Saturday, April 5, 2008

The Great Race



This morning started at 5 am with a quick shower and I was out the door by 5:15 to head to Agoura Hills, which is about a 40 minute drive.  I was told to get there early because parking was hard to find later in the morning.  I arrived in plenty of time seeing as my first race didn't start until 7:30 and I was there at 6.  Anyway, I had signed up to run a 5K and then run a 10K after that.  After signing up I heard that the 5K was fairly flat but the 10K was "challenging" with hills.  So I was feeling nervous but I figured I would just take it slow.  Garrett and the boys stayed at home because of how early we would have had to leave and the fact that Kevin had pictures for baseball this morning followed by a game.  So I was on my own.

The 5K was fun and fast.  I ended up finishing in about 29 minutes, which was faster than I thought I would.  Knowing that I was going to run the 10K right after I thought I would save time and I put both of my timing chips on my shoes before the 5K.  I didn't realize though that both of them would start and then I couldn't use the other for the next race.  No big deal, but I just wont get an official time for the 10K.  I was back in plenty of time though to rest a little before the start of the next race.  Both races started downhill and I figured I would gain a little time on that part.  

The 10K turned out to be hard, but not as bad as I had thought it would be.  Miles one and two were a combination of downhill and flat.  Miles 2-4 were a slight uphill the whole way.  Mile 5 was a harder uphill and I had to walk during a part of it.  Not for long though.  Around mile 6 it started downhill again and I felt like yelling, "That's not running!!" and flailing my arms around while I ran, like Phoebe on Friends.  But I didn't.  I ended up finishing in 1 hour and 2 minutes, one minute more than my time in Redondo Beach, but a much harder course, and the 5K right before.  I was feeling pretty good about that!

I made it back in time to see most of Kevie's game and now we are back at home to relax the rest of the day.  I have to say I am getting addicted to this whole running thing.  I am already looking online for what I can do next.  I figure if I'm going to be addicted to anything then this is a pretty good choice.  It's fun, it's good exercise, and I can usually be back in time to spend the rest of the day doing something else.  Who wants to go with me next time?

7 comments:

Sailing Vessel Serenity NOW said...

Wow Tasha what a GREAT running day for you. I am sooooooooooo impressed with your time, particularly with the HILLS!!! I have such a major mental block with hills. I would love to join you in a race but the fact that you run and I power walk I think it would be like the tortoise and the hair. But at least we could start together. I am really excited that you are loving running as it reminds me of Dennis when he loved running and doing half and whole marathons. It is great to pass it on to the next generation and great to have you carry it on AND perhaps Mr. Garrett will join in. We will volunteer to be with Kevie and Zachie on the sidelines to cheer you on or the two of you on. Keep on running. Love you and congrats.

Sailing Vessel Serenity NOW said...

Oops, I meant hare not hair..... :)
Love ya

Anonymous said...

Tash, you are awesome! That says it all!!!!
Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

YOU ARE AMAZING! Congratulation! I'm so inspired. And jealous. I want to be addicted to running!

Anonymous said...

Tasha T!! You go girl! I wouldn't worry about Half Dome cuz you have endurance! I'm gonna be the one at the trail end. I'm so proud of you.

Paula said...

Tasha...your running is awesome!! What a great thing to be passionate about...it's healthy and good for your body...and it is nice for a mom to have something that is her thing...although you never know...one of the boys may pick this up and join you!!
Blessings and love on this new milestone.

Grandma Dee said...

Tasha,
What a race x 2! Are you superwoman or what? Don't you just love it when the endorphins kick in and keeping on running is just a high? I would love to run with you, but I know my running days are over. We can always watch the little guys with Susan and enjoy cheering you in. What a great addiction - not fattening too. Me, I like chocolate. Thank goodness I like walking and yoga too. Bob and I did a 6 mile hike at John Muir Woods last Saturday, so I earned my chocolate.
Love you lots,
Grandma Dee