Northport Race

This morning I ran the Great Cow Harbor Race in Northport, one of the most beautiful places I've visited on Long Island.  At the start of this well-organized race, the sky was a rich blue, but the breeze a little too sticky and warm for my race goals.

The community was out in numbers supporting the runners along the route with cups of water, sprinklers to run through and the "Rocky" theme blasting from giant speakers.  It was a lovely day.  Did I mention the heat?

I don't know, I wasn't prepared, didn't realize how hot it was, didn't drink enough electrolytes, FORGOT MY IPOD at home, what-have-you - but it was a struggle.  And when I say struggle, I mean dizzy, felt faint and beet red by mile 5.  It was the first time during a race that I was considering walking.

I didn't.  I continued running through the heat and weak legs and vertigo until I finally caught a glimpse of the finish line.  I sped up a bit to try to finish a little better.

I was slower than last year by six minutes.  I was disappointed.  Yes.  I was.

But then I was sitting on the bus back to the parking lot where my friend's car was parked and the man sitting next to me said I should be happy that I ran and finished and still felt good.  I shrugged and agreed.  He was right.  He continued by telling me that he is a cancer survivor and that we should appreciate everything we're able to do in this life.

I agreed again and then contemplated my time again.  It wasn't so bad.