Athens 10K - One Day Later

I've had to let some time pass before I posted to the blog.  What my blog readers don't know is that I've been training to run in my first 10K.  The event was held here in Athens along with the marathon & commemorated the 2,500 anniversary of the original marathon from Marathon to Athens.

So I ran the race & I finished - kind of.  Yes I finished the race but technically I didn't get to finish it.  I was over the allotted 90 minutes so I didn't get to run into the stadium & have my final time recorded.  I would have loved to do this.  Confession time: I didn't realize I'd have a time limit.  I found this out 3 hours before the race.  I would have to run what my next goal was, 15 minute miles & I'm not there yet.  These little legs don't move so fast!

Start line for the 10K.  We were a little crowded & inched up to the start line.  My friends that ran the marathon took 20 minutes to get to the start!

The finish at the stadium

There were so many emotions running through my head as I was running (walking).  I knew I wasn't going to finish in time.  As soon as I let go of that I was able to enjoy the race.  I found a groove & was able to have a couple of laps that were personal bests for me.  I thought about how lucky I was to be here in this amazing city celebrating a monumental anniversary.  I took some pictures along the way (of course).  I reminded myself that I was actually here doing what I set out to do.  I was also wearing my semi-fitted running pants without scaring anyone, including myself.

The 6k mark & the turnaround point at the arch

A little tiny spec of the moon

The streets of Athens

hospital - medical help anyone?

Getting lapped by the masses.  The front runner of the 10K passed me at the 1.2 mile race mark.  I got to cheer them on.

a Greek guard

 When I got home I was kinda bummed again.  It was a bittersweet moment.  I was having a hard time celebrating my accomplishments because I had it stuck in my head that I did not have an official finish.  Then all the facebook comments from family & friends started coming in.  Thanks everyone for reminding me that I accomplished my goal. 

The course

So yes, I ran & completed a 10k.   I started from not working out at all to running & training in 8 months.  When I got home & downloaded my run I realized I am really close to that 15 minute mile goal.  I've already got the next big one planned - the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  I mean, come on, can it fit me more to a tee?

LizNoel, Colleen, Rick & Linda

A big shout out to my friends in the Kuwait contingency that ran the marathon & completed it (pictured above & all smiles before the start).  What an inspiration!  They said the hills were killer.  Also to Colleen's daughters who completed the 10K in the 90 minutes.  Amazing!
Thanks to LizNoel who turned me from spectator & tourist on this trip to runner.  I think I'm hooked!  And to my husband who encourages me & sometimes has to pull me along kicking & screaming.  You always challenge me & sometimes know my limits better than I do.