10K

Well, it only took me about a month to post this. I completed my first 10k road race last June 11 in the Newport 10,000 in Jersey City.

I clocked in at 1:12:01. Not bad. Not spectacular either. Just decent. It's a good first run for me because I got a good idea of what I can accomplish. After the run, I immediately knew that I could definitely run faster than that.

A couple of things I learned.

One. Running breaks one's preconceptions of people. Younger does not necessarily mean faster or slower... among other notions. It's a humbling experience.

Two. Running is definitely as much mental as it is physical. I experienced challenging my own will. Even before I got to my first my mile, my mind was starting to dissuade my body from keeping on moving. I probably talked to myself all through 10k (6.2mi). Of course, the rest of the way, I listened to the voice that said to keep going and finish the race.

Three. It is important to have people encourage you. I saw my husband Rolando and my sister cheering along the way. I ran by my brother as hew as going over to a friend's place. There were strangers who were clapping and sharing comforting words. "You know you're gonna make it right?" I managed a weak nod and smile as I ran by. My friend and trainer Akil had some great advice to give me right before the run, which I tried to keep in mind, in between talking to myself...

On to my next race. July 10 with the NYC Ford Triathlon. Well, I'm with a relay team, and I'm running the 10k leg. Not quite ready to jump off the river, literally.