Euphoria

This past Sunday I, along with 23,000 others, ventured into the dismal abyss of a rainy, soggy, damp, wet, saturated (well, I think you get the point here!) morning in Philadelphia to run 10 miles in one of the largest 10-milers in the United States - The Broad Street Run.

While I do not profess to be a professional runner, this race has been on my mind since a friend participated last year. I began running last year with a few 5k races with the thought that I would work towards the Broad Street this year. I should have begun training in February, but when it is cold and snowy outside - it is a little difficult to get my game face on and get out there. I didn't start training until March and could have trained a little harder in fact. I tend to get lazy when it rains. Ironic of course given the amount of rain yesterday!

In what was my first experience in a distance race, the porta potty thing was certainly not one for the memory books. As soon as that was over my friend and I went to the starting line to stretch and "Take our marks." Standing there with so many people surrounding me you couldn't help but feel excited!

I made it until mile 6 before feeling that I wanted to walk. I gave in and let my body recuperate, fueled up on gatorade, and pushed on. At mile 8 the heavens opened and rain just kept coming down.

As I was running through the Navy Yard gates I felt a last wave of adrenaline hit me. I kicked it up a notch and then heard my sister and husband yell in encouragement. Well that just did me in, I started crying and then crossed the finish line!

I completed the 10 miles in 2 hours which was the goal I had set for myself.

I have never felt such a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. What a natural high!

Here's to my fellow runners of the Broad Street Run - Congratulations, we did it!