The race was a great success for me personally! As I sit here the day after, my leg muscles ache, the joints a little stiff, but no pain. I’m simply tired in general and savoring the satisfaction of a deed well done! The several days leading up to the race were emotionally varied—-excited and surprisingly quite nervous. It made me realize how I intensely alive I feel when I challenge myself, which hasn’t been too often lately. I didn’t sleep well Saturday night, even after a relaxing early evening dinner with Marc, Brian and Emily—-a healthy pasta/chicken dish, a great deal of gatorade, water, and no wine. The busy-brain was alive and very active from 3 am on, thinking all those weird distorted thoughts we have late in the night. I got up, had a light breakfast, and did everything I normally do before my regular runs, with the exception of today pinning on my racing number…how excited I was! Kathie arrived at 6 am and like two giggly girls, we headed off to the race. Found Brian and Emily right away, and checked out the early morning happenings and several costumes—leopards and cavemen and women—-after all it was the Jungle Run. Kathie left us for her 10K and we got in the crowd for the 7 am shotgun start. I was off, my Ipod set to my running music, and Bruce screaming Born to Run! Up a short hill, through a charming old neighborhood, we headed out on reasonably flat surface streets to Winchester Blvd. Marc surprised me and cheered me on at Lark and Winchester. I was feeling terrific (nothing like adrenelin coursing thru the system). Brian had warned me to run my own pace and not get caught up with the group, or I’d tire out too quickly. At the 4 mile mark, I’d been running an 11 min/mile–about a 1-1/2 minutes faster than my usual mile pace, so slowed down some. We ran to the Campbell perc ponds and back along LG Creek trail, which I know so well. Then up a steady, not too steep incline to Vasona Park, thru the park and onto towards the Lexington Dam. Wearing the GPS/Heart Rater monitor, I was careful not to allow my heart rate to get too high. As the day began to heat up, I was running up the steep grade towards the dam, in dusty gravel and in full sun. Once I got to the turnaround cones and headed back downhill on the final 2 miles, I knew I was going to make it. As I ran the path towards the finish at the high school, I saw Brian and Emily holding up a “Go Mom” sign and cheering me on! Their sign and smiles of encouragement gave several people a chuckle and really warmed my heart! Turning onto the track for the final lap, there was Kathie (she’d finished her 10k at a wonderful pace and patiently waited over an hour for me to show up) and Marc standing next to her, both smiling, waving and cheering me on! How wonderful is that! Kathie joined me and we ran the final lap together to the finish—-chatting about whether we’d do this again! A bit too soon to tell. Picked up my pace as I ran across the finish line and my time flashed 2:44:53!!! I made it, and well under 3 hours! Felt great! Emily and Brian had both finished at 1:54….admirable times! Seeing them, I wish I’d done this years ago. But I have done it now…. and may well do it again!
A few insights on this entire experience….my vision of doing a 1/2 marathon at 60 (something personally challenging with a due date) required that I prepare, with a running plan, share my questions and concerns with others (mostly Brian, Emily and Kathiel) and that I join this new world filled with young, strong and really fit runners. I learned to be content exactly where I am at this time in my life and with my body as it is. I have never truly appreciated the wonderfulness of my body except briefly after a health problem. I am so grateful and love each working part, the joints, my feet, even that balancing thingie in my head that kept me from tripping, and especially my heart which at this age, coulda said, “are you nuts?” and just stopped! But it didn’t and everything worked with precision, moving me through the world faster and longer than I ever thought possible!
Lastly, I saw so many different body types and ages of individuals, and felt we were all happy, excited compadres in this event together, yet each one running our own race. Isn’t that what life really is? We’re all in this world together, individually moving along our own path at our own pace.
What an experience!!! What a glorious time in my life to be alive! And yes, I will do this again!
18 Comments
Brian
As I already told you, I am so very proud of you, ma! When I saw you coming down the final stretch into the high school track, I couldn’t believe you were moving so fast. I was skeptical that you would run a lot of it, and end up walking most of the race, but you came in well under your predicted time.
Dont think about whether you want to do it again right now. For right now, just enjoy the accomplishment.
We’ll see you next week for the Wharf to Wharf. Only 6 miles, no problem for you………..
Joan Beavin
Congratulations, Cherryll. I’m so proud of you! Way to go. You do all us over 60s proud.
Joan
Kathie
Enjoying the journey through physical challenges with you.
Running brings a new frontier to our lives at a time when
“firsts” are few and far between. Congratulations on a
great 1/2 marathon. Thanks for doing it again in October
so I can do it for the “first” time! That Helen Ready song
comes to mind!
Becky
You still have all the energy I remember you having at 20! And you still wear me out. Congratulations on this new first.
pinskerinc
Wow! Loved the narration. Congratulations! Now turn your love into a story . . . who knows, even a book:) Love, Dick
Lesley
First of all, let me just say a big congratulations, you deserve it!!! I would rather read you than Atlas Shrugged. You have got a book in there somewhere, I just know it. Sparky, you didn’t get your nickname for nothing, I can hear your enthusiam right through the computer screen. You go girlfriend.
Heather
Yay! I’m so proud of AND for you! Bravo 🙂
Kris
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so very proud of you girl. What a fantastic accomplishment for you. Can’t wait to hear some of your future challenges that you share. Love and Blessings and Health. Kris
kim n
Way to go! Beautiful Story, I enjoyed talking to you at Dr. Lisa’s this week. Maybe see you at Rock and Roll.
Leslie VB
Hey Auntie Sherry! I couldn’t believe it when Brian told us you ran a half marathon! Just thinking about it made me tired! It’s such a fantastic accomplishment and we are all proud of you! Keep it up and I hope to see you the next time I’m in the area!
Derek
I thought running a half-marathon in my 20’s was a cool accomplishment… nothing compared to what you did! Ma, you say we inspire you but you are the one that truly inspires. Keep up the hard work and the new adventures!
Love,
#2
Daniel Tam
Hey, what an accomplishment! Congratulations! Its very inspiring reading your blog. As always, you write so well. Like someone said, there is a book there somewhere.
jenleake
Way to go girl! You inspire us all.
Gayle Crossley
WOW! whatta woman! This is so fantastic – you are an inspiration! Congratulations!
Love,
Gayle
Holly berry
What an inspiring read! Your adventure articulates an important piece I am coming upon in my forties, that to appreciate whatever we happen to have at any given time, and to not waste our days in comparison, is to finally learn how to be happy now. Thanks for sharing your personal ‘wins’!
Kathleen
YOUUUUUUUUUU are so amazing and I admire every single step you took to arrive at your goal! I have only done ONE marathon…(speed walking) and that was enough for me. 🙂 YOU inspire us all and I can’t wait to connect in person and celebrate YOUR success!
Rock on girl ~ Hey the Pink Lady is having a “seniors variety show” here in Hollywood…Maybe you have a new goal to attain! Do ya sing?
Love ya ~ so glad it was you and not me!
K
Dianne Clark
Sherry – you are amazing! Taking on such a challenge and something you’d never done before is so impressive. Add in all the preparation and “advanced planning” that required makes it all the more meaningful. I am really inspired by your accomplishment and hope to use it to make some changes in my exercise program. Love the blog – another new venture!
Dianne
Susan Boutchie
Hi Cheryll,
Congratulations! I knew you could do it. Very proud of you! WooHoo!