Race Recap: Autism Speaks 4M

In our relationship, I am the runner and Christopher is the spectator.  That's just how it has always been.  However, after a 5k in Albany a few years ago, he mentioned to me that he thought he could run one.  He had stood at the finish line watching the variety of people - large and small, young and old - that were completing the task.  He was convinced it was possible.

So...after he finally made the transition to NYC last year, we found a race that would be THE one.  And I signed us up for it.  It ended up being a 4 miler, but I convinced Chris that if you could do 3.1 miles, you could certainly do 4. 

We initially started the Couch to 5k program and were going pretty steady with it when I learned that I would have to move.  Move from an apartment where I...along with mounds upon mounds of my junk...had spent the last six years.  In less than 30 days.  And less than two months from our wedding.  Needless to say, training for the 4-miler moved WAY down on the list of priorities.

Though there were some days that I wasn't sure Chris would be joining me at the start, we both made it there with bells on.  And hundreds...ok maybe not hundreds, but a lot...of boxes of stuff remains scattered all over the apartment where we will start our married life!  But, back to the race...

We arrived in plenty of time to stretch and get a little nervous before the race began.  We had made a goal to stay under 13 minute miles knowing that we would need to alternate between running and walking in order to make it to the finish.  We came out pretty strong on the first mile and even got a little faster on the second mile.  The third mile is the one that gave us trouble as it held all the hills!  We slowed quite a bit there, but we were still set to make our goal when we made it to the 1 mile to go mark.  I told Chris we would have to pick up our pace a bit and finish strong.  And that is exactly what we did...hand-in-hand.

I only wish there was a photo of us crossing the finish line.  It was by far my favorite racing memory to date.  And Chris even said he would be interested in doing another race next year when we have the time to properly prepare.  Sounds like a fabulous plan to me!!

We ended up clocking 12:48 minute miles for a total time of 51:12.  We were so proud! I even had some fun finisher medals made for us since Chris was dead set on getting one for his awesome achievement :)

Andrea :)

*Linking up with Amanda and Beka for Runners Tell All today.