But, the hills of Longview caught me off guard completely. None steep, mind you, Just bunches and bunches of rolling hills. One right after the other. In preparation for other races, I've often looks at elevation charts for the coarse. But, I didn't bother to do that with this race since I had convinced myself that the course would be pretty flat. I mean, it's East Texas right? How many hills can that have compared to Rockwall? A saying comes to mind...
What happens when you assume? We all know the answer. But in the situation I was the only one affected by my assumption.
I had chosen to run this one for my friends in Team RWB and for all our nations veterans. So, i packed my Team RWB shirt and Old Glory along with all my other running gear and my wife and daughter joined me for the trip to Longview, Tx. I have a good friend of mine who lives in Longview on a beautiful piece of property with a cabin that he allows me to use from time to time. I came in very handy this time around. It's very quaint and peaceful there and reminds me very much of our property here at home. It was nice to have some quality time together as the three of us enjoyed feeding the catfish and listening to the birds singing. Rather than have to stay in some stuffy hotel room that way it usually goes when you travel to a race.
The next morning we all go up early to get to the race since the start time is 7:30am. In typical John Gillespie fashion, I forgot something in that car as Debbie dripped me off in the parking lot with a kiss. I had to call her so that I could retrieve my bottles of green tea from the trunk and take off the jacket that I was still wearing when I got out of the car. After causing my self stress (and Debbie mind you), I ran back to the starting line. As I unrolled Old Glory, I was approached by a guy who said, "I'm glad to see someone still carries the colors I fought for. Thanks for doing so." He showed me his Marine Corp tattoo and put out his hand to shake. I shook his hand an told him he is one of the reasons why I run for Team RWB.
Just as the Marine Corp Vet and I were talking, I was approached by one of the race volunteers and told that they had forgotten to bring a flag and asked if I would hold the flag for The Star Spangled Banner. "Of course! That's an honor!", I said. After a resounding chorus, we were off and running.
I told myself I had no time goals for this race. But, then I've told myself this before. And as I get out on the course I start competing with myself again. I maintained a 10:15 pace up until the 6 mile mark. But, then the biggest hill on the course took me out with a vengeance. I went from 10:15 to 12:30 in less than 5 minutes. And it was all downhill from there (or uphill, as it would seem). Until, I embreaced it. Then, the fun began!
I had lots of people honking as I ran along US 259 on the north end of town showing their appreciation for Old Glory as she waved along behind me while I struggled to catch up to my 10:15 avg goal. But, it wasn't happening. Round about mile marker 10 I came across a young guy who was walking along the far left hand side of the course. I figured maybe he could use a little encouragement so I ran up beside him and introduced myself. He said his name is Christopher and he is just getting back into running after a long hiatus. I could tell he was struggling by the way he was breathing. I thought about how I feel when I'm struggling like this. And the last thing I want at that point is to try and carry on a conversation. So, I just silently walked with him only answering his questions, which were few. Eventually, he regained himself. Looked at me and said, "Thanks! Good luck to ya!" as he started running again. I took a couple of deep breaths and took off as well. Eventually passing the young man and wishing him well as I did so.
As I passed the 12.5 mile point I got a cramp in my calf that I'm convinced would have taken down a thoroughbred horse for sure. My right toes pointed to the ground and literally had to put the balls of my feet against the curb and push my toes back up to cross the finish line that was only six tenths of a mile away. UGH!! I've had cramps in my calf before. But, this one left an impression that I'm still dealing with 2 days later. Time to call up my extremely talented wife/massage therapist. I wish I weren't so had headed sometimes. I'm sure she could've fixed it by now.
As I limped toward the finish line, I could see a lady that had passed me on a couple of occasions out on the course. I was fully impressed because this lady had to be every bit of 65 of older and she was running strong. But, now she was limping just as I. I came around the last corner of the high school track where the finish line resides and a slowed down to check on her. She said he hip had started hurting in a serious way and she didn't it in her to run any further. So, I told her I would like to finish with her if she was ok with that. She, tired to encourage me to go on. But, I told her I'd be honored if she would allow me to walk across the finish line with her. Her husband standing there at the finish line gave her the nod and we held hands as we walked under the RunON finish line arch. It was a very gratifying feeling to encourage someone who can inspire the way that this lady had been doing for the whole race. The only thing missing?? Pictures! Debbie had misunderstood me when I told her I would be crossing the finish line around 9:45 or 10:00am. She and Faith were still in the car at this point driving back toward the stadium where it all finished. Oh Well.
I finished the race in 2:30:14 right at 10am. Though, I forgot to stop my TomTom, again and recorded my own time of 2:31:10. And I'm still limping this morning as I recover.
Time to go see my massage therapist! Not everyone has their own in house. And this one is the best looking therapist around. But, I may be biased.
Remember...
Happiness is a Choice; Make it Daily
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