The Marine Corps Irish Sprint turned out to be my best running (of the non-obstacle variety) experience so far. I finished the 10K in 1:21:10. Probably not a terrific record breaking time by any stretch of the imagination but the day was full of new experiences, a snazzy shirt supporting the Peoria (IL) Police Benevolent Association and an awesome pair of Superman socks, complete with flapping capes.
The majority of the race was a trail run, something I have never done before. Still lacking health insurance and possessing a desire to have an injury free training season, I took the trail was reserved enthusiasm. I kept a consistent, somewhat slow pace and watched for rocks, tree roots and anything else that would be an issue. On the other hand, when I was on the sections of the course that were asphalt I was more gung-ho and let myself run full out. I just let myself go and focused on the sun and crisp air as I just relaxed into the run. The hills were a challenge mostly because they were hills but also because they were trail hills. I walked the larger trail hills and made some valiant efforts at running the asphalt hills. Overall, the course was a new experience for me because I haven’t run a course that is so hilly before so I tried a few techniques that I have learned from Regina (my friend and trainer) and just used the day as a learning experience.
The day wasn’t just devoted to furthering my knowledge of my body and running. I’ve been tinkering with my playlist for awhile. Vacillating between using audio books (Rob Lowe’s dulcet tones make a nice running companion by the way) and using a combination of bass pounding and classical music. After much trial and error and frustration, I finally created a play list that kept me going at the right moments and also seemed to provide the necessary “breather” music when it was time to ease up a little.
And no race would be complete without me befriending a runner or two along the way. In fact I slowed my pace a little bit to run with “Birthday Girl” (despite chatting about everything else we didn’t exchange names) who was celebrating her 45th birthday by running, her friends who had joined her for the race had left her behind. She was struggling so we chatted and kept going for awhile. We eventually got separated but I made sure to wait for her once I crossed the finish line so that we could get our golden tickets together. My mom teased me about once again helping out another runner. I honestly don’t know why I feel compelled to do it, but somehow it makes the day more special and the accomplishment of crossing the line sweeter. It’s not an ego thing, just a human nature kind of thing.
I was super stoked to cross the finish line. Not just because I felt like it was the best race I had ever run but also because its completion meant that I got entry into the Marine Corps Marathon, which sold out in a record 2 hours and 30 minutes. 
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