Run Fast, Look Weird: New Bedford Edition

On March 17th I ran in the New Bedford Half Marathon. Kemal graciously accompanied me to the race. He soothed my pre-race jitters with coffee and gossip, and took these fabulous shots of me running.



Now, I have to say, I look really bad in these pictures. And I couldn't be prouder. I've been told that my typical race photo/glamour shots (Miss America hand wave and cunning smile at the Middletown 5k...anyone?) give away the shameful truth: I'm not really trying. But be assured, I gave this one everything I had.



That said, for anyone who has heard the story, you know it wasn't a picture perfect race. I went out too fast, wasted energy, and got majorly wrapped up in my thoughts and insecurities, which left me drained by mile 10. At this point I actually stepped to the sidelines, took off my number, and decided to walk back to the car and call it a day. It took me walking 1.5 miles, and being passed by about 50 happy, good looking people to realize that I was being an ass, and I needed to finish what I'd started. So, I put my number back on, and finished it strong. I didn't get the sub 2-hour time I was looking for, but I did PR, 2:02:52...so close! Also, I came in about 600th out of about 1200 women, not too shabby.



I'm not necessarily that proud of my time (or my general performance) at this race, but I am proud that I got back in there and finished it, when every shred of my being was telling me to stop. Sometimes it's really hard to stick with things, especially when they're really hard, and you can't quite remember why you're doing them (er, PhD?). But sometimes things are worth doing on principle, just to remind yourself that you can.

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