Turkey Classic & Trot

So, after being pretty much banned from racing, I was FINALLY allowed to do two races Thanksgiving week. The Turkey Classic was the bane of my existence as a kid, because it clogged up our street. . . not because I ran it, of course! This year I was excited to be part of the problem instead of griping about it. I set out a little fast, but honestly I've come to realize that is just how I start. The adrenaline is just pumping at the start of every race! I can't help myself! Of course, considering that chilly temperature - a whopping 19 degrees! I may have start fast just to get warm. I was definitely nervous about my layers and if I had the right ones on. There is a fine balance between layers, temp and length of race and I had no idea if I had it. This was my first five mile race and I am pretty proud of my finishing time. I averaged ten minute miles and finished in just under fifty minutes. Considering my injury, I am pretty happy with this - after all, that exactly how fast I was running before.

The night before Thanksgiving, I made a rookie mistake and had a bit more to drink that I should have. I really didn't want to get up for my race the next day. I was definitely a hurting puppy! However, I already paid for the race and had my bib and race shirt. There was no way I was going to own a race shirt for a race that I bailed on because I was too hungover! That would be totally inexcusable! Plus I had been looking forward to this race for months!

That being said, I definitely was a hurting unit for the first mile or so of the race. However at around mile two, things just kicked into place and I started feeling great! This was a huge race and I really loved feeling a part of the machine - all those runners out having a good time, the sun shining and dry roads with just freezing temps. . . I was totally having a blast, then someone ran me over! Yes, that right, she literally ran right over me! Knocked me to the ground, legs straddling me before she had any idea what she had done. All I was thinking was, "Please don't let my tights be ripped!" As soon as she realized what she had done, she stopped, helped me up and apologized. She was obviously in her own world and as I wasn't hurt, it was totally a no harm, no foul, laugh later moment! I ended up finishing the race in less than forty-four minutes. Once again, just slightly less than ten minute miles! It is nice to finally be so much closer to recovery!