This morning I ran the Boilermaker 5K, my third year in a row. Just 17 hours prior to the race, I was still on the plane somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, several time zones away. I got home late last night, after flying for 18 hours from Hong Kong. At 7am this morning, I was on the race course, arms pumping among 4,340 runners in the race, with the bib firmly pinned to my jersey.
Utica – The community
I am no super human. Dropping out ran through my mind a couple of times. I thought – what better way to get adjusted to the swing of things than running a road race the very next morning home from the opposite side of the planet? The real reason was simple – the wonderful spirit of the host city, Utica. Unlike previous years, I had not trained for the length of the 5K, even though I have been running a mile a day. What about the fatigue from jetlag, I thought? One thing I was certain, the spirit of the cheering community in Utica along the route WILL carry me through. Of that I have no doubt.
The wonderful spirit of the host city Utica carries me through the finish line @Boilermaker15K Click To TweetThe Drummers and the Pipers
There are the people with signs, the DJs with microphones giving encouragements, “you are doing great, Runners!” “Keep going!” The first mile took a bit of getting into the groove. I made the mistake of eating too much and drinking too much fluid too close to the race. The entire time I was running with a uncomfortably loaded stomach. I just focused on “heel first, even strides” in my head. I was looking for the drummers, usually on the left curb in mile 1. The second mile got a bit easier with the breathing. The beat of the salsa dancers on the left curb helped lighten my stride . In the last mile, my body grew heavy with fatigue, with the extra food still swishing in my stomach.
I hope the bag pipes will be there, I was thinking. They were the magic carrying me through this last mile. Sure enough, after I turned the corner for the last mile I spotted the pipers on the right curb, adjusting their instruments. Just as I passed, they started playing. The music drowned out the thought of my tired legs for a long while, luckily.
Thank God the last stretch was all down hill. Along with the crowd on both sides cheering “You are almost there!”, Utica carried me through the finish line.
34 Seconds
My goal was to enjoy and finish the race. If it is under 40 minutes, I am OK with it. I finished at 35 minutes 34 seconds – just 34 seconds slower than last year. Pretty good, isn’t it? I was also certain that I would have a good time, and I did.
Thank you the beautiful community of Utica! It is my turn to say “You are doing GREAT!” Have you run a race pushing through less than desirable physical condition? Please leave me a comment, love to hear your experience.
