Taking the BAD with the GOOD!

So, I am not a happy camper. I am "HAPPY" but not over my last event as a runner! The AFC marathon! Now, this was a fantastic event and expo! Everyone was friendly and the weather was almost perfect, but my time, OH MY TIME was not a good one! It was one of those races where everything seems to look good and sparkle but for some reason you can't find your "MoJo"! This would be that race for me!

Now, you have to understand, I was an exhibitor all weekend as well! So, I was on my feet, running around and making things HAPPEN! I got plenty of rest the night before the event and was ready to go at 4:45am to get to the race on time! I felt good, forgot my sunglasses, hat and sunscreen, but felt good, didn't sweat it!!! Oh, and looked good too, by the way (dirtyredgear.com, baby)!!! LOL!

Started the race and was making "good" pace, but by mile 8. . .MILE EIGHT! My legs said, "OK, GURL, we are DONE, BYE!"

"WHAT? You are kidding me, right?"

"NOPE! Done, out of here!"

"But, I feel good and nothing else hurts and WE CAN FINISH THIS UNDER 1:40!!!"

"Girl, P L E A S E . . . Sorry sista, we are done!"

So, now my fantastic pace withered away. I thought happy thoughts, I had my ipod jamming, paced with other runners around me and they just gave up!

Unfortunately (but fortunate), I had to listen to my body! It just shut down and I was NOT about to have someone drive me off the course feeding me ice, you know? So, I slowed down a bit and just started enjoying the people and scenery around me. When I saw that clock at the finish line ticking and ALMOST hit 2 hours, I TOOK OFF with whatever I had left and made it JUST under 2 hours! Now, that is not a good time for me, but I did it! I made it to the finish line with all body parts in tacked!!!

So, now I am going to gear up for another event, another half just get the thought of that time out of my head! I am going to do another duathlon and go for my Triple Crown next year! Yes, I have lost my mind! I have my competitive juices in full force and I am going to take it like a WOMAN! Like a "DiRTY ReD, 'GURL'"!!!

Have a good one and remember, "Let's Go! Let's Get out There!"
PEACE!!!!

NICKI