Official Report for Cupid's Chase 2013

Official Report for Cupid's Chase 2013
By OdiarAmor


I was really quite nervous about this race for several reasons. The biggest reason was simply because although I had planned several practice runs for this event, I had not actually run anything more than 1.5 miles or so. Heck, I can't even think of the last time I've even attempted to run anything more than a mile or two, even shod! Another reason I was nervous was because Tennessee weather can be so unpredictable and I was very unfamiliar with the course. To help with my nerves, I decided to make myself a tutu to keep my mind on other things.

(I think it turned out pretty well)

I also decided that if I was going to run barefoot, I might as well make my toes look good. I decided on a bright pink with little heart designs.I think they turned out pretty well considering I had no idea what I was doing.



After listening to the advice of people here on the board, I opted to choose a pair of socks to wear as backup. Before this race I hadn't even given a thought to the fact that I don't even own backup shoes! I think I foresee a purchase in the future for myself as a reward for finishing this race. The socks I decided on were a thick pair of Burton ski socks.



Originally my Hubby was going to watch the boys at home while I ran so that I didn't have to push a stroller but at the last minute he offered to run it with me (which is a HUGE deal considering he hasn't done that in the 9 plus years we have been together. He's twice as fast as I am). I also managed to talk my sister, mother, and a friend to run it too. Thankfully my dad volunteered to watch my oldest while Hubby pushed the youngest in the stroller. The morning of the race I woke up excited and trying to remember everything I needed to bring to the race not only for myself but for the two boys and my Hubby. When we got to the park the race would be at we realized that we had forgotten the stroller. Luck for us, my brother-in-law overslept and was able to help my dad watch the two boys (3 years old and 4 months old). Waiting around for the race I didn't see any other barefoot runners but saw a handful of minimalist Merrell's and one pair of Vibrams. The weather was cool (mid 40's) but the weatherman predicted that it would get up into the upper 50's.

(me standing around waiting for the race to begin)

My goal for this race was simply to finish it wi thout hurting myself and try to finish under 45 minutes (14:30mm pace). Because there were five of us running, we all lined up towards the back. I started really strong but about half a mile into it, my feet were really cold and not warming up fast enough so I put my socks on. I also discovered that I had forgotten to start my Garmin which was frustrating. I was determined not to allow all of this to ruin my run or stress me out.

(me before I put my socks on)

The route we ran was really pretty and some place I want to go back to in the future to run. It had several hills which is something that isn't on the route that I normally run but nothing unmanageable. The route was a short circle and and then a longer circle that looked like the letter "g". The larger circle went around a pond with ducks and a very cool statue that Hubby took a picture of that didn't turn out. (Teaches me to let Hubby use my phone to take pictures. lol). Right towards the end I pushed myself really hard and was able to make it through the finish line in 44:57. While running through the finish line, the announcer kept talking about how I was barefoot and how very cool it was.

(Me running through the finish line with my Hubby behind me. He told me after that this was my race and he didn't want to finish in front of me. I was also very determined to beat this other guy, which I did)

After the race, we stood around and took a bunch of photos for my sister who feels the need to take 100 pictures that stay on her computer and never even get uploaded onto Facebook. I made my Hubby take a couple of pictures during this time for me to post here.

(My mom, sister, and I looked fabulous)

(Me at the end of the race not paying attention but showing off my strong legs, compliments of running)

(Cupid talking to me and asking to see the soles of my feet because he was convinced that my soles had to be extra tough.)

So that was my race! I had forgotten how absolutely addicting these races can be and am already planning on running a couple more in the near future.
 
OA, that sounded like so much fun I'm going to chuck the 10 mile race I was scheduled for this coming Sat. and run the 5k instead. Actually, I've been dealing with an imperfect instrument in the form of a pulled calf muscle (beats me how it happened) and will run the 5k BF just to keep myself from getting overenthusiastic and trying to run fast....now I just need a tutu.

Good on you for a great race and a first class report.