First off, we’re in need of another YAAAY!!!!

I knew it was going to be a cold one (I have to add the “for Arizona” disclaimer) and it certainly was. I expected it and went prepared with the works: long running pants, long sleeved shirt, running jacket, those ear cover thingys, and gloves. You’d think I was running in Antarctica but I didn’t care—I hate being cold.

Pre-Race: Do I look cold?

I had a feeling I’d start stripping during the race and I did; the gloves came off at mile 3 and the jacket at mile 4.

After my watch beeped away the first mile, I saw I had done a good warm up at 9:27. I decided then and there that I was going to shoot for sub 9:30 the entire way. And…..I did it!!

Here are my splits (I love them!):

1-9:27
2-9:02
3-9:11
4-9:16
5-9:16
6-9:17
7-9:05
8-9:18
9-9:07

As I was running and seeing that I actually was completing each mile under 9:30 I couldn’t help but think of how far I’ve come. I felt like I was seeing all of the hard work from the past couple of months right in front of me. Sometimes it’s hard to think that it will pay off but it does, it truly does. I had been a 10 minute miler for such a long time you couldn’t convince me that I’d be running a race with sub 9:30 miles.

When I crossed the finish line and saw that I had finished at 1hr 25 min tears welled up in my eyes I was so ecstatic. My goal had been to finish under 1:30 and to have done it with time to spare made me so happy. You couldn’t erase the smile from my face crossing that finish line. It never went away all day.

To top it off, well, you know what else was waiting for me at the finish line…..chocolate!!! After I collected myself as best I could, I walked over to redeem my mug of hot and melted chocolate. I’m a bit particular when it comes to chocolate but I definitely give this race’s two thumbs up! Perfect Sunday!

Have you seen your training pay off?

Are you a chocolate lover?

P.S. It was another no music race and I must say, I’m digging the silence.