Alas! I completed my first 10k run/walk. The goal had been on my mind for months so I signed up for the Cooper River Bridge Run months ago. Although the Covid 19 pandemic caused the race to be canceled in April, participants had the option to complete it virtually or wait until the late summer of August. Disappointed, I took matters into my own hands and continued to complete the goal I had my mind set on. I transferred over to the virtual race. At first I was I was like, man I really just want to run over the bridge with the Charleston batterty around me, the river and the marinas. What fun would it be? But of course, when I found out that hundreds of participants were having fun doing the run virtually within their neighborhood or preferred location I hopped on board. Sometimes you have to turn the worst situation into a positive one and not give up.
Grabbing my tennis shoes and my yoga pants and tee, I tossed my natural kinky hair into a bun and picked the location of our local lake park to complete my 10k. Nevermind ignoring the safety cautions for Covid 19, I quickly put on my medical mask and hit the ground running.
The atmosphere was refreshing and the people around me were friendly; some were fishing, riding bikes or getting in their healthy mile.
Adding more power to my walk, I kept going- harder and harder. A group of friends walked together. They spoke. I spoke and smiled; realizing my smile was unnoticable under my mask. I thought it was a positive thing for them to be doing; walking in a group together to meet their fitness goals.
2 miles in within 35 minutes. Great! ONLY 4 miles to go!
I ran some. I walked some. Ran some. My nose ran and eyes watered from the wind, but I couldn’t stop then. I kept on going. I kept pushing myself. By the time I made it to my 5th mile people were staring at me as if I were crazy because I was going around the park so many times. An hour in. Almost there. I was dizzy. I was thirsty. I kept going. I couldn’t give up. The sun was burning my big forehead, but it was just giving me the vitamin D I needed. No harm done.
Kids were fishing with their father as the sun was setting in the distance; a beautiful mist of orange over the horizon.
Almost there! Almost there! 🕠
Damn! I left my bottle of water in the car.
My mouth is dry!
But…I won’t stop. Can’t stop!
An elderly couple was in my way walking their pup, it’s fluffy tail wagged in front of them. I ran around them to get ahead. I needed more space.
My mom’s annoying self texted me. 🤦♀️Ugghh! Can’t she see I’m busy? Lol
Mama: You almost done?
Me: Yes mama! Geez!
Mama: Okay! Look behind you and be careful.
Me: Duhhh
Putting my phone away, I looked down at my tracker. Phew. A few seconds left.
6.21miles….6.22 miles … I did it!!! Although I could have done better, I didn’t beat myself up. My mask was annoying my breathing and my mom kept texting 😂 but I am still happy! I did it! I didn’t back out! It was my first 10k and it was a big challenge for me! Something I never thought I could do and something I’m blessed and was able to do. This will definitly help me get better and see the difference in my next 10k! I am so thrilled! We should all be thankful we’re able to walk and move around. It’s a blessing! Get up and get moving! Set a healthy goal with being active. I did!! Now I must screenshot my results to the Cooper River Bridge people and receive a medal!!!!! 😌🏆🏅🏅🏅
Of course, I staggered back to my car and went home to soak in a bubble bath. It was NEEDED! 😂
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