So, I’ve decided to take on this thing called the “Speedy Spaniard 2024”. Yeah, sounds kinda fancy, right? Well, let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride from the get-go.
First off, I registered for this 10K run. I mean, 10 kilometers! Who am I kidding? But hey, I’m all about pushing my limits these days. After I hit that “submit” button, it was official. No turning back now. I was going to run the 47th Speedy Spaniard River Trail.
Next, I started training. And by training, I mean I actually put on running shoes and attempted to run without collapsing after the first mile. It wasn’t pretty, folks. There were days I felt like an old, rusty engine trying to start up. But, little by little, I started seeing some progress. I could run a bit further, a bit faster each time.
Then, there was the whole gear situation. I dug out some old shorts and a t-shirt, figured that would do. But then I saw all these runners with their fancy gadgets and moisture-wicking fabrics. I might have splurged a little on some new running shoes. Can’t be showing up to a race called “Speedy Spaniard” in just any old kicks, right?
Race Day Arrives
Finally, the big day arrived. I woke up before the sun, feeling a mix of excitement and sheer terror. I ate some bland oatmeal – gotta fuel up, they say – and headed to the starting line.
The atmosphere was electric! So many people, all geared up and ready to go. There were serious runners who looked like they were born on a track, and then there were folks like me, just hoping to make it to the finish line in one piece. There is also a Kid’s 1 Mile race.
The race started, and I tried to keep a steady pace. I remembered seeing the race course map before. I remembered some tips from a friend who’s a seasoned runner. I mean, “seasoned” might be an overstatement. He ran a half-marathon once. Anyway, I tried to put his advice to good use.
The first few kilometers were okay. I was feeling good, even managing to overtake a few people. But then, around the halfway mark, my legs started to feel like lead. My lungs were burning. I seriously considered faking an injury and just gracefully bowing out.
But then, I saw the finish line in the distance. That’s when something inside me clicked. I pushed myself harder, ignoring the pain and the voice in my head telling me to stop. I was going to finish this thing, no matter what!
I Crossed The Finish Line
And you know what? I did it! I crossed that finish line, feeling like I’d just conquered the world. Sure, I wasn’t the fastest. I definitely wasn’t setting any records. I don’t care my ranking in overall, female or my division. But I finished that 10K run, and that’s all that matters. I even beat a few people along the way.
- Feeling of accomplishment: Immense.
- Legs: Jelly.
- Desire to do it again: Ask me in a week.
So, that’s my Speedy Spaniard 2024 story. It was tough, it was sweaty, and it was totally worth it. Who knows, maybe next year I’ll even train properly. Maybe.
