This past weekend, as you know, I did a 10K in Coronado (San Diego).  It was an absolutely beautiful day and actually a little warm.  We were lucky enough to stay at a hotel that was right by the start of the race, so we were able to get up and walk, instead of having to stress out about finding parking and directions and all the usual race morning stressors.  That was nice.  There were quite a few people doing this race, which made for a bit of frustration at the start of the race, with people trying to get through the start line crowd, through spaces that didn't really exist.  Oh well, that's just one of those things you have to put up with.

At last the run started with the route taking us through the grass at Tidelands Park with a great view of the beautiful Coronado bridge with the sun shining brightly overhead.  I started out at a pretty good pace, thinking that it was a bit fast to keep up for 6 miles.  The route led as past a golf course and down a street with beautiful homes in Coronado.  Volunteers were on the route, cheering us on.  As I reached mile 2 or so, I saw the leaders of the race coming back, which was a little discouraging, but inspiring at the same time.  They were like gazelles with their long strides and they just flew by.  I know I'll never be fast like they are, but I hope that as I continue on my journey I will get faster and stronger and be able to fly too - in my own way.  By mile 3, it was getting a little warm, as we reached the Silver Strand and the Navy base on Coronado and our turnaround point.  We ran along the water by the boats - it was a great sunny day.  We reached the houses once again and I was feeling pretty good, looking forward to getting to mile 4 and mile 5.  The volunteers were there cheering us on - not sure what I would do without them and I appreciate their support so much.  By mile 5, I was hurting and feeling a bit of a side ache.  I kept thinking, push through the pain, push through the pain - easier said than done!   I was also thinking it's not just 6 miles, it's 6.1 miles!  It's the 0.1 that will really test your resolve.  My side ache gradually subsided and I felt strong as I passed the golf course and went under the bridge and the water of the harbor came into view.   I know my resolve is never to walk the last mile of a race - sometimes that is REALLY hard.  I rounded the corner and the park came into view.  I ran over the grass and the volunteers were there to tell me, you're almost there, just a little bit further!  I pushed it and turned on that end of race speed (or something like that) and saw the finish line.  Before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line and they were handing me a medal!  What a great feeling of accomplishment and that familiar feeling of "let's do it again" (after a good rest) came over me.

Oh...did I mention the mile markers were shaped like hearts?  LOL.  Can't wait until my next race. :)