The Day I Won

Hi Carol,

In April 1991, at the age of 21, I was standing nervously on the starting line of the Penn Relays 10K in Philadelphia, PA. This was my senior year at Penn State University and my last time competing in the relays. I was ready. I had trained. I had eaten right. Now, all I needed to do was run 25 times around the track as fast as I could.

As the gun went off, the American Record Holder and Olympian, Lynn Jennings, pulled ahead of the pack. I settled into my own, confident, relaxed, and enjoying the experience. All of the women were jostling for position, and I found myself in a pack where I felt comfortable.

The miles ticked by as I found my stride and my body pained with exertion. At mile 5, I was in front of my pack, breathing hard, but maintaining an even pace. Coming around the corner toward the lap counters, the crowd started cheering wildly. I could hear Lynn's footsteps from behind. I quickened my stride. As we crossed the line together, she had won. I, on the other hand, had 3 more laps to go!

After the burst of adrenaline, I ran with all my heart while sweating and gasping for air for those final laps. As I crossed the finish line, I could see the clock. 36:33 - a 5:53 pace per mile and my personal best! After I caught my breath, I turned around to hug and congratulate the woman behind me. With tears running down her face, she thanked me for keeping the pace. We both had run the best race of our lives!

What I learned that day was that in running and in life, I need to run my own race. There are going to be people ahead, behind, and even lapping me. That doesn't matter. If I focus on the little things that I can control within me and don't waste valuable energy comparing myself to others, I end up not only doing my best, but helping others along the way. All I need to do is relax, breathe, and keep moving forward.

This week, run your own race. Let's do this!

Your Partner in Fun and Health,

Coach Carol



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