Bubba's Blog: Colonial Cup 5-K Race

Saturday November 10th was my 5th race for 2012 and Ray's 1st race ever! Being that it wasn't my 1st race I was pumped and excited! I kept saying "Its Race Day, It's Race Day, aren't you excited Ray"? Well Ray wasn't as excited as I because this was his first race and I was all about beating my best time of 31:03. My goal since I've started running this year has been to beat 30 minutes. Every race I keep getting closer but not close enough. So this time I knew I was going to beat it no matter what it took.

We arrived at the race early to get our bags full of goodies, tag number and the shoe tracker (keeps track of your pace and when you finish). As we got everything on, we ran around a little to get warmed up. Before you know it we were walking toward the road ready to start the race. We waited for awhile before one of the workers with strictly running came and started the race. Then before you know it everyone is running so fast and there I was just trying to keep up.

Being that it was cold outside it was hard to breath and it felt like I wasn't moving very fast. Ray signed up to be my encourager during the race, to keep my pace up to beat 30 minutes. Before I knew it Ray wasn't by my side anymore, but I kept running even though I was feeling like I was going to throw up and that my legs were going to give out, I didn't give up. I do admit I did stop for at least 30 seconds and thought to myself if I stop like this I won't be able to beat my time. So then I started running again even though I wanted to give up.

I kept running as I came upon a boy/man that stopped running and said come on man keep running. And he went running ahead of me which I was hoping he would stay with me to keep me going. But then before you know it as I turned at the cone to go back to where the race started I saw him again and he stopped. As I approached him I said "Come on man, run with me because I need to beat my time". He asked "Is this your first race"? I said "No, this is my 5th but I need to beat 30 minutes". Then he kept talking but I couldn't hear him because I had my music blaring and I wasn't going to turn it off due to him asking me questions.

Before I knew it he wasn't beside me anymore and I was getting closer to the finish line. Ray called me at the 25 minute mark so I would speed up and beat 30 minutes, again that was my goal and I wasn't going to fail. So as I made it the dirt road at the Revolutionary War site. I was running so fast I thought I was going to throw up literally and pass out. This old man was running next to me and I kept saying "I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die". Not sure if he heard me but I think he actually made it to the finish line before me but I didn't care. As I made it closer to the time clock it said 28 minutes, that is when I ran a little bit faster than I was hoping I wasn't gonna die.

I passed the finish line at 28:28, my new record! I was so excited I accomplished my goal. I thought it wasn't possible but everything is possible if you put you mind to it!

I waited at the finish line for Ray to cross. He wasn't too far behind at 33:23 for his first race. We had a few snacks as we waited for the results. I got first place in my age group and Ray got 2nd in his age group. We both won tote bags! I was hoping for a big plaque or trophy but I will take the tote bag!