[Recap]
I woke up to three letters of encouragement from my hubby and received three big hugs from my favorite athletes upon arriving at the event (Stacy, Brandy, and Martin). I couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin my Sunday morning. Miles 1-5 greeted me with perfect weather (foggy and overcast). We moved quickly through the corral and were off! My fellow runners and I were surrounded by supporters who were cheering us on, and music filled the streets of downtown Fort Worth. Miles 5-13 are always my favorite at Cowtown. I absolutely love running through the Stockyards. At mile 12 a bakery was handing out chocolate chip muffins, and I of course enjoyed one myself… SO yummy! Miles 13-20 are always emotional for me. Around mile 13 we head up to the courthouse and the course is flooded with American flags, service members, and photos of the veterans who have died serving our country. My heart always swells, and gratitude fills me. I was still running strong at this phase of the ultra. Miles 20-25 were enjoyable! My body felt great; I was sure to stop at every stop that offered candy, and any rest stop I could for Gatorade to stay hydrated. At mile 25 I saw my favorite cheerleader, Mary, and gave her a big hug. Miles 25-31 are the hardest portion of the course. The sidewalk cement is more taxing to run on. At mile 27, I turned around, got some snacks and was off for the finish. Then came the struggle at mile 28. My hamstrings locked up and I listened to my body and stopped to walk for a while. When I felt slightly better, I picked up my pace to a slow jog/walk. Again, my cheerleader Mary was there at mile 29.5. I was hurting and she embraced me with another hug and the encouragement that I could do ANYTHING for one mile. And yes, Mary was right: I CAN do anything for one mile. I found a little pick me up with the end in sight and increased my pace for the last 400m. Mission Accomplished! I crossed the finish line with a time of 5:03 for the Ultra. I placed 2nd in my age group and 10thfor Overall female. While walking back to my car I chatted with a New York runner who told me she loved this event because people at Cowtown were so friendly and helpful. THIS is exactly why I love this event and have chosen to run it for ten years! I returned home to my hubby who had a big hug, proud smile, and finisher’s breakfast waiting for me. I am so blessed. [Reflection] Steve and I have loved running Cowtown over the years. In ten years, I have completed one half marathon (the year we had the ice storm), one full marathon, and the Ultra eight times! This course is positive, uplifting, and has an environment filled with fun. You can’t be a spectator or participant and not feel joyful. I am running strong and feeling great, but unfortunately Steve’s long-run days have ended. Now it’s time to turn the page and find a new adventure together. I know he will always support my future goals, but we are finding our new “next adventure” together.
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AuthorPollyann Keller Archives
October 2024
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