What a beautiful day it’s been in San Jose. My alarm woke me up at 5:00 and at 6:00 exactly, not by design, but since I wanted to charge my Garmin GPS watch a bit more, I left my house for my first Silicon Valley Turkey Trot.
What a difference a year makes! Last year on Thanksgiving, I took the day off fitness wise; having been in Community Bootcamp for only 5 months and not being used to endurance running I didn’t feel up to such a race. This year I ran the longest option, a 10K, and walked there and back, 2.5miles each way. Though it was very dark at 6:00, I knew I’d easily get to the registration tables before they opened. It took roughly 50 minutes to walk it, while red lights slowed me down a bit, this was close to predictions if walking speed on the Web.
All of today’s photos were taken with my iPhone. Everything was so colorful, I had to take lots of photos, and for the first time on this blog, I’m doing an all collage style entry to show them off.
This was the 5th annual race, and the announcer told us that while the first race had had only 1,000 racers, this race, which had had a goal of 9,500 races had 11,000 paid entrants. Before the run we had speakers and a costume contest.
The costume contest was very enjoyable. The holiday themed division won by a mother and daughter team dressed as a hungry pilgrim and scared turkey (wearing a sign proclaiming she wasn’t a turkey), respectively. They’re shown here waiting with the other contestant, another turkey, awaiting results.
The non-themed division was down to a Big Bird and a Human Whoopie Cushion. I love the shots of them trying to get crowd support for votes and especially their reactions.
The winner was the Whoopie Cushion who turned out to be Councilman Sam Liccardo of District 3 in San Jose. Sam ran by me early in the race and when I yelled, “Go, Sam!” even turned around, gave me a thumbs up and tried to encourage me to run faster.
I couldn’t help but notice the newsprint inspired runner. He is Mac Tully, publisher of The San Jose Mercury News, who was gracious enough to let me get a photo taken with him. We talked about journalism a bit, and he assures me the paper will be there next year at this time.
As I was taking a shot of him speaking I was marvelling that no one, not security, or the real press near me with SLRs and a video camera minded that I was there and shooting with my iPhone. Perhaps it helped that I made sure to stay out of their shots. Also in this collage, some runners at the start, and the front and back of the arch, yes it really was that crooked before the start.
The race itself was amazing. Every race I do, I set for myself a reach goal. I usually set them a little too high, and often don’t share them with others. Today’s goal was very special. I wanted to run the whole time, no walk breaks minimal slow downs even for water (there were two stops, no Gu or energy bars, drinks etc.)
I debated how I’d tackle this on my blog if I didn’t make it, since I wanted to write about results no matter what. At the first mile, I felt really accomplished. Then it started getting harder.
My training has been run-walk-run, and I’ve never even tried a 4:1 pace, let alone tried to run straight through. Miles 3 and 4 were the hardest with overlapping portions making it seem even longer. Still I was determined to run, even if it was a slow run until I couldn’t help but walk. The two water stations were even a fast walk/run for minimal seconds. I found myself praying for the first time during a race for strength and endurance.
My left leg felt a little sore at mile 5, still I kept running. I knew at that point I could and would make it. I dismissed the idea of photographing the mile 6 marker as I didn’t want to stop. Seeing the finishing arc, I sprinted the last bit. What an incredible feeling it was reaching this goal and setting a personal record for this distance (1:08:54 tag time with a 11:06 pace). While my Galloway training made me strong, I literally could not have done this today without God’s help, and I am grateful.
After battling a long pushing and shoving swarm to get my technical shirt, beautiful in color and design, I had some quick photos taken of me. Rounding out the last collage are cans signifying the food drive that went on, and the squeaky toy given out to finishers.
This race made this one of my most memorable Thanksgivings ever. I will definitely do it again next year. I am grateful this year for friends, family, my business, my health and fitness, and God. Hope your day was wonderful as well!
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