A Successful First 10k Race

I am enjoying the Fairbanks summer while I can!
 It is definately about 70 degrees in this picture AND about 12am.
Love it.

After being in Fairbanks for a week or two, Marshall and I realized that it would be a good idea for me to work towards something. Like a race or something that would challenge me and help me feel good about myself. (But don't get the idea that I was depressed or anything, I just needed a concrete goal to focus on). I had heard about this 10k that was coming up, but I hadn't signed up for it because I was nervous about running a 10k. I love 5ks and I have done a half marathon, but I had yet to do the "in-between." Then my lovely sister told me she was doing a 10k on July 4th, so I was motivated to sign up.
I enjoyed training for this race, though I didn't have much time. I run regularly, so it wasn't too hard to push a little harder. Marshall was a great support to me. He would either run or bike next to me, and would push me to do my best. It is often difficult to run hard when it's just myself, but it makes a world of difference when someone is right there lovingly pushing me to give a little more!
Marshall had to work tonight, so I imagined him beside be during the entire run. The race was so much fun! There were SO many people, and it was nice  that there were so many people from church, so I had people to talk with before and after the race!
Going into the race I was hoping to be under 48 minutes for the 6.4 miles. That's a 7:30 minute mile pace. But as I crossed the finish line, the clock read 43:40! I was so excited to have beaten my goal by nearly 4.5 minutes!!
How did I manage to cut off so much time from my goal?
1) I imagined Marshall riding his bike next to me and telling me to stay strong and push harder.
2) have you ever seen "The Fantastic Mr. Fox?" If you have, I thought: "I am lighter than a slice of bread..."
3) there were people sitting outside on their lawns cheering us on and spraying us with water during the duration of the race. I had to look strong when I passed them, right?
4) focused on my breathing. When I heard the girl right behind me breathe really heavily, I knew I was stronger and so decided to concentrate on getting more oxygen to my muscles. It really worked!!
So even though I would have loved to have my dear husband there running with me, I am so proud of him and so grateful that he has a good job! And we will do the next race together!