What a Difference 6 Years Can Make

2019

Exactly six years ago today I ran the 2013 Lake Effect Half Marathon. It was the second year of this race and the previous year the race had earned recognition from Runner's World Magazine. Yes the running community of Central New York, one that I had embraced as my adoptive home town, thinks it is normal to run a half marathon in the middle of February in the snowiest city in America!

Well today I did the same half marathon, and once again the Syracuse weather did not let us down. We had sun, wind, rain, hail...did I mention the wind? It is actually a great race, well run, and always a place where you can catch up with old friends on and along the course.

I entered today's race not planning on breaking any records but was using the day as another training day. In the words of my coach, "keeping my eyes on the prize"...Ironman Lake Placid. However, in the back of my mind I kept thinking about the person who ran this same course in 2013.

2013

In 2013 I crossed the finish line in 3:10:06 with a 14:13 per mile pace. I showed up to the start lines and pushed my way through to the finish lines. The races weren't always pretty and often I was the last person on the course but I didn't give up. I loved the run, as hard as it was, I loved it.

Today I finished the course is 2:24:10 with a 10:58 per mile pace. I did not hit a personal best today. I missed that by just under 3 minutes. However, I felt strong throughout the whole race. Even when I was heading into a very strong headwind, I continued to push. I wasn't worried about my personal best, since I was viewing this as just a training run. What I thought about throughout the entire course was my finish time in 2013.

I finished the race today with a personal course record, beating my last finish time at the Lake Effect Half Marathon in over 45 minutes. I often joke that you know you are a faster runner when there is still chocolate milk left at the finish line, and there was today. Even though I get to partake in the chocolate milk now a days, I am still shocked by my finish times and pace during training and races. When I finish a race now, I am shocked that I am not the last person on the course.

I don't know who this person is? Where did she come from? I am still very familiar with the girl from 2013 who struggled through 13.1 miles. She is still a big part of my life. I face her demons and struggle every day with her struggles. Every day is a challenge. And every day I work hard to prove to myself I am meant to be on that start line.

I train, compete, and fight in order to prove to that girl in 2013 that she is stronger than she thinks! I still have a long way to go but I embrace where I am today. 45 minutes stronger and faster than 2013. I raise a glass of chocolate milk to who I was and who I still am. Here's to many more miles ahead of me! And thank you to all of my friends and family who encouraged me in 2013 and continue to cheer me on today! I wouldn't be anywhere without you!

Thank you Lake Effect Half Marathon for another wonderful race. I encourage all to try it out...its always an adventure!

2013 finish

2019