On February 2, 2014 the Hansen Dam 18 miler took place. This was a really important race for
me. It was the last race before the
marathon, there was a qualifying time, and it was 18 miles. I knew this would not only be a
physical challenge, but a mental one.
Before the 18 mile race I was a nervous wreck except for
occasional confidence boosters.
The pressure of a qualifying time, it being the last race before the
marathon, the normal pressure of worrying, and a general lack of enthusiasm
made this race quite ominous. My
friends and I did not pass one night without texting each other about how
scared we were one week before the race.
Closer and closer the race crept up our back and the more and more scared
we became. The worry of having to
go to the bathroom, lack of sleep, lack of food or lack of energy was
completely freaking me out! The
thing that made me the most worried was my time. The only thing I could think of was finishing the race under
4:50 or there would be no marathon for me.
It was a dark,
cold Sunday morning. The day of race
had finally but sadly come. Truth be told, I prayed for an injury to occur so I
would not have to run. Unfortunately
there I was in bed awakened by a text that read “I am worried about today” I got
dressed ate breakfast and at 6:10 AM was standing under our tent mentally and
physically preparing myself for what I would experience. 5,4,3,2,1 At that moment I said a quick
prayer and off I went. I immediately
I felt the pain of every footstep shoot up my calf It had begun, the longest 3 hours of my life. My breath began to elevate in sound, my
heart was pounding and my legs were burning. At that point I knew that only being positive would get me through the pain, the nervousness,
and the negativity. Slower and
slower the miles went by. The
first four miles were pure hell. I
felt as if I was walking through fire. Then came mile seven and I got my second
wind. Step by step I was closer to
the finish. My mind set was that
after I finished the dam I knew that I would be that much closer to finishing
my first 18 mile run. There I was
at the final stretch sprinting my way past the finish line fighting back the
tears, and as my foot crossed the pad I knew I had done it.
When I was handed my medal I experienced mixed
emotions. Some involved a sense of
achievement, pride, excitement, relief, and pain. I was proud of myself for completing something I never thought
possible. I always thought of
myself as someone who quits when they think they cannot go any further. This race was the first wakeup
call to the fact that I can do anything.
It also showed me that I should be thankful to every coach, adult, and
friend, who told me I could do it because without them this would not be
possible. I was so happy and proud
of myself. It was truly a boost of
confidence that I don’t think I could have gotten from anything else. It was a feeling I will never
forget.
All the pain,
self doubt, and fear I felt was incomparable to the joy I experienced after the
race. I am overjoyed that I
joined SRLA because the confidence I gained from knowing I am capable of so
much more than I ever thought possible, is indescribable. I know this race was a true eye opener and
all around great experience. I will never forget this truly great day that will
remain in my memory forever.
By: Giselle Mota (1st year runner)
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