I started with the 5K at Hospital Hill in 2010. I thought I was going to die. It was hot, humid, and had to be 100 miles long, not 3.1 - I was wrong. I didn't die, I was sore, but felt an amazing sense of accomplishment. I soaked my hot swollen feet in the fountains of Crown Center with my running friends - and we vowed to do it all over again - we wanted to shoot for the 10K in 2011. Something happened after that conversation. We all lost our minds.
We moved up to the half marathon distance in 2011 - we had to - there was a series of 3 medals for the 38th, 39th, and 40th anniversary years - we've been bit by the bling bug - we had to have it. I had done a half marathon previously in October 2010 - and again thought I was going to die and never wanted to do that again. I was wrong. I'm now an official Half Fanatic - and proud of it. I really feel like this is my favorite distance race - but I haven't done a marathon yet - I reserve the right to change my mind (what of it is left).
The 2011 Hospital Hill Run Half Marathon was brutal. It was 78 degrees at the start of the race - and the temperatures and humidity climbed ridiculously in the 3:43:34 that I was out in the sun, trudging up the hills - experienced laughter, tears, frustration, pride, and exhaustion. My legs cramped up in the last quarter mile to the point I wasn't sure I could still move. My 'jog' across the finish line in 2011 was a pain-filled, tree-trunk steppin trudge. But I finished. I immediately sucked in some water and gatorade, and relieved the cramping in my legs. I was ready to head home, but not before a fantastic group picture with my growing group of running friends. It was official - we were hooked on the half.
And here I am, the day following Hospital Hill Run Half Marathon 2012 - yes, I'm still wearing my compression sleeves on my legs, but heck I like wearing them for no particular reason at home, even if my legs weren't sore. My goal for HHR 2012 was to finish in 3:10 ... I did that, by 13 seconds - official time was 3:09:47. There were moments coming up Broadway where I wasn't sure it was going to happen, but I never let myself give up the dream. The pacers we had for 3:10 were awesome, and nearly everyone who started with the 3:10 pace group finished together. Once again my fabulous running friends grew this year - even more of us out there doing the Hill - Bill, Lori, Tim, Karen, Shannon, Jer, and many many more - you keep me moving forward, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Progress is amazing, life-giving, liberating, and sometimes disguised as pain and frustration. March On!
