Sweet Redemption: Stampede 10k Race Recap

Prior to today, I've run this hometown race 4 times and I've AG placed 4 times. I couldn't decide if I wanted to run it this year. I'm loathed to admit it--yes, this should have been a runfession--that I didn't know if my ego could handle the disappointment of not AG placing this year.

I've accepted my fate and have been doing really well, I think, with learning to living with rheumatoid arthritis. I tell myself all the time how lucky I am to still be running. I know this. I get it. And yet, I'm still not ready to accept that I'm slowing down. 

Last week I swallowed my pride and signed up to run the 10k once again. Best case scenario would be a sub-9 m/m race. Worst case scenario? There are no portapotties on the route. Not AG placing fell somewhere in the middle of those 2 scenarios. As race day approached, I made some changes in my diet with the hopes that I would not have any sort of GI issues. I figured everything else was up to chance.

I woke up at 6 and had a couple of cups of coffee. On a normal day, I don't eat before I run in the morning and it's not usually an issue with a 6 mile run. For the race, I decided to stick with that plan. I did bring a bottle of Tailwind and sipped it on my ride down to the starting line. It's nice to live so close to a race! I parked and walked a few blocks to the starting line. I got in line for the portapotties and chatted with our orthodontist, who is a triathlete and a speedy runner. We're the same age and we compared aches and pains, typical runner conversation, right? 

As I lined up for the race, I ran into an old friend, Juli, who is also an advanced practice nurse and an ultramarathoner. She recently ran Western States (she's the real deal) and told me about the 8 feet of snow they were forced to run through. When the gun went off, we crossed the starting line together, until a guy behind me gave me a flat tire. Seriously dude? That's the first time I've ever had that happen at a race. Fortunately, I was able to slip my foot right back into my shoe and keep on going. Thank you, Lock Laces! I kept Juli in my sights for most of the race.

The 5k and 10k runners are together for the first half of the race. It's hard not to get caught up in the crowd. I felt good though. Breathing was easy and my legs felt loose. It was warming up quickly and I was starting to feel a little thirsty. I grabbed a cup of water at mile 2. 

Once the 5k runners split off, the race felt much more relaxed. During mile 4, I felt a little weak. I don't normally carry fuel with me on such a short run but I was wishing I had my Tailwind with me. I stopped to walk and regroup for a minute, and picked it back up again. Still feeling weak, I grabbed a cup of Gatorade (I'm so sorry Tailwind!) and a cup of water at the next aid station. That was all I needed to get my mojo back for the rest of the race. I ran through sprinklers that folks set up along the route. I smiled and waved at all the people and kids who came out to cheer us on. Mile 6 was my fastest split, 8:18 m/m. 

Finally, we took the turn for the last 200 yards to the finish. I dug deep and found some speed in my legs, crossing the finish line at 55:09, an average of 8:45m/m. Juli finished about 45 seconds ahead of me, and we got in line to get our results.

I had hoped that my results would be good enough for an AG award, but I sure didn't expect to win my AG! How exciting!!! Juli took 3rd in the 55-59 AG. We collected our rewards, a commemorative pint glass. Wow. Just wow.

I think about where I was just 6 months ago. I couldn't run a mile without stopping. I was angry, I was frustrated, and I was sad. How dare this disease take away the one thing that has given me so much! I never gave up, though. I made up my mind to show RA just who was the boss of me. I was determined to run strong again. I've continued to run and workout, pushing hard on days when I didn't think I could. I've made some changes to my diet and continue to explore foods and supplements that will help reduce inflammation. This race was my reward. This race showed me that I'm still me. Today I say, don't count me out. 

Maybe on a different day, I wouldn't have a race like this.

Today, it was my day. Sweet redemption. I am so grateful.

I'm linking this post with guest host Kim and hosts Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap! Have a happy 4th of July! Or Canada Day! Let's all celebrate freedom.