Race for Ellie - 6.12.11

I signed up for this race to run with my MIT peeps.  And--since peer pressure is a bitch, I signed up for RACE CLUB.  You know, I've been running 6 months, so now I think I can "run with the big dogs".  Ok, maybe not, but it came at a good price, with a singlet, and possibly a jacket.  Sold.

Back to the race.  The Race for Ellie is a fundraiser in partnership with The Ohio State University for research toward a cure for Mitochondrial Disease (mito). Ellie Kovalcik is a bright, 9-year old girl who loves her family, many friends and just being a kid. Diagnosed with mito at age two, Ellie has suffered through many medical challenges to the point where she is unable to eat, breathe, walk or talk on her own. Mitochondrial Disease has essentially affected her ability to have a normal childhood, and have a normal life expectancy. The mission is to find a cure is a race against time...a race where Ellie, and all mito sufferers, would be the real winner. 

I felt OK, I didn't have any expectations.  I was a bit anxious, but excited to meet up with some friends I haven't seen in awhile.  

Here's a Race Club group shot.  Trust me, I'm in there.  

Once again--the ages and experience of the runners were all over the place.  And just like before, everyone came out of the gate flying, included me.  I felt really good though, I wanted to see if this was the race where I would finish in under 30 minutes.  I'm not the type of runner that "leaves it all out there" for fear of fainting or puking, or both.  Anything that doesn't draw attention to myself would be nice.  I was still getting passed left and right {it sure felt that way}, but I didn't mind this time.  I was surrounded by real runners....with real experience.  Here's what I've learned, people who run don't judge you.  They are supportive, regardless of your form, body shape, or speed.  I need to learn how not to be my own worst enemy.  I'm getting there.  Speaking of, it was a big step for me to wear shorts.  I haven't wore shorts in years....hopefully it wasn't as scary as I'd imagined.  Baby steps.




About half way through the race, a fellow twin MoM caught up to me.  I knew her from CMOTC (Columbus Mothers of Twins Club).  I hadn't seen her in awhile, but I knew she ran. It was a pleasant surprise.  Although she was fairly new to running, the girl has some major speed.


We ran and chatted.  I skipped water and knew right away that I would regret it.  Seriously, did I think seconds were going to matter?  I was faster than normal and didn't want to give up any momentum.  I remember having 1/2 mile remaining and was feeling the pain.  She asked if I wanted to walk, I replied "no way--you can do anything for 5 minutes, right?"


As soon as the finish line was in sight, we picked up the pace even more.  At one point she turned to me and said something {I wish I could remember what} that pushed me to sprint.  Sprint the last of a race? I've never done that before.    

Ellie was waiting at the finish line passing out high fives.  Regretfully, I smiled and walked by.  I thought I was going to lose it.  I need to just walk, get some water, and breathe.  Within seconds I felt fine.  I went back to watch all the Lucky 13s (MIT 13 Minute Pace Group) complete their race.  


The Details

My bib: 209

My chip time: 29:47, 9:36 pace, 3.1 miles  SCORE 

My Garmin time: 29:47, 9:34, 3.11 miles

26/53 female in my age group

165/292 overall

My splits:

1 - 9:23

2 - 9:45

3 - 9:49

4 - 8:12

 {now I know why I wanted to puke}

Race Packet goodies:

Super cute tech shirt to add to my collection!  

And a NEW PR !!! 

{insert cool sign off here}