I was incredibly calm when I stood in the corral before the race with 10,000 other hopeful runners. The sun was just rising, and the cool temperature was perfect. I wasn't nervous, and that honestly surprised me. I saw many of my friends before starting, and that helped me feel even better. I knew we wouldn't be running the same pace, but just knowing they would be out there too gave me a boost. My parents also stood on the sidelines cheering for me, and I waved excitedly as I crossed over the starting line.
My first mile was amazing and flew by, and before I knew it I was passing the 3, 4, and 5 mile markers. I was keeping up a 10:30 pace and I felt incredible. We passed lots of cheering supporters and adorable dogs dressed in St. Patrick's Day get-ups, and the energy was so infectious. After mile 5 though, we headed into the woods and all became quiet. I focused on the music on my iPod, and I kept telling myself that soon I would take a little fuel break at the halfway point. I stayed hydrated with Gatorade at the water stops, and I found some people around me to keep pace with. But then, a crushing moment happened.
My goal at the beginning had been to finish around 2 hours 30 minutes. I wasn't basing all my hopes and dreams on it, but I figured it was a realistic goal I could strive for. Around mile 6 though, the 2:30 pacers ran PAST me. My world was crushed. I watched that tall, green sign float farther and farther in front of me, and I realized my goal was slipping away. I tried to speed up, but the pace felt too uncomfortable. I knew I couldn't keep up with them for another 7 miles. After that, my mental state took a nosedive. I started really doubting my ability to finish, and I felt completely defeated. For miles 7 and 8, I had to literally repeat over and over again "Just. Keep. Running." By mile 9, I was crying. I honestly didn't think I could muster up 4 more miles. I thought about faking an injury and asking to be picked up by the Rescue Squad.
Luckily, we were running through Fort Story, and a great group of Navy men and women came out to cheer us on. I absorbed all of that positive energy, and I basically told myself to get it together. I felt so much better, and I kept running to mile 10. At that point, I think Karma came back to bite me. Instead of having to fake an injury, I felt actual excrutiating pain. My muscle above my left knee turned into a tight knot, and I could actually feel a lump under my skin. Every step felt like my knee was ripping apart from my leg. I hobbled over to the side of the road, tried to stretch, and then started limping slowly. I thought to myself, "Oh my gosh, am I going to have to WALK these last 3 miles?" I continued to crawl along, and after about 7 or 8 minutes, the pain began to subside. I said a prayer of "thank you" and then began running again. This time though, I couldn't return to my previous pace. I felt like I was moving like a snail. But I knew even slow running was better than walking. I felt frustrated that my time would be so poor, but I also felt proud that I would be able to run to the finish line.
Right before turning onto the boardwalk for the last straight sprint, I had to make a turn onto the sidewalk. There, a group of Livestrong volunteers dressed in yellow cheered wildly for us. They wrote inspiring notes in yellow sidewalk chalk on the ground, and I realized how blessed I was. I was grateful for my body and my health that brought me through to that moment. And I thought of my family members who had lost their battle with cancer, but who were no doubt looking down on me. I cried again for the second time, but this time only joyful tears. The sun was shining beautifully over the ocean, and the view from the boardwalk was priceless. Then I heard the best sound ever. Two of my friends shouted "Go Crystal!" and I spotted them cheering on the sidelines. Just a little farther down, another group of friends were shouting for me as well, and I found the strength to finish that last small stretch. I gave it all I had, and I finally (and slowly) crossed the finish line. I threw my hands up in the air and gave out a huge "Woohoo!" And then I heard my husband shout my name. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see him.
I reunited with my friends and family members on the beach, and I couldn't stop smiling. I was so relieved to be finished, and I was proud that I accomplished what I set out to do. My only small disappointment was my time. I finished in 2 hours 44 minutes, which is horribly slow, but now I have a new goal to focus on. I plan to go back to running shorter races and improving my time. I love that I have something to keep me motivated!
Check out my post-race photo with my new, snazzy medal!!
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