I signed up for the Azalea Trail 10k thinking at the time that it would be a breeze and I would be on the way to better times...no knee issues in the picture at the time. BUT...it wasn't quite that way. My knee continued to have a twinge of pain here and there the week of the race. So, I decided to lay off of it two days before the race and wear my knee straps in the race.
It was a pretty cool morning but really good for running. My goal for this race was to run it entirely with no aches and pains. I felt great, ran as good as I could and had no issues. It felt great and I was excited that my goal was accomplished. This is the first 6 miles I'd run since the first of the month. My brain plays games with me trying its hardest to bring me down and send negative thoughts in my run. This crazy thing has been powerful for way too long!! This time, it was overcome with patience, endurance and positive affirmations. Knowing that there was no way I was going to place in my age group this year, I was able to win over. This was the first time since 2009 that I hadn't placed in my age group.
My friend, Tim, caught me on the course. Thanks so much, friend!! Yes, this pic shows how happy I was...it was not a pose! I've not been able to retrieve the photos taken by the ATR Photographer yet.
Kent did great, as usual. He came in 3rd in his age group. Folks, to place in this race is an amazing feat!! There were 3500 racers total. I ranked so much better than I ever thought I could.
I love this race!! It is always the one I look forward to every year. It is a super course and one to shoot for a PR every year. This year was more special than the others. I realized before going that there would be several friends from different locations that I knew would be there, then there were even more I had forgotten about. It was like going to a running party where you've invited all your friends. So cool! I really miss my Gulf Coast Running Club friends. It had been quite a while since I had seen them. Didn't realize how much until I saw and talked with them. It was good catching up on what was going on. Also, my friends from the Jones County area.
I am learning to live day by day in order to fight any discouragement that may try to take over. I know I can overcome these negative things, physical and mental, and come out a winner. No matter what things you are going against today, remember you can do it...now, go
Run 4 It
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