Sahuaro National Park Labor Day Run

On Saturday I decided to do this race because I didn't go to LA as planned. Our house keeps leaking and I didn't want to come home to a bigger mess! Anyway, this was a tough race. Only 8 miles, but continuously uphill for 2 of those miles. I am not kidding you, there were people walking up the hills faster than I was running! Which turned into a learning experience for me. I was so determined (or stubborn) that I was going to run the full course that I forgot about running strategy. If and when you can walk faster than run, why not walk? I could have been swinging my arms and using a longer stride. As it was, I was dead tired (as you can see) when I crossed the finish line. I came in 499 out of 552 runners--my time was 1 hour 34 minutes and the first place runner out of my age group was 17 minutes faster than me. Wow! I was 5th place out of 7 in the 60-64 age group.
I was so proud to wear Nick Jr's business logo running shirt that he gave me for my birthday along with a new hat and socks! He has been a great trainer, very patient and helpful.

I had a defining moment while waiting around at the awards ceremony afterwards. I never would have thought 14 months ago that me, overweight, out of shape, and not inclined to run, would be waiting to find out how well or poorly I had done in a race I had just run. I did that for years for my children, but never for me. It was a great feeling. I think I had dreamed about it, but didn't ever think it was in the realm of possibility. Now, I love to run, I like to compete, and when that starting gun goes off, I get choked up and cry every time. "Linda, look at what you are doing!" I'm sharing this because to whoever reads this, dreams can come true! It may take a long time and a lot of hard work, but it can happen!