Happy New Year and A New Achievement!

Today went great-eventually! When I got up at 4:30 this morning, I checked the thermometer...it read...31 degrees!!! Yikes! I thought as soon as the sun came up it would warm up a little. I mean, that's below freezing!! I couldn't believe I was about to run a race in this temperature...and it was longer than any I'd run before. All I could think of was "will I be able to move in this cold?"...not run. Reluctantly, I dressed and we left. Kent chose not to run in this one. The temperature still read 31 degrees when we left; so for about 3 hours it had not changed. I focused intently to run the best I could for 7.4 miles (12k) and not look back or beat myself up if I didn't do well. So off we go to the Steam Whistle Run on the Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg.

We pulled into the parking lot early and several people were already there. Still cold, I went and signed in. I had already pre-registered or I probably would not have gone today. It was still and though the air was cold, it wasn't like it could have been had the wind been blowing. So I was thankful for that. The sun came out and warmed the air some and I could see a ray of hope in making this thing. I had donned 3 pairs of pants and 2 tops and by race time was able to remove the long outer pants.

The race began and I felt great. Moving through the cold air, my hands began to tingle and hurt some. All I could think about was, am I gonna get frostbit on a voluntary basis??? Then came the thought about how crazy I was to be there. For the first time, I felt like a true runner! They're all crazy and run in all kinds of weather. I'd not thought of myself as a "runner" before, but I think I can honestly say that I am now. Slowly, it warmed up and my hands stopped tingling. I didn't want to wear gloves because of clocking my pace on my watch and using my iPod. Watches and iPods don't respond well to covered up fingers! I enjoyed the run just fine. I began to push myself for the first time and ran a tad faster than usual. My breathing has never been labored, but I thought I would try running with a little more intensity than before. It went well to my disbelief. I loved the race. It was a beautiful day and for no other reason, why wouldn't I feel so blessed but to be out in it. Thank you, God!

As I came to the end and was crossing the timeclock, I noticed the time...I couldn't believe it! It read 1:07:18! Less than a week ago, I ran the same course plus a little further at 1:17; that means I ran 10 minutes faster! That's unheard of to improve that many minutes in so short a time. I was elated. Then I saw Kent at the end handing out the slips all runners complete to put on the board. I was so surprised. He had just been handed some to give out when I came through. Believe it or not, this meant something to me to have my husband not only support me, but be a part of my run. Thanks, Honey, you're so special to me!

I came in 35th out of 73 runners. As it turned out, I received 2nd place in my age group, running just behind Nancy P. again. The last race I ran, we both won first and second. I told her what an honor it was to come in so close to her and that I had only been running seriously since September. She was so surprised and said that she had been running for 27 years! She encouraged me and that meant a lot to me. Afterwards, we enjoyed black-eyed peas, cabbage and cornbread. This run was such a success for me in many ways. Mostly, to help me improve my stamina for my first half marathon. We received the best hooded sweatshirt ever! Thanks Pine Belt Pacers for a great run!