Sunday, October 10, 2010

The Death Run

Copied from my Battle Blog -

Well, since I couldn't do the 6K run in Utah, I decided to do my own here in Rock Springs by myself. I took my car and plotted out my route. I started out at home, drove until the trip odometer rolled over 1.88 miles, then turned around and drove home. As I drove back, I had butterflies in my stomach, "What am I thinking? I've never run on non-flat terrain. And I've never gone over 3 miles." But I was determined to do it, to finish, even if it was really hard. I was in and out, doing last minute little things, and as I passed Gil at the table, he said, "So, have you finished your Death Run yet?" See, my kids are noticing. Okay, 6K is kind of wimpy compared to a half-marathon or a full-blown marathon, but today, 6K is a Death Run. It feels almost noble. I got all my gear on, (Asics running shoes ready and me, all bundled up for the cold Wyoming wind) and got Dani to take pictures of me. I started the timer on my watch, and off I went!

Me, nervous and excited to go.

Now it's pics with my cell phone camera, passing the library on my way. I couldn't believe it at this point. I thought, "I'm doing this, I'm really doing this! I can keep running and not have to stop!" It did get harder, though, and a few times I lost focus and walked a few stops or stopped a few beats to take a pic with my cell phone. But, really, I pretty much ran the whole way. It seems incredible to me. I remember the 5K I walked/ran with Sue in Cokeville 2-1/2 months and 25 pounds ago. I definitely could run that one now, and probably beat "stroller chicks"! Kind of goofy, I know, to gauge yourself by "stroller chicks" in a race, but you gotta take your triumphs where you can find them, even the little ones.

The long road in front of me.

The biggest hill coming, where the pavement ends and the dirt and gravel begin.

I'm half way, and feeling awesome!!

I phoned Dani, and told her to hurry outside and take pics of me coming up the road. I had to take pics of her, too!

Victory!! My time? 57 minutes. I know, don't laugh, I'm a turtle, and it didn't help that I kept stopping and taking pics with my cell phone. But it still felt awesome!

Here's an updated pic, Audrey. Kind of scruffy, but you get the idea.

I like this close-up, all windblown. It says, "Active and lovin' it!"

12 comments:

  1. I'm guessing having your phone with you was a motivator, knowing you would take those awesome post run shots! Way to run it, Becky!

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  2. Becky, you are so beautiful...and amazing! I am so proud of you! What a great accomplishment. Woa hoo!!!! Go Becky!

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  3. Becky you're amazing and your pics and writing just make me laugh, not at you, at your enthusiasm and humor. You go girl, a hot swimsuit is waiting for you when you cross that weight loss finish line. You can do hard things, I believe in YOU!

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  4. Can I just say... YOU ARE A WINNER!!! I am so PROUD of you. I absolutely love that you did your own race. You even made it a HARD race. You look amazing and I can tell you FEEL amazing! THANKS FOR INSPIRING US ALL!!! Way to go GIRL!!!

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  5. You look so great Becky. So, so great!

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  6. That is AWESOME! I'm so impressed and inspired. I'll be a "stroller chick" for a while after I have this baby, but I'm excited to start!

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  7. P.S. It looks so nice and cold there, I'm quite jealous (it was 90 something here yesterday)!

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  8. Yay Becky! Way to go! I thought about you during my run Saturday. Glad to see you made the best of the situation and ran your own race. Good job!

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  9. You are awesome! I may have just done flat road back and forth but you were brave enough to hit some hills!!! That is terrific! Now you know you can do it! Do it again! I can't wait until it's not your "Death Run"

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  10. Gil is my teenager. Leave it to a teenager to call running a "Death Race." But I'm already starting to plot out runs as I drive around town. Does anyone do night running? Is it scary? Maybe I should run at the gym...

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  11. AWESOME! Becky! It gets easier from here on out.

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  12. Use a reflector vest and find a friend to go with if it isn't a great neighborhood. It helps get you out the door when you know someone is waiting :) I am looking forward to your next "death race"!

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