While I was running, I was amazed at God's creation around me. I was passing little streams that led to the lake. I heard birds chirping, saw people sitting on their patios enjoying their coffee, and had amazing views over the water as the sun rose. It was an awesome run and one that I don't normally have. It's good to switch up your view sometimes!
It came to me as I was running that I needed to start something new. Kim's Highlight Run of the Week was born! That day I got on facebook, explained what I was doing, and posted a picture of my view.
This week I went back to work. I ran early in the morning before I got ready and really had nothing spectacular to say except that I love running with my small but mighty friend, Brenda. But Saturday night I ran a race (a 5K) in Moore, OK. I dragged the family along, much to their chagrin. And on the drive up, I realized that I had it! My highlight run of the week! I asked The Man to take my pic as I crossed the finish line and I set out on the path.
I had heard there was a local newscaster that was going to be running and I saw him before the race. This race went around Earlywine park, a 1.5 mile loop that we were to run (or walk) twice. It wasn't until I had hit mile 2 that I saw him up ahead.
If you're a runner, you know that you are always looking for the person ahead to "catch." If I can just speed up enough to beat THAT one, I'll be happy. So I set my sights, and hoped for the best.
It took about a half mile, but as I passed him I said "Go Lance!" and a gave him a weak "woohoo!" He turned and smiled and said "How are you!" I kept running. And then about a 3 minutes later, he came up beside me. He said something but my headphones were turned up loud (we all have our coping mechanisms). As I ripped my headphones out to hear him, I said "Oh no! Now I can't let you beat me! My husband will make fun of me!" And that's when he dropped off and said, "I think I'm going to have to let you win then!" with a good hearted smile. I laughed, turned back to him and said, "I'm 40! I'm a WOMAN!" (If you need to know the humor in that, you're probably not from Oklahoma.) To which he yelled up toward me: "I'm 50!" and off I went again.
Slow and steady wins the race, people.
Now, about the time I took the turn to run into the finish line, here he comes again. This time on my left. "I can't let you beat me now," he says. To which I laugh, as I kick it up into high gear. We cross the finish line together, with me a split second before as I lunged in. Apparently I actually DO have a small competitive streak. :)
Afterward I asked him to take a picture with me. And he turned to me after we snapped it. "Thanks for the motivation!" said Lance.
Everyone needs a little, don't we? It was all in fun, but truthfully, I had already misplaced the girl I was trying to catch. I needed something to drive me in. Running is all about the journey with a few races thrown in. I don't care what trail you're on, you need something to bring you in. Maybe it's the hot shower to warm you up in a winter run. Or maybe it's the coffee you know is waiting. It's even been the nap I plan to take after showering that has done it for me before. But we always need something or someONE to help us finish the journey.
Do you have a running partner? I love mine. Get one and take to the road, folks! If this old and slow lady can run, ANYONE CAN.
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