"Just keep going, just keep moving...."
This was my mantra as I ran the Gate River Run this past weekend. About three months ago, I decided that this was the year for me to check something off my bucket list that I had nonchalantly put there my freshmen year. I heard about this run in Jacksonville that involved running through some of downtown and a few bridges, and I decided I wanted to run it before I graduated from JU. Well I'm graduating this May, so this was it...my last chance to check it off the list, and if you know me, you know I just LOVE checking things off my list :)
On January 12 (give or take...I just know it was shortly after I started the semester), I began running again. One mile at a time, I gradually worked my way up.
Little did I know that the Gate River Run is the national championship for the 15K, and typically has over 20,000 people participate in it! Good thing I'm not claustrophobic!
The night before the race I kept thinking "I can't believe it's tomorrow, I'm not ready, I've only been running for a little over 2 months!" So I carbed up the best way I knew how with a big plate of spaghetti, and tried to get a good night's rest!
The morning of the race, I was all jitters...which is funny when I look back on it because I was under no pressure (besides my own!) The weather was perfect for race day...chilly before we started running, but during the run, I couldn't have asked for better conditions--60's and a little windy. With all the thousands of people running this race, I didn't actually get to cross the start line until 5 minutes into the race, and it took a good mile or so to get into the groove of running around people, but I actually enjoyed it! I think the best part was all the encouragement and cheering from the community. Since we ran through neighborhoods, people were standing on their lawns and driveways with signs, water, oranges, popsicles, bells, and beer...yes, beer. Not sure who actually took beer while running, but whatever floats your boat I guess.
After running eight miles, it all came down to the Hart Bridge...the final stretch. I think this bridge itself is a mile long, with a steep incline over the St. John's. The hardest part for me was the wind! I thought if it were not for the barriers, that I may be blown off into the river!
Pushing through that finish line was such a great feeling. I learned that if I put my mind to something, I can achieve it. I accomplished both my goals: I never stopped running, and I averaged a sub-10 minute mile! I finished the 9.42 miles in 93 minutes, which was something I honestly did not think I would be able to do.
All finishers got a medal which was awesome; definitely made me feel like I had accomplished something :)
Overall, I finished 219 out of 750 women in my age group and 2274 out of all women who competed. Not too bad for only 2 months of training. I think I will run it next year, and maybe train a bit longer for it this time ;)
