I was even more excited when I found out that a race fee discount was available if you registered as a team, and since Jon thinks I am breaking the bank with my racing, a team was created. Girls from the Hills, team name created by my sister in law, Melody. Our team was my BFF Emily, a new friend (to me) Lauren, and my sister in law, Mel.
Day before the race dawns, we receive an email. "Sorry folks, the race website has been hacked. We're sorry for the inconvenience, hope it will be fixed soon." This caused a little bit of chaos, since packet pick-up was supposed to be one place and then at the last minute it was somewhere else, but no harm done. Emily and I picked up our packets, and were greeted by a most enthusiastic race director and lots of help. It was well-organized and quick. Having spent crazy amounts of time at packed pick-up places, this was a welcome relief.
Saturday came, and it was beautiful weather. The weather could not have been more perfect for racing. It was sunny and just a tad bit cool, and after the scorching weather we've had all summer, I'll take it. We arrived at Sorrows Catholic Church, where we were directed to park, and there was plenty of parking, which was so convenient and helpful. Mel and I made our way down the hill to Shiawassee park to meet up with Emily and Lauren. While we were at the bottom of the hill, Emily reminded us that in order to get out of the valley we were in it was going to be a steady incline of many hills. I hadn't previously given that much thought, and was suddenly slightly nervous.
Before the race start, the crowd judged the teams who were in costume. Some of them were more "creative" than others. Some of the memorable teams were "Kiss 2.0" (complete with face paint and costumes), and "The Knights who say knee." "The Knights" had plastic swords and cookie sheet shields. In the end, Kiss 2.0 won. Although, in the end all I think they had was stinging eyes from sweaty face paint. "The Knights" placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in their age division.
After an interesting rendition of the National Anthem (I was not expecting the high-pitched trill, from the female vocalist), we lined up at the starting line. The gun went off, and so did we. Slow go at first, and then I started to pass people, when I'm racing I get into what Emily calls my "Energizer Bunny" mode, and completely focus on racing. I didn't realize notice anyone at all, except for the mother runner pushing a newborn in the jogger, wow SHE WAS FAST! I was so impressed, and tried to keep up with her, no such luck. We parted ways at the split off for the 5 and 10K.
As expected for the "Run for the Hills" located in Farmington Hills, there were ALOT OF HILLS! It seemed like everytime I got to the top of one hill, there was another hill waiting. I literally didn't think I was going to make it. I felt like I was running in place sometimes. Finally, I started getting into the groove, and looked around, there was no one running with me. I figured I was either dead last or everyone was running the 5K. I looked at my Garmin, the entire time I was running I was in the 8s, which for me is amazing. I felt strong and pressed on. I almost never stop for water, but was really feeling the need to. So I grabbed a cup and started to drink. Then I choked, it was not water, it was Powerade. And I ran on very sticky. GROSS! I got to the top of the last hill, and started running as fast as I could down, small problem though: The cops were not able to stop traffic for us at the bottom of the hill. So I had to wait for a cop to stop traffic on both sides and let us through. I sprinted as fast as I could towards where I thought the finish line was. No one was in front of me, so I ran as hard as I could. Imagine my disappointment, when I realized the finish line was not as close as I thought. I crossed the finish line, but the finish line clock wasn't working. I consulted my beloved Garmin, and it said 53:04. I was quite surprised. So I grabbed some water and waited for the rest of my team. Everyone did really well, including Emily who reached her goal of under an hour! AWESOME!
We decided to stay for the awards ceremony, and I'm so glad we did, because I placed 3rd in my age division! I missed 2nd place by 2 seconds. But, because of the staggered start times, I didn't actually see anyone in front of me. Nevertheless, I was quite excited! What a fantastic first 10K!
Emily and I are running the Run for the Wind 5K this weekend. Hoping for some great times for both of us!
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| Team Girls from the Hills |
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| Me, Lauren, and Emily |
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| Mel finishing strong! |
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| Emily crossing the finish line! |
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| 3rd in my age division |
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| Photo courtesy of Greg Sadler Photography |
