This weekend marks the 1st anniversary of Katie's first race, the Statue to Statue 15k. This race begins at the largest iron statue in the world, Vulcan, above downtown Birmingham, and travels 9.3 miles to the Statue of Liberty replica out in the suburbs. Its a tough race, with the last three miles consisting of crazy uphills followed by fast descents.
As runners we gauge progress by trying to run races or training routes faster than before. When this occurs we celebrate the PR (personal record) as if it were an Olympic victory.
Katie has been through high points and low points over the last 365 days. 4 half marathons, 3 triathlons, a crazy trail race, and her first full marathon. There was a broken foot, a robocop boot, a case of plantars fasciatus, numerous visits to the orthopedist, pedorthist, and physical therapist, and last but not least, a bum hip flexor.
We arrived at the starting line this morning and realized the GPS was dead. Nothing like running a race not knowing how far you've gone or how fast you're going. We went out a little to fast and Katie got a little ornery. My parents were at mile 3 to cheer us on. Its always nice to have fans. The hills began at mile six and we did a little walking. Katie announced that she might have a heart attack, and that death did not seem too bad a fate at the moment. I think she was serious. As the finish line grew closer her mood and vital signs improved.
We finally hit a steep downhill, which lead to the finish line. Katie crossed 4 whole minutes faster than last year. Hoooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy! The elusive PR has shown itself.
Good job babe. You are officially Mo Beta, Mo Fasta than you were last year.
JG
1 comment:
and the ticker is still tickin' . . . thanks for joining me and for putting up with my "orneryness" when I thought I was going to drop dead :)
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