OK. So, I left off with the mentioning of my first race of the season at the Rockwall Rib Rub & Run. Let me tell ya, it's not easy for me to resist the idea of tearing into a Fred Flintstone sized portion of smoked ribs while walking around at this event. There must be at least 50 different guys and gals out with their smokers going full steam (or smoke) cooking up pork ribs for the competition. I wish I had the time to stay around and be one of the judges but, I just don't have the time since I'm on such a tight schedule these days. But putting aside me deep rooted desire to devour some smoked meats while warming up for the race, I focus in on the task at hand.
This time I'm running for Navy Seaman Robert Beggs who served in The Korean War from 1952 - 1956. He passed away this past June and was on my mind even though I had no idea of this fact. I just prayed for God to guide me to the right soldier on my list of Veterans and Robert Beggs was the one I was lead to. I was just meant to be.
This time, my daughter Faith is going to volunteer to hand out water to the runners along the route. Well, I volunteered her. OK ok! I talked her into it by promising to let her splash me with water as I ran by. But, I figure I'm gonna need to be cooled off anyway right?? So, Faith reports to the Rockwall Running Center volunteer area at the race while I check in to get my race packet and bib number. Faith was assigned to the 5K water station which meant that she was now gonna be able to splash me twice since I was running the 10K out & back route that passed right by there. Of course, Faith grinned her evil grin as she looked my way while I was pinning on my bib. NO biggie! I'll just be that much cooler!
I met my running friends Tom, Linda, and Doug 30 minutes prior to the race to do a little warming up and we all gathered at the start line. The clock strikes 8am and off we go!
As usual, I'm carrying my flag and I've gotta be mindful not to let the flag slap others in the face as we begin shoulder to shoulder. But, as we spread out I let the flag fly as proudly as possible for Navy Seaman Beggs.
Now last year, I took 2nd place in this race without carrying the flag. I wasn't quite sure what to expect now that I have and extra 5-6 lbs to carry (not including the wind resistance). But as I said in my last blog entry, I was hoping to place better than last year. But, I have to keep in mind the extra weight I'm carrying. I mean the flag. Not me. Just in case your wondering...
So, I got to the 5K turn around point where Faith is anxiously awaiting to throw water at me in an aggressive way. She got her wish and I got a chance to cool off. All was well. I made it to the 10K turn around point and I'm feeling pretty good. The only problem is that my runkeeper app isn't formatted correctly on the new phone I just picked up the day before and I'm not getting any pace readings to keep me paced. So now, I'm just running as hard as I think I can keep up in hopes of placing. "ANY medal would be just fine!", I kept telling myself. I ran hard back to the 5.5 mile mark and began to feel my legs getting heavy and fatigued. I started to slow down at that point and even told myself to walk for a bit. But, I reminded myself how Navy Seaman Beggs didn't slow down. He didn't give in to external influences. He dug deep. Deep down there where men find their true grit and served our country well with the never ending drive to make our country a better place. How can I slow down knowing that he didn't do the same when he knew he needed to continue on?
So, I push! And I'm reminded of the fact that my wonderful wife has told me that she will be there at the finish line to greet me. Another great reason to keep pushing so I can see her sooner. I love it when she gets a chance to join me on the Saturday races since she doesn't the chance very often because of her work. I cross the finish line holding the flag as high as I can!! It's gonna be a GLORIOUS FINISH!!
almost.
Just then, a little boy is standing in the middle of the road right where I'm aiming. I can't see him for the crowd that is ahead of me. But then, he's RIGHT THERE! And I almost tripped over the little guy and took him out like an NFL linebacker. I managed to maneuver my way around him without any collision but then find two walkers in my line of fire right at the finish line. Now, I have to maneuver around these two as well AND avoid hitting my flag on the overhead time keeper as I cross the finish line.
When I had a chance to catch my breath and steal a kiss from my wife, I looked at me runkeeper app and learned that I had averaged a 9:50 pace. I figured this might mean I medaled in my age bracket. So, I escorted my wife back to her car along with Faith and as we parted ways, a gentleman approached me asking for a moment of my time. He was with the Rockwall Parks & Recreations Department. He went on to explain how their photographer had taken a really good photo of me with the flag as I ran the race and asked my permission to publish it in the newspaper. Of course, I agreed to grant such permission. But, then he said that he felt like I had a story to tell and asked if he could give me his business card. So, I wrote my email address on the back of his card and told him about my blog, my facebook page, and my twitter handle @bypassrunner. He says, he will be in touch. We'll see...
But, I waited for the medals ceremony and ended up getting third pace in my age bracket. I'm pretty happy with that given the circumstances. And Linda ended up getting a first place medal in her age bracket. We just won't tell anyone that she was the only female in her age bracket. Hehehe. No everyone needs to know that? Right?
Another race in the books! And, I may not have gotten first place. But, I'm still happy with my results none the less. And, I'll continue with my training for the triathlon in McKinney next March. Swimming, Biking (yes, I DID get a helmet!) and running my way to prove to myself and to those who need the inspiration that life's hurdles are just that. Hurdles. Not walls, Not dead ends. Not signs to give up and quit. They're just hurdles. Some people get paid good money to jump hurdles for a living.
I on the other hand, am living to jump the next hurdle. BRING IT ON!!!
Remember,
Happiness is a Choice; Make it Daily
