October 12, 2009

10K Recap

Posted in My Weight-Loss Journey by Rachel

After months of training, today was the day. 10K Day! I am proud to say that I achieved my goal of jogging the entire 6.2 mile course without stopping — over-passes and underpasses included. Boston is so not flat!!

I jogged alongside my friend Cassie who began working out in June and counting her calories in July. To date, she has lost fifty pounds and is well on her way to reaching her goal weight of 150 lbs. Out of the handful people who were supposed to join me on this day, she was the last one standing. She jogged beyond the 3-mile mark before slowing down to a brisk walk. She walked the 4th mile and jogged most of the 5th. She sprinted down the stretch with me and never looked back. We stayed together the whole time, bumping elbows, passing people, and being passed ourselves.

The best part? She beat me by four seconds.

My official time was 1:21:24. Her time was 1:21:20. There were 700+ women between us and ‘last place’.

I am so, so, so glad and incredibly thankful to have shared such an amazing moment with her. We plan on attending this event next year and for years to come.

The first two miles were the toughest. Even though it was clear that I was moving (arms flailing, chest rising and deflating at an alarming rate, etc), I felt like I was spinning my wheels and not covering much ground. As soon as we hit mile three, I was on auto-pilot. I knew I was going to make it without stopping at that point. My favorite part of the race was Mile 4. We jogged up and over the Charles River via the Harvard Bridge (and here!). It was absolutely breathtaking. I wanted to do it all over again as soon as we stepped foot on Commonwealth.

Between Mile 3 and Mile 4, I distinctly recall dancing and singing to my play list. I remember high-fiving Cassie and choking on a cup of water. I remember smiling so fucking big that my entire face hurt. But as soon as I crossed that finish line, it felt like the race never happened. It felt like the sea of 7,000 women of all ages, sizes, and walks of life working toward the same goal was simply a mirage — gone in a flash.

At least on the surface.

It’s crazy how far you can come with a little bit of consistency and a lot of heart. There are many of you who fall into this category. I’m just proud to be a member of the club.

Keep on keepin’ on, my friends.

tufts

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175511 Comments10K+Recap2009-10-13+03%3A12%3A20Rachel to “10K Recap”

October 12, 2009 at 11:00 pm
janetha says:

WOOHOO! congrats to you, way to rock the 10k

Reply
October 13, 2009 at 8:51 am
Kimberly says:

Sounds like you and Cassie had an amazing experience – and an awesome first 10k! You’ve totally inspired me to sign up for one. I want to smile so big my face hurts, too!

Reply
October 13, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Mary :: A Merry Life says:

“It’s crazy how far you can come with a little bit of consistency and a lot of heart.”

Best line ever.

I’m so proud of you, btw.

You rock!!

Reply
- October 14, 2009 at 2:11 pm
  Rachel says:
  
  From one kick-ass girl to another! It means a lot. Thank you.
  
  Reply
October 13, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Paul says:

Congrats! That’s an incredible achievement.

Reply
- October 14, 2009 at 2:11 pm
  Rachel says:
  
  Thanks, Paul.
  
  Reply
October 13, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Monica says:

YAYYYY!!!! Im so proud of you guys! Did you ever think that one day YOUD complete a 10k? Are you just so proud of yourself youre about to pop!?

I wonder if I start running if the weight will come off faster?

Reply
- October 13, 2009 at 2:26 pm
  Rachel says:
  
  Did I ever think I was going to one day complete a 10K? I didn’t even know what a 10K was until July!Have you seen my before photo? The full-body, crazy-puffy-face-about-to-explode photo? That was taken less than one year ago. Ask me again if I thought I’d be doing a 10K!
  
  Do you jog? Have you ever jogged? If not, I highly recommend a Couch to 5K program. There is nothing quite like jogging/running. If you need a boost and want to feel like you can stand on your own two feet, DO IT. It’s a challenge, but it’s sooooo worth it. Plus, it burns a lot of calories. <3 Cardio.
  
  Reply
October 13, 2009 at 7:32 pm
erin says:

::lecherously:: i have something for you little girl. come over to my place to get it

lol
isn’t the curiousity worth a little stranger danger?

Reply
October 14, 2009 at 2:09 pm
christy in seattle says:

Congrats on the race!

Reply
- October 14, 2009 at 2:10 pm
  Rachel says:
  
  Thanks so much!
  
  Reply