These Moms Ran This Town!

Today, my local chapter of Moms Run This Town had its Winter Runnerland Virtual race. Which was great, because I had a 20-mile run planned for this weekend, and this way I got to break it up a little and hang out with these lovely ladies:

It was a sunny day — not really how you’d imagine a “winter ~~wonderland~~ runnerland,” I think:

…or exactly my idea of one!

Our meet-up spot for the race (a 5K, 10K and half marathon option) was about 3.5 miles from our house. Lucky! I ran a slightly longer route (4.2 m) and after a short meet, greet and catchup, we were off!

Our fearless chapter leader, Irma, ran the 10K, five months pregnant. Way to go run!

Lorena (to my left) came in first for the half, and I was second. But I definitely won the “who’s sweatiest” contest (not that we had one…)

We chatted for a bit, took some more pictures, and I was on my way. My mileage had been at 17.77 at that point, so by the time I got home, I’d gone over the distance by a mile or so.

Don’t know if it was because of the two breaks I took during this run, or because of my new energy drink (I didn’t stop for water until mile 15, and didn’t take any gels) — but these miles felt easy and fun. I thought back to the first time I had to run 20 miles many years ago: by mile 19, my brain was very busy telling me that I am insane to be running this far, I barely made it and stopped the second my Garmin beeped at the 20-mile mark.

Back home, I picked up my book (I’m reading A Life Without Limits by Chrissie Wellington, every bit as inspirational as I thought it’d be!) and came across this part:

The brain is programmed to protect us, and that can mean imposing limits on what it thinks we can or should do. Constantly push at those limits, because the brain can be way too cautious.

Agreed!

Many thanks to Irma, MRTT San Jose chapter leader, for a wonderfully organized race! We had snacks, drinks, race bling and even some cool swag:

Until next time!