Earlier in the week I got a call from my friend Cindy telling me that she was going to do the International friendship run on Saturday and wanted to know if Arlene and I would do it. Of course I quickly said hmmm got to think about it... Cindy persisted to call me names and poke fun until I said yes... I'm weak. Well I planned to at least get a few training runs in before the 10k but somehow I always figured to go and do another better activity like cycle.
Well the day came. We woke up early to get out there by 7 so we could catch the bus to shuttle us to the starting line at Anzalduas International Bridge. I have never been to a true 10k race, I realized that there are alot of runners out there, more than 500 people showed up for the event. We got to the starting line with around 15 minutes left and Billy and Sergio took off on there warm up routine. I thought to myself if I warm up like them I wont make it the whole way, they are crazy! So I just stood there and people watched. There are some dedicated runners out there. I saw every type of stretch, kick, jump you can do to warm up. I just stretch my hamstring and I was ready to go.
After a quick interview for the McAllen network we set up for the take off. The start was pretty cool, everyone took off and just looked awesome seeing so many people running. Slowly I started to realize that I was being swallowed by the crowd, I guess the slower guys should not be in the front of the starting line. I kept my pace. One of my goals was to finish this 10k without walking so I was determined to do it. I started using my cycling techniques, I just stuck to a guys wheel, kept his pace and controlled my breathing. I know that once your heart rate starts to beat out of control you are done. At every water stop I scooped up a glass and tried to swallow the water down as good as I could, it's extremely difficult to gulp down water while running. Run run run. The mile signs seemed to never come. The wind blew harder and harder but I kept on. I wanted to pick up the pace but I thought to myself that I must stick to what I am doing and make it all the way. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Took me an hour and four minutes to finish, I like 64 minutes better, sound a little better. Felt good to finish a goal I set. Thats the way it is done, you say your gonna do something and go after it no matter what. This coming from a guy that could not even run a block a year ago. I got blisters on my feet and feel like I been dragged by a truck on my knees but it was all worth it. Just got to keep on making things happen. Thats the different mentality that I have now that I did not have back then.
Pain is temporary, but my accomplishments are with me forever!
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