By the end of 2009, I accomplished my first 5K and first 10K race. What was next? Yep. The 15K (9.3 miles). I took some time off over the holidays and realized the 15K that I wanted to race was approaching fast. With not much time to spare, I began training for the Double Bridge Run. Here in Pensacola, there are 2 significant bridges connecting downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. One of these bridges is 3 miles long, connecting downtown Pensacola to Gulf Breeze, with a steady slope in the middle. The other bridge, connecting the small city of Gulf Breeze to the island, is nothing but steep!
My “greenhorn” nature showed. I was NOT prepared for this race. I found out the hard way that the shoes you wear, matters—in fact, it matters big time. I bought a pair of shoes that I “thought” would be OK to wear, and after suffering 2 knee injuries, I realized that you have to invest in a solid pair of running shoes. On top of that, I skimped out on some of my training runs and figured, “What the heck, if I can run 6.2 miles, I can run 9.3.” I wobbled across the finish line in 1:29:27 (The time in the below picture reflects the beginning of the race. I was a few seconds behind the start of the gun.)
I started off the race nice and smooth. I made it to the 3 Mile Bridge, marking roughly the beginning of the third mile. By the time I got to the peak of the 3 Mile Bridge, I was hurting. Sharp pains were shooting through my left knee as I favored it running down the back side of the peak. I made it over the bridge and into Gulf Breeze. Here we were joined by the 5K racers/walkers as we made our way towards the Bob Sikes Bridge (joining Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach). This bridge is short, yet completely vertical. You don’t realize this when you drive to the beach, but when you run up this darn thing, you find out real fast!
I was hobbling down the back side of the bridge and had about a mile left. I told myself that I was almost finished and all I needed to do was suck it up and get it done. As my adrenaline kicked into overdrive, I visualized the finish line ahead. To my disappointment, it was not where I expected it—but about 100-150 yards further! The crowd was cheering on everyone as they made their way into the home stretch. I recited one of my personal mantras as I came down the chute and crossed the finish line.
An overwhelming sense of accomplishment poured through me. This now marked the furthest distance I had ever run.
(My aunt was quick to point out that it is OK to enjoy the victory and smile for the camera as you cross the finish line…you can then stop your watch AFTER you finish…Thanks, Coach!)
