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The encouragement of a stranger and a 10K


It is hard to believe that is was only seven months ago that I ran 13.1 miles averaging less then ten minutes a mile. Today, that wasn't quite the case.

I have been dreading, yet anticipating the Haunted Half 10K. Six point two miles after not running consistently in a very long time. Did I mention the hills? There were lots of them. I hate hills. (I am working on a way to come to love them. Be watching for that lesson.) A late night followed by a very early morning did not help my confidence.


The bikes lined up for the beginning of the half-marathon. (You know I am dreaming of the day when I am riding on one of those!) I snapped a picture of Tony ready to run his first half and worked on getting into the zone. Not easy, by the way, when there is a cold wind blowing. Playlist set, I lined up for the race and  was ready for the starter pistol to go off. And then the zombies came. Dancing zombies! Quite a show it was! I was pretty sure I would be joining them at the finish. (Join them I did. The zombies led us in some Zumba while we were waiting for the results.) We lined back up and were on our way.

     

My struggle began at about mile 3. I have a toe that has pretty serious pain whenever I am at about three miles into a run. Remember those hills I mentioned earlier? Toe pain plus hills equals some much needed determination to make it up to the top. I tried to keep running. I had no one beside me. It was so easy to walk... I hate to admit that I did just that. Only a couple of times and never for long, but I walked. Until the last mile. It was pretty much all uphill. My legs were dead. I had set a goal for myself to run the whole thing averaging ten minute miles. Even as I was yelling at myself, I walked. And then I heard a voice behind me. "Come on! We are almost there. You've got this!" That is all I needed. I took it slow and steady until the finish line was about 500 feet away. The girls met me close to the finish line and began running with me. Because of them, I was able to kick it in gear and sprint the rest of the way. I finished in 1:03:31. The man who encouraged me when I needed it most, met me at the finish line and congratulated me. Had it not been for the encouragement of a stranger and the support of my children, my time would have been slower. I didn't quite meet my goal of ten minute miles or running the whole thing, but I know that will come in time. 


Sometimes we don't know when someone is struggling. It is our kindness that silently encourages and support him/her through whatever it is they are going through. Thank you, man-who-encouraged me, for helping me find it within myself to finish strong! Thank you, Sana and Patti, for running by my side at the end! Thank you, Tony, for all those late night runs! Now to get ready for my next half on December 30th!   
    


Comments

  1. BethOctober 28, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    Way to go Mandie!It was fun watching you and so many other friends run past my water station today. You keep going on that journey, for you will inspire others along the way just like your stranger did for you today. And yes, you WILL conquer those hills!!
    --Beth

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