Autumn Classic 8K 2006

Results
Time: 51:473
95th Overall

We got to Lake Lansing and I was nervous. I knew I could run 4.97 miles but there was still the unknown of doing it. How would my body react? Would I have to walk at all? Joey helped me stretch and then we found my step-mom and her co-worker Michelle. They were going to be walking it. The weather was perfect: warmish, sunny, beautiful.

The race started and I took off a little too quickly. Not a great pace to keep for almost 5 miles. I knew the course somewhat from walking it last year with Suzanne. But now, I knew part of it better because Jenny lives off of Lake Drive. I passed her street and smiled, knowing she was inside her house getting ready to come out to cheer me on. I guess she had come out to the road with a bottle of water but by then, the walkers were going through. I paced with a man in his late 50s for awhile. It’s really cool pacing with someone you don’t know. It’s like unsaid teamwork. We eventually split up at the 1st water station and I was happy to be on my own again. I really cruised through the first two miles and was surprised that I was feeling okay. God and I were having a great time together.

At mile 3, I was passed by a blind man and his running mate. This was when I noticed a short woman running in front of me. Her shirt read, “He strengthens me.” I smiled. “I love your shirt,” I told her as we began to pace with each other. “Yes, you need a shirt like this…especially on Sunday,” she told me. “Everyday,” I said. As we ran together, I noticed how interactive the woman was with the supporters on the sidelines. A lot of them were from the Okemos High School track team and most just stood there, not saying anything at all. “Come on!” she yelled. “You’re supposed to be cheering us on, not standing there!” I couldn’t help but laugh. I just love waving to people, clapping back to them and pumping my fist in the year as I pass by. I love the encouragement planted along the race route. I remembered the year before when Suz and I were walking and this teenage supporter stopped talking on her cell phone briefly to say, “good job.”

When we hit mile 4, I just took off. I wasn’t unusually tired. I felt good. Thoughts of hunger and peeing filled my head and pushed me further. I also felt strengthened by the Lord. I finished pretty well and stretched after having a banana and piece of Great Harvest Cinnamon Bread. Joey and I had to leave to meet up with everyone for the Tigers game. As we approached the Mazda, a man asked for a ride. We both shrugged and said, “sure.” The man needed to go to Saginaw and Abbott streets. He had been waiting for his buddy to finish but the friend decided to stay for the awards ceremony. Our passenger needed to get home so he could get to church on time. Of course, this struck up some conversations about church. When we told him we go to Riv, he said, “yeah, I used to go there when it was in the Kellogg Center. I know Steve, Noel and Paul.” We explained how we have 5 pastors now and 5 services. This guy freaked out, “no way?!!?!” We kept asking him questions about his church and him but he kept turning it back to Riverview. After dropping him off, I turned to Joey and said, “why were we supposed to meet that guy?” He said, “maybe we aren’t supposed to know.”
Finish Photo

Capital City River Run 5K 2006

Results
Overall time: 28:39 (Personal Best)
Came in 6th out of 12 in my age group
Picture of me and part of Paul (also, the mouthy Christian woman, Marge)

Driving to downtown Lansing, I rubbed my sleepy right eye and concentrated on the road. My car turned onto 496 West and for the first time, I noticed the foreboding black clouds rolling in. Yes, I had noticed the grey skies, misty rain and cold, strong breezes but it looked like the worst was yet to come. Instead of getting upset, I smiled. “Lord, just keep us safe and warm,” I prayed. Nuts. Forgot to mention DRY.

I parked in the structure on Grand. As I began to make my way down to Impression 5, I noticed lots of runners with their packets leaving. Not everyone was going to stick this out. Climbing down the stairs, I realized how slippery wood can be when wet.

So can leaves.

I didn’t bite it, but by the time I was walking along the river, my feet were squishy. Why was I doing this again?

I went inside of Impression 5 to put my running pants on over my shorts. I put another shirt over my Coolmax Long Sleeve. It was cold outside. Wandering around the parking lot, I began to wonder if my step-mom would show up. Then, I wondered if anyone from Riverview would still come. As I was wondering all of this, the rain picked up quite a bit. My face was no drenched, along with everything else. This was not fun. Holly does not like to be soaked.

I actually took brief refuge in one of the port-o-potties. Deciding this wasn’t a good idea, I used the facility and decided to head back to my car for a warmer, drier, nicer smelling place to make a decision.

I trudged forward through the wind and rain but I made my decision there, on the wet pavement: I was going to run this race no matter who showed up. It was hang time with God and I wanted it. I was going to have joy through a less than desirable situation.

I got to the Ion and tossed my running bag into the car. I grabbed my raincoat and umbrella. I was prepared to run alone.

On the way back to the start line, I saw Todd, a friend from Mason who ran the Angel House and Max’s race with us. Todd had decided he was going to run, too but had to go back to his car to get his stuff.

As we were catching up on life, I realized…it wasn’t raining. I laughed out loud and took off my hood. “Todd! It’s not even raining!” H smiled and we both looked up at the bright blue sky which was taking over the rain clouds.

Heading for the start line, I saw Paul, my pastor, and as I waited for him to pick up his running packet, I saw my step-mom searching for me. I was so excited and happy. I ran to her, hugged her and thanked her for coming. It was so awesome having her there. I saw Mike, who is a part of Rivrunners, and we all went with him when he lined up for the 10 mile.

After the National Anthem was sung, the 10 mile took off. It was our turn for the 5k. Paul said a quick prayer and we got behind the start line. Usually, I don’t run with people. But I decided since this was Paul’s first 5k, I would run with him. But when the race started, I realized the difference in our leg length was going to be a factor. I told him to run ahead but he stayed with me…and I stayed with him which increased my speed. We talked a little bit and really, I had such an awesome time. I even saw the mouthy Christian lady from the Autumn Classic last weekend. I asked her name as we passed her and she shouted, “It’s Marge!” So, now we know each other.

The race truly flew by. It had turned into a cloudless, blue sky with a little chill in the air. Perfect running weather. Paul and I opened up at the end a little too early and became winded. After slowing it down, we could hear the announcer at the finish line but couldn’t see it. I did see Todd, standing, waiting, next to the trail. I knew immediately he was going to run me in like he did for Max’s Race. I absolutely loved it. He told me to look up, zone out, stretch my legs…man, I was hauling. I hit that finish line and felt so good. Christine immediately grabbed my arm and handed me a water. “Holly…your time was 28:39!” I almost started crying, I was so happy.

Paul ran in behind me and then we walked a bit, though I need to walk and stretch right after I run instead of standing and talking to people. I got a cramp in my right calf because I didn’t stretch properly and now it’s sore. Grrrrrr…

So, now I have the Dino Dash this Sunday. Running that one with Yi, Todd and possibly, Joey. I need to take a break from these runs, though. They are getting expensive!