Sooner State Games

Last weekend,I participated in the Sooner State Games 10k at Lake Overholser. I had never been out to Lake Overholser, and it was beautiful. I got out there with the boys about 40 minutes before the race. I didn't get a chip in my race packet, and knew it was chip timed, so I wandered towards the pavilion to see if I could get one. Turns out no one gets them in the packet, they are borrowed, and returned. So, I got my number 78, affixed it to my shoe and wandered around. They had a nice spread of snacks and drinks set out, so I grabbed a bottle of water and went back to the car to meet the boys.

The boys were excited to watch me run. I made my way to the start line with about 140 or so other runners. It was cool, sunny and very relaxed. It's a go and we are off. Number One by Goldfrapp gets me going. What a great day. Mile one I felt I had a good pace.The 5k turnaround was there quickly and I watched most people turn around. I kept going. Mile two and three were great also. We made our way across the Old Route 66 bridge and I kept looking out for the 10k turnaround. I walked a bit here, felt a little tired. I only ran about twice in the past two weeks. Not so good. Back to it though, so next one should be better, anyway, my split time was 34:35 according to my watch. I started running again and then I walked some more. Ran than walked. Still knew I was doing ok. My goal was 1:15. It was really such a beautiful morning. The runners were relaxed and nice. Everyone smiled and waved to each other. Although there were not people cheering on the sidelines, the runners were good about keeping spirits up. This was not a group that needed cheerleaders. We were out to have fun doing what we like, running. I look at my watch, I know I am getting closer to finishing. I do not walk again. Just outside the finish line, my boys were waiting. I heard Alex first, "Go Mom, GO! YEA MOM!" I got close enough to see their smiling faces and it made me very happy. It's great to have a support system like I do. By my watch I was thrilled. I was at 1:09. I beat what I thought I'd do it in. Not a record breaking time, but super for me. I'm just happy to be out there. My final chip time was 1:10:51. Whats next?

What a day it was!

I think I have a few minutes to recapture my first 10k race as a relay member for the OKC Memorial Marathon. I ran the race route the week before and did pretty well. I started watching the forecast the week before and was nervous at the cool weather that was creeping in, along with rain and wind.

I was also nervous being part of a relay team...what if I wasn't fast enough? Even if it is just for fun? Well, those were some of my last thoughts when I went to bed the night before the race. Too bad I woke up around 3am...coughing. And coughing. And coughing. My 2 year old woke up. I looked at the clock bleary eyed. Man oh man. After that I was keyed up. I was ready to run right then. Alarm went off at 5am. I hopped in the shower, got dressed and made my piece of wheat toast. I put some peanut butter on it, ate half a banana and washed it down with half a sugar free redbull. Ready to rumble!

Looked outside. Rain. Temp about 40.Wind made it a bit cooler. Husband woke up and loaded the kids in the car at 6am. He made me a last minute poncho out of a garbage bag. So glad he did. The anticipation began to build as we headed downtown, which isn't too far from where we live, only about a 7 minute drive. The boys dropped me off and I joined a large procession of others, marching in the rain to line up.

I decided to use the bathroom one last time and put myself in the corral. I could barely see the start line. I jog in place...get my iPod ready and make small talk with the others around me. We are so ready. The National Anthem begins and I put my hand over my heart. It's not just a run....I think of the lives lost right there. I begin to tear up. Finally the horn sounds. We don't move and inch.



About 5 minutes later we move a step. One step. We all look at each other and laugh, smile. 2 more minutes and we are off to a walk. Turn my iPod up...Goldfrapp starts in with Number One.... oh yeah. I am ready. 4 more minutes and I hit the start banner. I tear my poncho off along with the thousands of others. I hop, skip, and jump over all the trash! I hit start on my watch and I am off to a slow trot.



Things finally start to weed out. I have a bit off room to maneuver. I tell myself, pace yourself! Don't go out too fast. At mile 1, I look at my watch-9:48-going good.

I keep it up and hit my first walking spot at the Walnut Street Bridge. The incline is pretty steep. I ran up halfway, and decided not to spend that much energy on that. Leveled out right at the top and was off again. Still cold. Glad I had those gloves. When I turned North on Lincoln, the wind really hit, but I didn't feel cold. I actually shed my long sleeve t around the capital. So many people cheering....really keeps you going.

I hardly notice what is going on around me. I am focused on the road. I hit the half mark-glance at my watch. 30:42. Really good for me. Hit Oklahoma and turned west on 23rd. Things got tight here, as they could not shut it all down. I start to get close to my neighborhood. Run north on Robinson. Medics are treating a girl...I try not to let this slow me down, but I say a quick prayer that she is alright. Past Goodholm park a cop car is on Robinson. The policewoman is yelling for relayers to go straight-and marathoners to the left. There is suddenly confusion. Some people go straight...I know straight is not the course, but she said relayers...I go straight...for a few steps. I shout at her and turn back. I knew it wasn't right. It kinda pisses me off. I need every second I can get!!!!!! GRRRRR!!!

Head down Harvey and get to my territory. Little american flags lined the street. I think I am doing pretty well, My family is supposed to be on the left here, so I move to the left. They could not cross to that side, I noticed them on a corner with other neighbors on the right side. I cannot cross over. I shout my husbands name! They see me and wave. This part is pretty hilly. I turn through the park towards Walker. I walk again...just to the top of the hill. I am so close to the finish line where I hand off. Once I am on Walker, I pick it up. Cross 36th, see the crowd. I am looking for Chandra like mad. Hit stop on my watch. 1:07. Triumphant. Still looking for my relay mate. Find her. She is ready to go. I pass off the ankle band and belt. I wish her luck. I am totally high on adrenaline. I did it. I got a medal, grab some powerade and make my way home. I walk back towards runners. I see an old high school friend. I cheer her on. Walk through the park and see my family and neighbors waiting. I was so happy. They all congratulated me. My husband was so proud. He said my run time was great, he actually expected me later-and missed taking a pic!

Final results in. I finish at 1:09:05

Relay team
time: 4:32:05
guntime: 4:40:55
pace: 10:24

10k 1:09:05
15k 1:43:25
half 2:17:10
27k 2:46:47
32k 3:19:43