Portland Shamrock run
Mar 13
Well, today I did it. I ran the Portland Shamrock run. I chose the 8K race to run, that’s 5 miles for us US folks. I honestly wasn’t sure I wanted to really run the race since I haven’t been training for it. I also didn’t want to embarrass myself either by being the last person to cross the finish line. But I’m not one to quit something once I’ve committed to it so I had no choice but to do it.
Eric and I dragged ourselves out of bed this morning at something like 6:15am (really 5:15 w/o daylight savings) to go. Eric is such a trooper, he didn’t even have to go but being the best husband ever he went to support me. We got down to the race and I think that’s when it finally hit me.. as I was standing there ready for the 8K in the 10 minute mile or more group. I was honestly excited and terrified at the same time. I had my doubts if I could do this but I figured if I didn’t try, I’d never know.
So off I went at a nice little jog and feeling pretty good. It seemed like it took forever for the 1 mile sign to come up but I made it that far and kept going. I found a group of girls that were walking and jogging and decided then that I wouldn’t let them finish in front of me. I mean there had to be someone that finished behind me, I couldn’t be the last person. As I rounded Burnside and headed up Broadway that’s when it hit me. I really wondered if I would make it to the finish. Broadway is a slow incline for a LONG ways. Oh, FYI, it was about this time that the lead guy running the 15K that left the start link after us blew by all of use running the 8K. Oh, to have only a bit of that guys energy. I was battling with myself at that time too, super concerned about being last. I had to just keep reminding myself that my goals were to finish and to do so under two hours.
I did a lot of jogging and walking fast and jogging and walking fast. It was difficult with the drizzle of rain, the cold air, and my asthma but I was determined to do it. I finally got to the end of Broadway and headed down Hall back toward Naito, where the race started. I was feeling good, got some water and was thinking, “We’re headed down the hill, we’re almost done.” That’s when the 3 mile sign came up and I realized I was just a bit over half way. I think at that time I was like OMG! I’m going to dye right here… and yet at the same time my head was just telling me, “keep moving, don’t quit now, you’re not a quitter.” So I kept running hit 4th and kept running/walking all the way out to Barber Blvd and Naito Parkway. I can’t tell you how good it felt to turn that corner and know that it was downhill, and a straight shot to the finish line. I got a little more energy about that time. I don’t know if it was because I knew I was coming to the end, or what but I decided I was going to finish strong. I was going to jog until I couldn’t anymore… so I did. I jogged and walked and jogged and walked right past the finish line. While I was exhausted I also felt great because I did something I wasn’t sure I could do. As I was giving the guy my racing chip I asked him the time, “9:30am” he said. I just stood there amazed. My race started at about 8:05, there were a lot of people ahead of me that crossed the start line before me so I’m guessing I didn’t start until 8:15 or so.. and then to finish at 9:30.. WOW! Imagine what I can do with some training. I’m motivated now. I think I like this running stuff.
I want to say a BIG thanks to everyone that texted me, called me, sent me Facebook comments, etc. offering their support. It’s great to know and feel the support of family and friends.
Update: My official time is 01:07:44
