Thousand Miles to Salamanca

Wow

Distance: 1 mile
Time of Day: 10:35
Time: 5:33

Today was the day I've been training for: The Congress Avenue Mile. It is an amazing race and an amazing course. As a high school kid I used to fantasize about a mile race straight down the road, no curves. But, Olean, NY didn't have one. So today I finally got my chance. There were about 1100 runners in different heats. The atmosphere was exciting, the energy was there. All along Congress Avenue, people were cheering us on, most of them total strangers.

The race. Well, I went out fast. Everything was feeling pretty good. There were markers at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 miles, and each quarter-mile flew by. It took a good start just to stay with the pack and at the first quarter I was settling in. It was the second quarter where I got a little nervous. I didn't want to see my split, but there was an electronic clock above the 1/2 mile marker. I did the first half in 2:23, which completely floored me. Shortly after I felt my arms getting heavy. But the momentum carried me through to the 3/4 mile. At that point I wanted to kick in, but I couldn't. I did though keep my pace going. So I crossed at 5:33. It was way better than I was expecting.

Afterwards. One word: ouch. I sat slumped over some stairs for 20 minutes straight just trying to keep myself calm. My heart was racing and I kept choking on flem. I know, it's gross. But that's what happened. A concerned gentlemen told me I needed to get up and walk. I took his advice and I felt like I was going to pass out. It was so cool though, because that's the way runners are. They're caring people and they care about total strangers. He kept an eye on me to make sure I was ok.

I survived, but not without an eventful incident. Let's just say I saw what went into my body this morning. Yes, that was gross too. But I felt a ton better after that.

I couldn't have done this without this blog. To be honest, it was the only thing keeping me going at times. The fear of putting myself on the line and not coming through, that's what motivated me. It worked, I think, at least so far. I want to thank everybody that has sent emails, showed up on race day and were great friends.

Now what's next? I'm addicted to this. I hated the feeling right after the race. I hated it. But now, six or seven hours later, I want to do it again. Seriously though, if I want this experiment to be worthwhile I really need to be serious about it from this point forward. That's the next phase of this. Keep posted.

posted by Gray @ 3:51 PM