By Kristin Burns
I have been training so hard to complete the Pumpkins in the Park 5K, that two days before the race it hit me, I would be running alone. Well, not really alone, as there would be tons of people around but I'd be missing one of my biggest supporters, my brother. He was by my side for the first race, a little more than a month ago and now I was left to go it alone.
I am new to endurance sports, but loving it. It's been almost 9 months since I decided to take back my life. I am over 90 pounds lighter and have completed my second 5K in less than a month.
If every race had the energy and excitement of the Fleet Feet Sports Pumpkins in the Park 5K, I would be running every weekend. From the Kids Spooky Sprints, the amazing costumes, the music and general "fun feeling" of the event, it was easy to calm my nerves and get on with the task at hand. Finish my first solo 5K.
I started the race next to my mom, who was also running, but not "running with me," and was soon passed by her and my friend Joanna. I knew then that I was in for a long run. Getting from the start to the mile one marker seemed to me like I had been running forever. "Oh God, help me, I don't know if I am going to make it."
From one to two miles wasn't so bad, it's easy to forget about the pain of a race when you look to your left and see Batman, then you look to your right and you are running with Sookie Stackhouse from True Blood, being chased by of course, a vampire! The distractions were great, but from two to three miles again seemed to drag on forever, I not only wanted to finish but to PR and I was hurting.
Lucky for me, the last quarter mile my mom doubled back for me after
her finish. It was just the boost I needed to get to mile three. 100
yards before the finish Joanna jumped back in with my mom and I. They
pushed me when I wanted to stop, when the pain was just about to kill
me.
As I crossed the finishing line I didn't know whether I wanted to laugh
or cry, I did it and couldn't think of a better environment to reach
this milestone in than at the Pumpkins in the Park 5K. To many it was
just another race, but I will never forget it. Just when I was about to
give up or take myself too seriously, the general mood of this race
carried me along. Looking around the finish shoot at the costume clad
crazies, and their kids, it was great to know that there are healthy
opportunities like this for families to experience together, for me to
get involved in, I was grateful.
My time wasn't what I was hoping for (50:43) but I finished none the
less. I was seconds slower this race than the previous one.
The drive home from Lincoln Park seemed long but I had my best friend,
my mom, sitting next to me. She told me how proud she was of me and how
proud my dad would be of me if he was still with us. When I was
getting a little down on myself because I thought my time was way
worse, she reminding me that life is journey it's not about the
destination. This last 9 months has truly been a journey. I've come so
far, but the best is yet to come.
Filed under: Events, News, Races, Running
Tags: Batman, Fleet Feet Sports, Halloween Costumes, Pumpkins in the Park 5K, True Blood, Weight Loss
Kristin- congratulations on finishing your second race! You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story! Way to go!!!:)
Thanks so much. I'm running another November 1st if you want to join!
Where at?
I'm doing my first this Saturday in Palatine!
Good luck! Let us all know how it went. The one on the 11/1 is in Lincoln Park, but I just got an email its full.
Kristin, Congratulations on finishing your second race. I'm sure a PR is just around the corner for you.
Mark - Race Director, Pumpkins in the Park 5K
That would be cool Lauren! I'm aiming to get there around 7:30 or so. I'm meeting my wife's cousin...not sure where yet! I'll holler when I know something more! :)
That'd be awesome Lauren! :)
Thanks Lauren! Today was my run longer distance run. I ran 4 miles... Never thought I would be there. Thanks for the inspiration.