Stennis 5k & New State Record

We thought we'd stop by and do this race since we were heading home for the St. Jude's Half Marathon next weekend.  It had been quite a while since we'd run this one and it just fit right into our travel plans.  This is the second 5k race I've run totally since my injury this summer.  I'm gradually getting my running/racing legs back.  Though I've run long runs in the last month or so, I've not been able to sustain it.  For the next week, I could hardly run 3 miles without stopping.  So, my goal for this race was to run it entirely...no thought of time or pace.  I've GOT to get my confidence back.  Having a fear of falling again is quite strong. 

We met up with several friends before the race.  It got more and more exciting.  We were quite chilly and a lot of people were staying in their vehicles to keep warm.  We found our friend Tommy P. and his son and DIL.  Though we are Facebook friends, it was our first time to meet Tommy's family.  It is exciting to see families run together.  I think it makes a different kind of bind between them.  Here are a couple of pre-race pics.  And, Kent was in the car keeping warm! No pre-race pic of him obviously.  Melissa, Tommy, Jr. and me.

 Tommy and me.

As usual, I was a little nervous starting but for different reasons this time.  I really wanted to run this race entirely.  No other goals at this time.  The race got off to a good start.  I ran as good as I could.  Then all of a sudden I see Tommy pass me!  Yay, for him but I thought I was running faster than him.  Well...guess not, ha!  He is a stronger runner than me...for now, ha!  He and his son ran together the entire race.  I think TJ was his "rabbit"!!  It worked...cause Tommy kept up with him.  The only part I did NOT like "seeing" was that TJ would turn around sometimes and run backwards...backwards!!  Boy, did THAT make me feel slow!!  Thanks, TJ...lol.  Sometimes he would even run a little ahead, turn around and jog back to run alongside his Dad again.  I am watching this escapade and wondering just how slow am I???  I kept saying to myself...this is MY race, this is MY race...and it kept me focused.  Thank you, Tommy and TJ, for continually pushing me.  I needed that!!  You are part of my success in that race.  Oh, btw...is TJ for hire??  He ran back to run with Melissa through the Finish Line.  How sweet and supportive is that!  AND...he let her cross the line one second ahead of him.  Awwww...such a gentleman!  This is a great family. 

Kent did very well in his race.  The course was an out-and-back and I could see everyone ahead of him.  There was NO ONE in front of him racewalking or even walking!!  NO ONE!!!  Here he is coming in very strong.  I knew he was First Place! 

I'm so proud of him.  He does it right!!  Check out that form...it's perfect! 

We enjoyed pasta after the race and good company.  Then the awards began.  We found out that Melissa placed in her age group [I think I understand that it was her first award]...yay!!  TJ also placed and Tommy placed 2nd.  Then I was shocked when I heard my name called!!!  I had NO idea I would place since my time was so slow.  BUT...I got 1st place in my age group.  I was ecstatic!  Then they started on the RWs.  Oddly enough, they called someone else's name out for first place...which he was SEEN running with his daughter, who also won in the women's RW division!!  Kent was named 2nd.  But as the final figures came out, they showed someone else in front of him actually making Kent third!  Funny thing here???  He "supposedly" came in just seconds ahead of Kent.  That was NOT TRUE.  I was right there with my camera and there was no one crossing the line that was not running!!  The audacity of some people...we practically hate this division!!!  It is FULL of cheaters!!!  The strange thing is that nearly every time a cheater "wins", they do not show up to receive their award...funny, isn't it?  Sorry about the ranting...but it is such an unfair race and there's nothing you can do about it.  For now...I will consider Kent 1st Place...because he WAS.  I ran the race and I KNOW he was the FIRST male racewalker.  Everyone I saw was running.  I wish there could be judges along the course because in all fairness to the race officials they only have the individual's word for it and that makes for a tough call.  I'd hate to be in their shoes...just unfair all the way around.  It's just a shame people have no problem lying now.  Okay...I'm stepping off my soap box now.  GCRC do a great job...this is NOT against them! 

As it turned out, all five of us placed in our age groups.  Only got one pic where we all were smiling but I am proud of all of us, especially Melissa.  Also, to several other friends that placed:  Phillip W. [5k], Leonard V., Ginny D., Bob C. and Gary T. [half marathon].  Oh, yes...and a VERY BIG "Congrats" to little Dallas S.  He is an amazing little 7 year old from our neck of the woods who ran and placed in the half marathon...AND is a world record holder!!!  I'm so very proud of him!!  We've been watching this little guy since he was 3 years old racing!!!  He's great.  Congrats to all of you! 

 Here is the medal I'm so proud of!!  It is patterned after the shirt.  So colorful. 

All in all, I am very pleased with my race.  I ran it all, placed in my age group AND...the best part...got a State Record!!  I just wish my time had been more like it normally would have been...four minutes faster.  But...I'll take it, ha!  This race added to my confidence level for running/racing again.

Thank you, Leonard V., for a great job done!  You have good folks that assist you and they are to be commended as well. 

Now, off I go to pack for the St. Jude's Half Marathon next Saturday.  We're leaving Friday to have fun in this nice, icy, very cold race!  The highs are showing 30 degrees...brrrrr!  I'm so glad to be a part of this particular race though...we are SO blessed.  Until the SJ post, go out and

Run 4 It