Resolution Run 2012

Well...I did it!

To quote my friend Erin, "I propelled myself in a jogging like motion towards the finish line." That I did. It was harder than anticipated, but I am SO glad that I did this race. I always knew I could finish a 5k but I didn't know how much of the race I would actually run. It was harder than I expected, but I finished and (for me) with a better time than when I run a 5k on the treadmill at he gym. There were two things I didn't anticipate: the hills at Papago Park (gorgeous scenery!) and that I would start to get really thirsty in the middle (I didn't drink enough water before the race because I didn't want to have to go to the bathroom in the middle). But it was a great experience and now that it's over I can't wait to do it again. Sure, I got passed by tons of people. But I didn't finish last, right?

One funny part of the day was when I crossed the finish line. Every runner is microchipped, and using your number, they know who is crossing the finish line when. The guy doing the announcing happened to be someone who taught PE and coached at my middle/high school. It was one of those "I know who you are, but you don't know who I am" situations.
Or so I thought. Because when I crossed the finish line (excuse me, hauled ass) he announced my name and said, "Toby Fox, I think I know you! Aren't you from the old Shadow
Mountain gang?" Yep. That would be me! It was funny, a little embarrassing, and impressive that he recognized me by my married name.

I also had the pleasure of spending this morning with four incredible women who also did the race. We each went at our own pace and having them cheer me in made a HUGE difference. I don't know if the experience would have been the same had I gone alone. And they did fantastic! Talk about motivation! After finishing, the second best part of the day was breakfast with them at Chompie's.

P.S. Out of curiosity I looked up the final race results. Granted, this was NOT about where I finished. But suddenly I'm feeling a little bummed. Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know it's about the journey and not the destination. But clearly I have some work to do.

The "official" pre-race photo! Clearly it's a before shot.