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The Race with the Race Diva

Race Day Diva (or looks aren't everything)

Here is a story to think about as you prepare for your first race.

First off, let's be realistic, you are scared. This is normal. You are about to embark on an adventure that you have never done before. It is exciting. Your training has prepared you for the 8 km coming up. What you need to concentrate on is running your pace.

And then you spot her. Oh my, there she is. She stands there dressed in the latest running shorts and matching singlet. Hair french-braided and tied back with a matching scarf and new socks shining pure white in the sun. You recognize the footwear. It is the top-of-the-line product, all clean and ready to go. Her face beams with pride as she glanced around and chats with other runners. My God, I bet she is fast!

You look at yourself, wearing your old soccer shorts and torn t-shirt. At least your jog bra and underwear are relatively new. You shuffle your footwear on the ground and notice that a lace looks a little frayed. Oh well, too late to go shopping for a new pair of laces.

You move into the group at about the middle of the pack and get ready to run your pace. The gun is fired and you are off! This race should take you 40 minutes if you run according to your plan, but you are starting to forget it and watch those around you. Everyone has smiles on their faces and seem to be enjoying the company. You press on.

After 30 minutes, you are begining to feel tired, but think of your friends and family waiting at the finish line. It will be good to see them and they are NOT going to see how tired you feel.

At the 32 minute mark, you see her, Miss Perfect with her matching clothes. She is puffing and slowing down. This can't be possible, you are gaining on her. You try not to speed up, trying to remember your pace plan. But you come up to her and then go past. She is gasping and holding her side. Started off too fast you think.

It is now 36 minutes and you see the finish line. This can't be it, but it is. Your family is cheering as you cross the finish line. It is 36:17 and you beat your predicted time.

Life is wonderful!

© Women in Motion -April 1999

An event that happened on July 4, 1991, at Great Falls, Montana.