Well, I did it.

The 10k run in Richmond was spectacular. We got up at 6:15. I actually got up before that time and sat right up in bed, fully awake. I had been looking forward to this date for three months. I wasn't going to sleep through it! I grabbed some deodarant, wiped down my hair and came downstairs for some leftover rigatoni. A few bites and a gulp or two of water and I was set to go. I didn't want to get sick while I ran, so I went for the minimalistic approach.

We met Eric and Kelly at Malvern and swapped cars. Mike and Adam returned to the SouthSide to get all the stuff we forgot (cameras, chairs, Lauren's purse, etc.). We parked at VCU and walked over to the beginning of the madness. The Park at VCU was swamped. Moon bounces, food tents, and a solid wall of port-a-potties.

Lauren and I started to get a bit nervous. I didn't undertand earlier in the week why she was nervous, but when the time came to get in my corale, I started to understand. There was an expectation that I had and I didn't want to let myself down. I was facing a steady but slight incline, a slew of people, and an aching body. I'll explain:

<Back Story>See, after Tuesday night's run (which was awesome, by the way), I was really in the zone. But, I was sore. My knees started aching a bit. The plan was to spend Wed, Thurs and Fri getting back into the swing of things and walking normally again. But when the D.C. trip came around, we spent almost the entire day on our feet walking. So I was sore from that even last night, and could hardly move like myself.<Back Story>

So anyhow, The gun shot and the first group left. We were way in the back (behind about 5,000 people, I'd say.) Instantly, you could look out in the distance and see a vast sea of bouncing heads as everyone jogged or ran along the course. It was a long course, two lanes wide on each side of the median. The roads were filled with people cheering on the runners, bands playing (21 bands played along the 6.2 mile track), and even cheerleader teams who were there to root us on. It was awesome.

What a cool feeling too, knowing that I was keeping up with so many people. 8,500 people were registered for the race. I'm sure plenty didn't show up, but it was still a very impressive crowd.

Coming up on mile marker 2, three Kenyans were hauling ass to the finish line. I didn't even notice them until I heard everyone cheering around me. I looked over and there they were, taking ENORMOUS strides with every step. It was really inspiring, both seeing them run and being surrounded by the exhilaration of everyone cheering those guys on. The cheering got even louder when the first female (not coincidentally a 23-year-old Kenyan) hauled ass immediately behind the fellas. I applauded the only white guy over on that side of the street. He had a beard like Forrest Gump did, and he was really moving as well. No one seemed to cheer for him, so I went ahead and did that. :)

All that cheering gave my my second wind. I was really pumped now. But my legs were still hurting. I kept trying to find an excuse to stop, but I forced myself on. "this is what you've been training for, man." I repeated. "You've got to fight and win this," I recited.

My primary goal was to cross the finish line of my first 10k. My secondary goal was to do the first 5k all running. I pushed and pushed. And after mile 2, I was ready to stop. It was all mental. I forced myself to keep plugging away and if I could just keep trying, I'd be across the 3.1 mark in no time at all. Sure enough, I looked up after watching a blues guy play along the road and the water crowd was there, handing out cups. They were always at every mile marker, so I knew I was close.

Sure enough, there was Chantilly Road, the loop in the track. I made the loop and stopped as I regained my composure. It was a hell of a moment for me, and I was really taken in by it all. I slowed to a walking speed and tried to control my laughter as I proudly walked along pleased-as-punch at my accomplishment.

I walked the next two miles and then sporadically ran to the finish. I had already accomplished my goal, so all I had to do was cross the finish line. I heard my name yelled and looked up to see Eric and Kelly cheering me on. Big thanks to Kelly for playing "soccer mom" and driving us around, taking photos, and supporting us. It meant a lot to have her, Mike and Adam there. Thanks guys. :)

total time: 1:26:08

I finished the run and stepped aside to get my time chip removed. I caught up with everyone as we got something to drink. I guzzled two Powerades and a bottle of water as I scarfed down a banana. I was thoroughly exhausted, and didn't even notice how thirsty I was.

We met Paul and Chris at Subway and had some lunch. I got back to the Sos' and showered up. I'm here now, working on recapping the whole weekend. So bear with me! :) Tonight, we're getting together and hanging out at the Hurd's. I'm looking forward to tonight. I really am.