Friday, January 27, 2012

VICTORY AGAIN...SORT OF

Well where has everyone been!  Ok, I've been swamped with work, school, water polo and shwarma consumption, but I thought I'd take a trip down memory lane as sort of a comeback post.

About 3 weeks ago I answered the call of champions again, and ran in the Bahrain Team Marathon.  Unlike last year's challenge though, I was dropped down to the 11th spot on the team.  This wasn't related to any performance factors, only because I was asked to participate at the last minute. 

"Pphhh.  Sure, I'll run that little trot."  I blurted out.

The morning of the race was much more mellow than 2010.  I woke-up at Martin's house around 8am, had some coffee, watched a little rugby, stretched for 3 minutes, and then took a nap...ok, I only stretched for 45 seconds.

Julie (Martin's wife), Martin and I headed out to our run posts.  The weather was incredible and I was actually feeling pretty good.  Both Martin and Julie performed their legs without incident, so I was fired-up when I took the baton.  I raced off down the road feeling very strong.  My leg was pretty simple this year, except that I was told it would feel longer than it actually was.

"You'll come down that hill and see a traffic light about 700 meters away.  By this time you'll be a bit winded, so turning here and heading for the finish line will be the desire.  But no mate, you have another light to run to, and it's another 1/2 mile away!"

Well I hit that light and sure enough, I was wishing the run was coming to an end.  This was about a mile and a half into my leg, so I was starting to feel winded (this is the one time I run during the year.).  I passed under the traffic light, briefly excited to be actually gaining on another runner ahead of me.  I tried to pick-up the pace.  Then, out of nowhere, a gawky running woman strode by me.  She was running with an odd hitch, but she was passing me with ease!  I suddenly felt like I was cracking cement with my lumbering strides.  That second light came much too late for me.  I turned the corner and the finish line was in the distance.  I pushed hard and passed that first runner towards the end.  That's the last time a 14 year old girl tries to outpace my running prowess.  VICTORY!!!!

Here's me with a sweet orange shirt and Cheerio-sized medal.