5 Km Race

I met my former land lady Emilia at the phone company this week. We were both there having a nice wait in line. At least it was air conditioned inside since it was 97 degrees outside. She told me about a 5 Km race that was being run this weekend. I got the bug and had to give it a shot.

I saw Emilia at the registration tables before the start of the race. She and I chatted and actually started the race together. She has been running for 15 years, so I felt no need to beat her. But secretly, I really wanted to. We were not at all together for the first half of the race. I knew she was behind me, but I was not sure how far behind.

She caught me at the half way mark. We chatted a bit and she encouraged me through the rough part. She kept pushing me. When we got down to the last few blocks she was really trying to get me to move along. I was saving what little I had left for the final block and a half. I started to pull away then. I crossed the finish line just a few seconds before she did.

Looking back now, I believe she let me beat her. She has been doing this for 15 years and had nothing to prove. For me, this was only my second road race. Whether she let me win or not, I probably won’t ever know, but it made me feel great. Thanks Emilia!

I turned in a time of 30:42. I was 20th out of 25 in my category. But I was not last. I felt great all day.

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