Saturday, January 19, 2008

10-mile Saturday

I got up this morning at 6:15, had a little bowl of cereal, and got my running clothes on, in order to meet up with the Santa Clarita Runners for the first time.  Saturdays are their 10 mile runs.  People can run however long they want.  I was determined to do the full 10.  I get there and all I see is men.  Being that I am not outgoing I slowly get out of the car, hoping that someone will introduce themselves to me so I do have to go make the first move.  Luckily a nice man introduced himself and then brought me over to the few women that were there.  So here's what I learned today.....I have a long way to go before I am really ready to go running comfortably with a group.  I started off with the women.  Two of them went on ahead, faster than the remaining three of us.  I learned that one of the women had just come back from Florida where she ran the Disney marathon last weekend.   Not only did she run the marathon on Sunday, but she also ran the half marathon on Saturday before that.  All of the runners seemed pretty hard core and have been running a lot longer than I.  Anyway, I stayed with the two other women for as long as I could, but even they were too fast for me.  But, I stuck with it and while they told me they were stopping at 8 miles, I told them I was going to try for the whole 10.  And I did it!  I might have been the last one to come back....yes, I definitely was the last one, but it felt good to finish and that is now my longest run ever.  So, will I go again next Saturday?  I'm not sure yet, but I think I probably will.  How else will I get to know this group and truly decide whether it's for me or not.  I can't give up after one time.  Besides, it gives me the incentive to run a little faster and get up and just do it rather than turning my alarm off and going back to sleep!  

8 comments:

Garrett said...

Tasha is Awesome

Sailing Vessel Serenity NOW said...

Good for you Tasha. I probably would have turned around and gone home seeing the group. So congrats. on going forward. Keep in mind the runner's you met today all started at ground zero and worked their way up to where they are today. It isn't about how fast you run but more about the journey that takes you to where you want to go. Keep up the great run.....................10 miles is great!!! Love you

Anonymous said...

You go girl! I'm in awe at your fortitude,stamina, and stick-to-it-ness. Next week will be even easier!

Love you, Mom

Anonymous said...

I am so proud of you!

What an awesome undertaking. You have strength and discipline to do this. 10 miles is a lot and to push yourself to do it all is wonderful.

This sounds like it will be a wonderful year for you. You are setting such a good example for the boys. It is good training to show them that persistence and diligence pays off. I cannot wait to see you at the finish line of the RB 10K and the marathon. Hip, hip, hooray.
Love ya,
D

Paula said...

I agree with everything above!
Awesome, Tasha! Love, Paula xo

Anonymous said...

You totally inspired me today. I run about 3 miles and walk 2, but then I get tired. I'm so gonna push myself a little more today because of this post! Thanks Tasha! :)

Anonymous said...

Tasha, you're awesome! I love how you decided to accomplish something and your totally going for it. You've got me thinking that I want to accomplish something that I have to work really hard for. So, I've decided that in June I'm going to hike Half Dome in Yosemite. Not nearly as much training as you have to do but there is some training involved. (I was told that I need to start taking 6 hour hiking trips with 12 bottles of water in a backpack - yikes) I heard it's really hard but extremely beautiful and worth it. Keep up the good work and thanks for being an inspiration.
Love, Tina

Tasha Riley said...

Tina, Who are you going with? I would love to do that too if you need someone to go with!!