The Cake Runner

     I ran my second race yesterday and I couldn't be prouder. Let me tell you a few things I have learned. First just because your Italian does NOT make you immune to sunburn. In my case I forgot just how much Irish I got in me.Nice burn on my upper arms, thankfully aloe is an amazing healing agent. Secondly chaffed nipples suck. Apparently when running a guys nipples can become chaffed from the constant rubbing against his shirt. Thankfully I didn't get bloody nipples which can occur also. This can also happen to women but they usually wear a sports bra that counteracts the chaffing. And lastly to steal something my friend Rob said about me " I'm a beast". When I finally let go of all the BS in my head and stop telling myself I cant, I'm pretty damn amazing, a machine of relentless forward motion if you will. 
     This run was a bit different than the last one I was in. For one it was a mile longer. Now that's not a whole lot, but for a newbie like me it is. Secondly I had to run in front of THE WHOLE FRIGGING CITY. This was intimidating. I felt like I was climbing the rope in gym class again. My Coworkers who also ran the race were a huge help in making me feel a bit better about the race. Here is a picture of our staff running team. 

     These guys and gal helped me get psyched for a tough run. I admit there were a couple of times I thought of punking out. But I turned that negative voice off, stayed the course and crossed that finish line. It felt amazing. It felt even better when I saw the faces of people whom I knew and were shocked to see me running. Their words of encouragement helped egg me on. And it was a great feeling to see my friend Robs, mom there at the finish line to see me run. She sang the Batman song to me as I went by. And then to have my sister and nieces and nephews there to cheer me on was amazing. My official time was 1 hour 19 seconds, I was happy with this. Then I was talking to my buddy Brad who was also in the race, and he pointed out that they started the count before we crossed the start line. It took us about five minutes to get to start. That means my time was much closer to 55 minutes. When Brad told me this I felt like Peter Pan sprinkled me with some Fairy dust and I found my happy thought. Whats great about that? Well the 5k I ran in May I ran in 51 minutes. A 5K is 3.1 miles. I ran the four mile in 55 minutes. I beat my time for the 5K. That was without any special training or extra workouts. Well there was that one really disheartening practice run but that doesn't count. Im getting somewhere, where I dont know but Im gonna run with it.
    I have gotta give mad props (some day I gotta find out just what props are.) to a lot people. These are the people I call Team Steve. These people help me on a regularly basis, even if they don't know it.I wanna give a shout out to some of Team Steve's top members. My buddy Rob who asked me two all important questions "Hey wanna go to the gym with me" and "Who says you cant run a 5K?" With those two questions he helped set me on the path to getting physically fit. He helps me on a near daily basis trying to get in the best shape I can. I look forward to running that 10K with you and for you. Your an amazing friend and I thank you for it.  My friends Amy and Simone. My running partners for both races. Amy sacrificed her time in the 5K to stay with me through the whole course. Simone did the same for the Firecracker 4. Ladies you inspire me. Thank you for your help and offers to train with me. My baby sister Linette and my brother Marc, thanks guys you stay with me. Scott and Maryanna, you guys have been so amazing to me and help encourage me. You are gracious enough to make me feel like family.It meant the world that you were at the finish line to see me. My friends Bradley and Benn whom are both much, much better runners than I. I can go to these dudes for advice and they are both always willing to offer their time and advice. Thanks guys. I can try to go on and on but there are just so many people I am blessed to have in my life that help me and that have my back. Thank you all, you know who you are.
     Where do I go from here? Well I've been thinking about it. I have a 5K and a 4 mile run under my utility belt, I have a 10K fast approaching. I kinda want to attempt a half marathon and eventually a marathon. This is gonna require a lot of work. What makes me think can do it? The fact that I don't know that I cant. I think I plan to keep going till I cant, then go a little more, then a little more after that. But with this band of amazing and oft times kooky friends and family by my side I will do it.
     I havent won any trophys or prizes with these two runs. Except for a new found pride and feeling of self worth. Here are my runners tags from both runs, they are my badges of honor and pride.    

     For someone who only ran to the fridge these are better than any stupid medal or trophy, for now. If I go on about this, please just bear with me. I have every reason to be proud about this and brag.