End of Season Race

Race effort

Last Saturday, my run program came to a close with a very fun 60 min timed race. I went with the intention of focusing on an easy pace, careful not to do more damage to my knee.

That lasted about 10 minutes.

The course was a swirling out-and-back that allowed us to cross paths with each other and our crew, which kept spirits high. I felt solid and controlled on the outbound, but when it came time to turn around I decided to push it. The weather was perfect and I felt really good! I signaled myself that it was time for business by tying my jacket around my waist. It's the little things.

In the end, I barreled through with a faster time than expected, having run a mile over what I had predicted. But honestly, I didn't care.

Getting older in this sport changes your perspective. A few years ago I would have beat myself up for not being in the sub 8s, and now I'm totally happy with a 9:30. Each year, I care less and less about my times, and more about how I spend that time running. And this year, I spent my time running with a smile on my face.

What more could a runner ask for?