Finishing a Race

Posted on 04/17/2012 by Neven Jones

I ran a 5K on Sunday, it was all hills. The race was put on by Mind Body Soul Fitness; check out the flyer for the race below.

For me it was a rude awakening for sure. The night before the race my body felt achy, I knew I was catching a cold. I went to bed early and hoped I would feel better by the morning so I could run. Instead I woke up feeling yucky. My throat hurt and I didn’t want to get up. I dragged myself out of bed and somehow got dressed, ate a banana, drank some water and got into my car. When I got to the race it was drizzling and overcast, not the kind of weather I would ever want to run in, but I made a commitment to run.

I watched a fit couple get out of their car, they immediately started running. They were dressed like runners and were very bouncy and chipper. A little too perky if you ask me. I was grumpy. I wanted to climb back into my warm bed, pull the covers over my head and wait for my husband to make pancakes. I reluctantly got out of my car, walked over to the registration table and picked up my race chip. I wasn’t that exited to pick it up, I didn’t want anyone to know my time. I tied it on my running shoes and headed to the starting line.

That’s me running, the sunglasses were to cover up my tired eyes. The sun never came out for the race.

I quickly switched to walking when I got to the infamous big hill. There I am in front of that runner who is about to lap me.

This hill was even worse in person.

The course was a mile loop that had a huge hill that you had to run up three times. It was killer. I looked around as I walked and everyone and I mean everyone was in fantastic shape. You could tell these people ran all the time and couldn’t wait to tackle the big hill three times. Me I just wanted to get through it, preferably without passing out. I have never ran a race before where everyone was so fit and muscular; it was like I wasn’t in San Antonio. I don’t know what they do over at MBS Fitness, but clearly it works. I decided I needed to change my attitude, so I forced myself out of my grumpy mood. Instead of being intimidated by all of the athletic people I was surrounded by, I looked to them for inspiration.

I thought about Michael Jordan and how he often played his best games when he was sick, I stuck it out and kept going. There was no other choice; I knew I had to finish. Although my body wasn’t at its best my mind took control and I pushed forward. It’s always amazing to me what the human body is capable of doing once our mind and body work together. I didn’t exactly Michael Jordan it, but I got the job done. I was proud of myself for finishing the race and turning my mood around.

Running/walking this race was a great push that I really needed. I was becoming bored with my workout routine, it was getting to be too easy. I was ready for a challenge. The nice thing about signing up for a race is that you are committing yourself to doing it. You always have the option of walking but not finishing is really not an option. Being around athletic fit people who take care of their bodies just makes me want to take care of mine even more. I have always cared about what I put inside my body but I have been a little lax with my workout routine lately. Now I’m inspired to run more races.

There are two in particular that I am going to do. The Aveda Walk For Water on May 6th at The Pearl, which is raising money for clean water globally. I’m also excited about Free-da’s run for the arts. I saw a picture of the race shirts and they are so cool. Free-da’s run takes place on July 7th at the University of the Incarnate Word. The run goes along the River and through some back trails behind UIW, It will be beautiful. To read more about the organizer and artist Cecilia Iniguez check out her website. She is a very interesting and talented person.

Now I don’t recommend running when you are not feeling well, I walked most of the race and made sure I was very hydrated. Listen to your body and always take good care of it, it’s the only one you have. I hope you all have a fantastic day and that you will get outside and move your body today. Thank you very much Mind Body Soul Fitness for letting me use all of these pictures I really appreciate it. Be sure to check out their website and Viva Fiesta!