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(This is an overdue post.) I got my RGV Triple Race Challenge buckle. Yay! There's was a small expo in Harlingen, where the buckles were distributed.
To qualify for it, a runner had to complete a half-marathon or more at three of the following races: Brownsville Historic Half-Marathon, Harlingen Half-Marathon, Fiesta Marathon, and the McAllen Marathon. As I had family with me to go pick up the buckle, I had planned to dash in and grab it. That wasn't an option. The organizers would collect names and announce them in batches to present the buckle. While I understand that, I wish I knew, so my family didn't have to wait. I felt like a bit of a stalker, as I followed the gentleman with the index cards with names closely and stood nearby as he read all the names. Mine was last in that batch. Aside from making my family wait, I am glad I did stand by and wait. I found myself next to a booth selling a racing skirt I was looking for. I had to guess at the size, since there weren't any dressing rooms. Fortunately, that worked out okay. There were actually more booths at this small expo than some expos at half-marathons I've been to. Here's hoping they have another. As for the RGV Triple Race Challenge, the buckle was effective motivation, for me, at least. I wouldn't have signed up for the Brownsville Half-Marathon if it wasn't part of the challenge. And I'm glad I signed up for that run.
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While I keep trying to see things in a positive light, there are some realities you can't overlook. I'll never win a medal for being a top finisher. I sometimes think I'll just have to keep running until I reach the top age tiers. But as I continue to see 70-year-olds and 80-year-old beat my time, I don't think that'll work either. So my race for bling will have to come in another form - costumes. To be honest, those aren't great odds either. I've never even won first place at my workplace Halloween contest. But I tried last year at the Pharr St. Patrick's Day 5K. I thought I had a good chance, but due to a serious of events (which included an accident at a gas pump), I had to leave early, so I didn't get to stay for the awards ceremony. *sigh* I also lost my bow tie. Selfish dreams of costume kudos aside, I was fond of the race and plan to attend again this year. I just wish donut shops weren't always on the route. That's just teasing. I learned there's another St. Patrick's Day race closer to me, but I'll stick with Pharr this year. The race is very affordable. Everyone was very friendly last year. I even got an email personally inviting to it. (Awesome.) Wish me luck. Also, you can click here to see photos from last's year 5K. I missed the South Texas Sizzler this year. I was a bit strapped for cash. This was a shame as I like to support the Junior League of Harlingen, and I wanted to redeem myself as I was the last person to finish last year. This year was different. This year I was the last finisher of another Harlingen race, the 10K at the Jalepeno 100. That may be a confusing race name. The Jalapeño 100 is a cycling event, but last year, they added a kids run, a 5K, and a 10K. I was actually going to skip it. I was on a bit of a run burnout, which I'll post about later. But I missed my Saturday run. I have a fear if I stop running for a week I'll never run again, so I signed up for the 10K to make sure I ran. I got to the start line a whole two minutes before the run started. I was scrambling to put my Race Dots on and get my GPS watch set. Before I knew it, the race started. I crossed the start line and realized a sad situation. It wasn't exactly a large crowd, so I was destined to be last. There were a few people slower than me, but I predicted they were participating in the 5K. Sure enough, by the time, I passed the turnaround for the 5K participants, I couldn't see a single 10K participant in front of me. I was that behind. When I reached the 10K turnaround, there was another runner behind me. Another runner who wasn't wearing a bib. I don't think he could be considered a bandit, as he eventually passed me and left the route. The bright spot in being last is I get to tell all the volunteers at the water stations, "I'm it. You're done. You can pack up and go home." I was missing my usual police escort as I ran along the frontage. Then I heard the crunch of rocks behind me. I thought it was cyclist trailing me. When I eventually turned, I saw it was a police unit going very... very... slow-ly. Why isn't there a photographer around for that photo? It'd look like the police unit was chasing me. Eventually, I finished. As I rounded the last corner, I could see the organizers already packing up everything. They were kind enough to hold up the string with pennants as I crossed. Then I almost tripped on it. I was last, but I believe I set a personal record. I was going to leave and then one of the organizers found a medal and gave it to me. Let's say it's for perseverance. I'm not picky. Bling is admittedly (and sadly) a powerful motivator for me. |
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September 2017
AuthorFormer high school water girl (really) finally running. |