The Dirty Dozen 10k Race

I am scheduled to run a half marathon in November. With this being the case, I was adamant of running a 10k while I was in California this summer, since you can't really run races in the Phoenix valley during the summer. I signed up for the Dirty Dozen 10k and was nervous to run 6.2 miles outside. I have run that far many times on the treadmill, but it is different to run outside. While I was in California, the boys were sick with the stomach flu the whole time. The night before the race, I was worried that I was also coming down with the stomach flu. The morning of the race, I felt the same way. I was nervous to run so far without having a guarantee that there would be a bathroom whenever I needed. Even with all these types of thoughts going through my head, I decided that I had signed up and I would regret not running it. So my mom, the boys and I hopped in the car and headed down to Pinole, CA.

When we got the the race site, it was so cold and windy! The temperature was in the high 50's and the wind was blowing strong. We loaded up the boys and bundled them up in their blankets and headed up the hill to the starting line. I was nervous but resilient to my commitment to run the race. Right before the race started, I put my iPod on and went to start the music. But it didn't turn on...Bummer! I always run while watching TV or listening to music, so this made me even more nervous to be running without any kind of distractions. Before I knew it though, the buzzer sounded and we were all on our way running. I didn't run the course as quickly as I wanted, there were a lot of hard hills and the wind held me up too, but let me just say that I am so glad I ran it!

It was amazing to run along side the bay and listen while the ships were being loaded. We ran along a peninsula, so we were able to see the bay on most of the run. It was beautiful!!! I am grateful that my iPod didn't work so I could enjoy listening to the waves crash, the boats being loaded and the other runners feet hitting the ground. It was a great experience and I am thankful that I pushed myself to do it. Next on the running checklist...the half marathon in November!
James chillin in the stroller while I was running. My mom said they were perfect! :)

Marc chillin in the stroller...I was a bad mom and had them wearing shorts because the weather report said it was going to be in the 70's. Sorry boys!

My coming to the finish line after 6.2 miles! The guy behind me was older and he and I kept up with each other throughout the whole race. I that is one of the fun things of running races is that you find other people running at your same pace and almost play tag throughout the race.

Here I am before loading into the car and heading home. You can see the bay in the background. It was so beautiful!!!