A different kind of finish

Over the past couple of months I have worked on a secret project: training for the 4 Mile of Groningen (6.437km). I started in the spring, running twice a week and after I got back from Tanzania, I ran 3 x a week for a while (thanks to my mom who would let me start later in the shop and the weather that allowed me to run after work). Once the season started for the shop, I cut back to running twice a week and slowly could run for longer periods of time. I still remember the first time I ran 3km, I felt so good about myself.

On October 10, the 4 Mile of Groningen took place. This is a huge running event, over 18,000 people participate, from 6 years old to 70 years old and everything in between. I had run the distance the Sunday before and though I am one of the slowest runners out there, I managed to do it.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, it was a bit daunting to see all those people around the track, it was definitely longer than I thought it would be, it was definitely harder than I thought it would be, but I managed to reach the finish.

My mom took this picture when I still  have about 1km left to run. She’s a great photographer don’t you think so.

Anyway, after 62 minutes I reached the finish and could cross off another goal for 2010. I am very happy that I managed to do it and hope that next year, I can run a little faster.