Run Redemption

I went to a race by myself on Saturday--the hubs didn't even come along.  I went on my own to the Oz Half Marathon to find myself a little personal piece of run redemption.  After two record-setting temperature marathons and--too be honest--a severe blow to my ego, I needed to remember what I love about running.  I found it in--of all places--Olathe, KS.

To my delight, it wasn't hot out. Believe it or not, the weather wasn't just cold, it was ultra-frigid.  The wind was howling--and in Kansas, there is NOTHING to block that wind!  Not a complaint was heard, instead all of us runners stood in huddles and gave props to the guys who came out in just a singlet and shorts. 

I didn't run the Oz Half Marathon for a PR or a medal or a qualifying time; I went for all the things that made me love and stick with running all these years.  The runners did all things that I love about the community:  stood in awe of the marathon maniac who ran 34 marathons since last June, supported and laughed with our pacers, and encouraged each other along the course, giving special thanks to those push and challenge fellow athletes along the way.  A friend of mine even lead a legally blind man through the entire race--talk about inspiration.

At the finish, I felt like I left all I had to give on the course and that made me smile.  It was enough.

Despite all my training this winter, I don't have my third marathon under my belt.  I won't be at the Boston Marathon in 2012, but that is okay--I will be running with just as great a crowd at another race somewhere in America.  Now, I just have to decide where that race will be...

My Official Results: 
Time: 1:39:33
Division: 3rd Place
Gender:  5th Place Overall

BTW--Pics to come...I didn't have my camera, so I will have to wait for the profesh shots

Double BTW--Time to pick my next marathon....oh where, oh where will this little runner go?