you'll still be top 3. No, this is YOUR day. When will you have this opportunity again? Back and forth, ping ponging between my guarded, fearful self and my loving, receptive self.
One foot in front of the other, I re-grounded myself and reminded myself to enjoy every step as I entered the final stretch. As I ran over the SoNo bridge and crossed back into East Norwalk I reminded myself, this is home. Passing Harbor Lights, Mr. Frosty's, Knot Norms, then turning down Cove Avenue, I gained hometown momentum. Onward, to the beach!
I crossed the finish line at Calf Pasture Beach, with my husband, son, and a neighbor looking on, in total awe of what had just happened. It was a truly beautiful experience that I will look back on and smile about for years to come.
Reveling in my Mother's Day 10K moment |
The Run Down
- Type: Race
- Course Distance: 10K
- Location: East Norwalk/South Norwalk (SoNo)
- Terrain: Mostly flat, some hills
- Hydration/nutrition: Yes (water)
- Bathrooms: No
- Other conditions to consider: Much better course than in the past!
- Recommended? Yes
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