Top o' the Mornin' to ya!

This past Sunday, I had my first race of the season and first outdoor run since mid October, when I ran the St. Louis Rock n Roll Half Marathon. Training has been inconsistent, and only on a treadmill with zero grade (so no simulated hill climbs). As always, if I don't sign up for races I stop running. I need to have a goal. I haven't found my happy place to run here yet (oh Rockland Lake, how I miss you!), so registering for races is what keeps me going.

The Top 'O the Morning 5k is a great local race. Starts flat and then there is a gradual hill climb for a mile, turn around and run down it for a mile and finish on the flat half mile. I did this race last year and remember enjoying the run. I was solo last year so I arrived, sat in my car listening to music before the race, ran, had a quick beer afterwards, chatted with a few people and then got myself back home. Nice run, but pretty much just a run. The following weekend I ran the St. Louis St. Patrick's Day Parade 5 miler. Early morning drive into the city and much frustration trying to park as they were blocking off every street as I approached. Way earlier than advertised...and I was not able to use my $15 prepaid premium parking ticket because I could not get to parking at 6:30 AM. Race didn't start until 9. SO frustrating. Ran, tripping over the masses. Literally. Quick beer afterwards and then zoomed back home to relieve my sitter. If I would have had someone there with me to share the experience I would have stayed longer but seems silly to spend $10 on a sitter when I'm hanging by myself.

This year? Complete opposite. And I could not be happier. I honestly don't think that I could. See?

That's a photo from the end, but let me start at the beginning...

About a week before this race, as Terry and I were chatting, he mentioned that he wouldn't mind joining me that morning. He said he could give me a ride there and be there for support. Can't put into words how much his offer meant to me. Of course I wanted him to be there, but felt hesitant to ask him because I wasn't sure how excited he'd be about getting up early with a lot of sitting around and waiting tacked onto it. Be he really seemed interested and I was thrilled! As a rule, most of the time I like running by myself because it's my "me" time. Even in a crowd. But honestly, I have always wanted to have someone there for me. Someone to help calm the nerves beforehand and especially, to be there at the end. Terry, was perfect for the job.

He picked me up bright and early. 6:30 AM, which with the start of Daylight Savings Time, felt like 5:30. He packed his truck with everything I could want or need...drinks and warm blankets. We got a great parking spot, and I played my loud, angry music to get in the zone. He calmed my nerves a lot. Prerace, I have a lot of excessive energy and it was so great to have someone to distract me and smile at me and make me feel...special in the best possible way. He was there for me. Completely there for me.

We walked around for a bit just shortly after 8 AM. The race was set to start at 8:30. I joined the Road Warriors last year, which is an amazing running group. Runners in general are a fantastic bunch of people. It is a great community full of supportive, encouraging and inspiring people. The Road Warriors are all of that and more. I'll write more about them in a future post. Before every race, there is a photo of all the warriors at that particular race. We were about 90 strong that day, with more than 75 of us in the photo. Here are a couple that Terry took. <3

It was a little chilly that morning, and he kept me warm in his arms. Stood alongside me at the start. Held my jacket as I ran. And he was waiting for me at the finish line, with a huge smile. As usual, I made my way out of sight to heave and try to not vomit in front of everyone...  I push hard at the end and that's typically how I finish...trying not to throw up. :)

He hunted me down and told me how proud of me he was - and how much he was enjoying the experience. He was having fun! Yay! We got our beers...I also grabbed a donut. First donut in ages! Best donut ever. One of the great things about racing is the abundance of food and beverages afterwards, and hanging with the crowd afterwards talking about what you just did and what you have coming up. It was truly, truly wonderful to share this with Terry. And the fact that he enjoyed it so much was icing on the..donut. We had many beers. Watched Irish dancing. Stayed for the drawings...and someone spoiled me just a little (a LOT) with new shoes. Watch for their debut in my entry after the St. Patrick's Day Parade 5 miler coming up this weekend. I have my fingers crossed for that elusive green beer that I've always wanted to try. ;) But you know what will be the best part, hands down? That my guy will be there for me again. <3

I love you to the moon and back, Terry.

<3 Cat