Trophy Tuesday! Ennis Polka Fest 10K

This weekend I raced a 10K in Ennis, Texas called the Ennis Polka Fest Run. Many of us from my running group carpooled and went down with our eyes on the prize. They did team awards so we set off to win a trophy. It’s SO fun being on a team – wearing team shirts, cheering each other on, being there for each other at the finish – taking photos, cheering for each other during the awards ceremony, posing with our team banner, being the loudest bunch… it’s the best. It’s family.

Hot, Humid, and HILLY was the name of the game.

I started off feeling great at about a 7:10ish minute mile – OK, I can do this for 6 miles!, I thought.

Then another mile went by – it was humid. My shirt was already soaked and I contemplated taking it off. I’m on mile three and I thought Shit, OK maybe I’ll just race to the 5K point then jog the rest. I’m dying.

As time goes by I am really in my head with negative thoughts…

Will this be my first DNF? During a 10K?

This is HARD. Is it just me? ANOTHER HILL???

Ok, I’m still maintaining a 7:xx minute mile… HOW?

Ok, just finish the mile you’re in. Ugh, but I’m only half way.

Everyone will understand if you just take it easy.

But I’ve come this far… How good will it feel to win something?

Ok just one more mile then you’re in the last mile!

Just keep going.

I can finally see the Finish line. I hear the announcer and see people cheering. I hear a teammate yelling for me. Well, who knew. Somehow I find the energy to sprint across the finish line. It felt good to not give up. It felt good to finish towards the front with the boys. It felt good to win a trophy.

Huge shout-out to Lifelong Endurance. Thank you for helping me chase big dreams, no matter the challenge.