I'm Getting Excited!

I am officially getting really excited about A1A. For awhile I wasn't because I had gotten so used to running short distances that training felt like a burden, and the stress of missing multiple Sunday long runs is getting to me a bit, but this weekend I had a little breakthrough. Elizabeth and I were running and I just remembered the circumstances surrounding both times I've run this race.

The first time, I was coming off a bad cold or URI and planned to run easy and have fun. It was my birthday. I started nice and slow and around mile 4 I just realized, wow, I feel awesome! And I just felt stronger and stronger as the race went on.

It was over before I knew it, and I finished with a cheering section and birthday hats! Plus, it was the first time I got to meet Kristina!

Last year, I wasn't sure what the race would be for me. I upgraded to the full and hoped I had it in me. And then, at mile nine, as half marathoners split with the full runners, I was filled with a sense of calm optimism. I texted Matt that I was definitely going for the full and, like the first year, I just felt good and confident the entire race.

Basically, both times I've run this race, I was running after not-so-great circumstances but things turned out great! My lingering calf issues have me in that same boat again this year. Maybe it's a sign!

I don't know if it's the course or the time of year - I love that this is my birthday race - or the fact that this race weekend always includes seeing friends and family...But there is just something about it! And I'm beginning to feel that anticipation again.

I have been harping on the joys of A1A all week. I told Elizabeth she'd surely get tired of me extolling its virtues, but I hope she knows how excited I am to share with her what has definitely become my favorite race.

Elizabeth to me, probably.

We have our goals, and we'll see how we do as far as attaining them goes, but I'm not even that worried because I honestly think that even if my calves cramp up and we walk the entire thing, I'll still love every second of it.

Elizabeth ran Sanibel with me as her first race, but this will be her first big race. I just keep thinking about how big and exciting A1A is. It's no little local 10k. There's the expo. The corrals. The aid stations. The cheering sections. Real photographers on the route. The finish line and party...I just can't wait to see how she reacts to it all!

I want her smile to be as big as mine was that first year!

Guys. I am so relieved that I am so freaking excited. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I'm seriously looking forward to race weekend, and I hope she is too!

Is there a race you have zero complaints about and just love?
ABK