Last night was the first race I have run in 7 months, and I will simply say that it was not one of my finer moments. There were several times during the race that I really just wanted to quit. I felt great through the first mile and a half.
My mile 1 split was 6:51 and then mile 2 was 7:18 and it pretty much went down hill after that. My first walk break was around 2.25 miles. I think I stopped and walked two more times after that. Then I told myself to buck up and finish the darn thing!
I was so bummed that I was on track for a PR through the first mile and half. My legs started to feel really heavy and the hills just kept coming and coming! My boys came to watch me finish and I finally realized that there would be no way they would not see me finish.
They had no idea that I had a crappy race. To them, I finished and finished hard and that was all that mattered. That was my take away from the race. I want them to learn from a young age that sometimes you feel like quitting and you just have to keep pushing through.
Even with the three walk breaks, I managed to squeak in at 24:53, which actually got me 2nd place in my new 35-39 age group! 
I am glad I was able to clear the mental hurdle of last night’s race. I can’t help but think maybe my low iron levels might have had something to do with my lack of desire to run over the last week and the heavy feeling in my legs.
I am very hopeful that after a month or so on the iron supplements, I will start to feel more pep in my step! So, I am giving myself an “A” for effort last night even though the time wasn’t what I was really hoping for!
Thanks for all of the well wishes for my Grandma Jane. She left the hospital last night and went to a long term care facility for a few weeks of rehab. I hope she gets sprung soon!
How was everyone’s July Fourth? Who else raced?
Aww Jess! I wish it had gone smoother for you but you still did great!! I’m sure it has to do with your iron and the hot temps! You’ll be breaking records very soon!!! You certainly get an A for effort!
Thanks Nancy! The course was great–hilly though! I am looking forward to doing it again next year. It had such a neighborhood feel to it. 🙂
A for Effort indeed my friend! You did amazing considering what you’ve been through, how long it’s been since you raced, and your iron levels. Congrats on the placement!
Thanks Sam! I miss our long runs–can’t wait to get back to RI to hang out! 🙂
Sorry the race did not live up your expectations, but you did fight through and finish well, and with an AG placement!! With the stress in your life from iron levels, your grandmother, your FIL, coupled with the heat and it being your first race in a long time you did well. This was your first race back to get your feet wet and now that that is done you can work on beating that time. Remember a few months back when you could not even run because you were injured?
My 4th was calm – I painted DD room pink and purple and went swimming with the kids in our pool a few times, played games with the kids. Did fireworks in Smithfield last night and met with DD’s BFF there so they could play together. No races for me since April. Next race for me is the Mass Dash Relay on July 14th.
Wow, great finish when you weren’t feeling great. Hope you get your pep back soon!
Thanks Amy! I can’t wait for the pep too! 😉
Definitely an A for effort, Jessica! Well done! I think you did amazing, given the long road back to racing that you’ve traveled.
Thanks so much Michelle–it means A LOT coming from you (super mom runner!). 🙂
Just realized I never commented on this- but I’m sorry the race was so challenging! Hills and heat are the worst combo for me, but you’ll have plenty of other chances to prove yourself. And you’re so right, your boys had no idea- kids are great for giving us perspective!
Thanks so much Laura! 🙂 I am already plotting my revenge on the 5K 😉