Remember way back when we just moved to Boston and Justin and I ran the Salem Devil's Chase with the two girls (third in utero)? We had a blast then. I LOVE Halloween. I LOVE running. I LOVE my family. I LOVE dressing up in costumes. How could I not love this race? We've done it a few times now and had to come back again this year. I say "had to" for two different reasons. 1- because we DO love this particular race - all those devils running around salem is so apropos. But this year reason 2 was a big contributor. This race was part of the series we have been running. After peaking around the marathon last month and taking some much needed cut back from running, I don't know if I would have ended up running this race if it hadn't been part of the series I'm trying to complete. I've just been tired and plain beat!!
But here we were doing it! So, we all got dressed up as devils and headed up to Salem the weekend before Halloween for the fun 6.66 Devil's Chase!
It was great that my friend was in town and could watch our kids so we could actually run this race without the strollers. This convenience comes with one down side....Without a stroller I then put pressure on myself to truly RACE. Once again though, I found myself not feeling prepared for racing mentally, and now physically as well.
Justin and I started the race off together with the pretense that I would just run whatever I could and we would see if that kept us together or not.
It was only about a half mile later that I found myself separated from Justin.
But we managed just fine on our own.
I didn't know how well I was doing and I didn't really care. I was "racing" but enjoying myself as well.
That is until I got to a turn around point at mile 3 or so and I was able to see how many girls were in front of me.
This is where I realized that I was actually in second place.
Hmmm?
That came as a surprise. I was feeling ok, but didn't know if I could actually catch up to the girl in first place. I didn't make that my goal per se, but just kept self focused and pushed myself as hard as I thought I could to know that I had given it my all - whatever that might be.
But then I found myself gaining on her; probably due to some slowing on her part and some extra bit of juice left in me. And with about a mile left I was very close behind. I actually didn't know if I wanted to pass her. After all, who wants to win another trophy? ;) But then I realized I wasn't going to qualify to win any special devil's award - since at the last minute Justin had talked me out of running with a pitch fork (You are required to run with horns, a tail and a pitchfork to qualify for the special devil awards).
I guess I wanted to see if I could win first place after all. If I couldn't win first as a devil then I guess I really wanted first overall.
So with a bit less than a half mile left I started to pass her. But she kept at me and passed me again. I stayed on her heels and with about .25 miles left I passed her and left her behind;
Taking first overall the females!
One of these days I'll stop surprising myself.
(*read* One of these days when I expect to not do well I actually will. But I'm enjoying this "surpassing my expectations" thing so I'll enjoy it while I can!)
Way to be number one! Yes I'm extremely proud of myself. I didn't have the best time and was just lucky that no one faster ended up showing up this year. But I'll still drink from my winnings with pride!
Justin did the best he could as well, especially considering he had fallen behind in his running even more than I had and was under a lot of stress and rigorous hours at work. I think he did quite well. I think he would tell you different, but any time we run and he gives it his all, regardless of time etc. I am extremely proud of him!
This guy has ran every year we've participated! I love his commitment! Now that's a devil costume! Think I could talk Justin into running it next year like this?
I must admit I'm a bit bugged that I didn't win the first female devil award. They got that cool brown pitchfork you see he's holding as well as a cash prize. Ah well. I guess I can have a goal now for next year! :)
