My Own Little Pace Group
Yesterday, after a rough week of training, I laced up for the Soldier Field 10 Miler. I worried as I, very slowly approached the Start Line, about what in tar-nation my legs were going to do. I had felt so terrible on my last run and even after resting my legs throughout the week, I didn't know if they were going to go cement on me again. But, I had a race and I was going to see that Finish Line, especially since it was on the 50 yard line of Soldier Field. Things started off okay. My legs felt like they were warming up well and were ready to race, so I was feeling pretty good. Then about halfway through mile two, my right leg start to cramp up a bit. It wasn't the same cement feeling, but they didn't feel great. I didn't know how long I could keep my pace up, so at that point I made a decision that made this race possible for me. I picked a pair of runners and made them my own little pace group, so I wouldn't have to think about my pace. They were an older couple, probably in the 60s, but clearly lifetime runners. They had this nice even pace and were clearly going to stick to it come hell or high water. So, I got behind them and did everything I could to run along with them step for step. When they passed someone, I passed them; when they ran through the water station, I ran through attempting to drink water; and when they put one foot in front of another, so did I. Whether they knew it or not, they were my own little pace group and I not only finished the race, but I finished well. After we crossed the finish, I was tempted to thank them for getting me through the race, but figured it just might be weird. But, wherever they are and whoever they are, I'm extremely grateful for them.