Shift Happens - Charity Chase Half Marathon

A math problem:
FITMama is going to run a half marathon.  The race begins at 6:30am.  She must check in at the race by 5:45am.  If the drive takes about one hour, what time does FITMama have to wake up in order to be at the race on time?

If you calculated the answer to be 4:00am, you would be correct.

I'm exhausted.

Let me give you some personal background though:
I have two sons.  A 7 year old and a 9 year old.  The 9 year old has "issues".  I put the issues in quotes because, well, we all have issues, right?  His issues are challenging, for him, and those around him. His diagnosis are:  ADHD, Aspergers, and Anxiety.  But really, he is who he is - no label needed.
And - I get him.  Why?  Because we are a lot alike.  The apple really does not fall far from this tree.

So, back to my race.  I get up at 4am.  I am ready to leave by 4:15am, which is what I was actually planning on (better early than late!).  As I go to grab my Garmin off the charger, it beeps at me.  What the ----?!  No battery?!  It has been plugged in all night!  Well, it's only at 1% power, for some reason that my brain cannot even begin to figure out at 4:17am.

I quickly change my heart rate monitor strap, and grab my Moto - which I unplugged to charge the Garmin.  Let me double check power - 70%.  That's enough to get me through the race, IF I don't use music.  Grrr.   So I grab my iPod, which I planned to use anyway.  Still, now, I am in a mood.

I hit the road.   Thirty minutes into this drive, and I am really worked up now about my Garmin not being charged, having to use my not fully charged Moto, mad at myself for not syncing my music onto the Moto so I could just use it there - and planning ahead to charge everything, just in case, for future races.

Then it hits me.  Why am I exhausting myself getting so worked up about all this?

My 9 year old has a very difficult time transitioning and handling unexpected things in life. . .especially, when, in his mind, it should go a certain way.  His Resource Teacher at school is helping to teach him how to shift.  She told his other teachers, and us, about shifting, and using that term, to help him when he gets "stuck" and needs to move on.  This way, we are all using the same term, to help guide him through his frustrations.

I tell my son to shift - a lot. Now it was time for me to listen to myself.  I needed to shift.  I needed to let go of my frustration, now anger, and move on.  There is nothing I can do about the Garmin at this point - shift happens.

I get to the race early and check-in.  It is dark out.  The volunteers have to use flashlights to read the check-in paperwork, and get me my stuff.  I question my sanity for getting up at this time.

A way cool tech shirt and Balega socks for check-in!

However, Charity Chase is one cool race.  The race is set up with local charities at almost every mile marker, to cheer on and support runners.  They wave signs, ring cowbells, yell out encouragement.  Some are dressed up in funny costumes, or shirts for their respective charity.  At the end, runners vote on the best charity support - and they get a donation from the race.  Pretty cool?  Win-win!

The race begins at 6:30am.  Before Mile 1 there is already a cheering section from a local Women's Group.  The race support is fantastic, which helps because the route is not scenic - through downtown Hickory. 

I'm feeling pretty good, other than the fact I really have to use the restroom.  Shift happens.

Mile 3 - my Moto is pretty much right on at 3.12 miles.  The cheering volunteers are so energetic, it really helps to motivate.

Mile 5 - we loop back to where we started.  There are bathrooms!  I quickly run into the restrooms, and am promptly hit in the face with a thick cloud of cigarette smoke!?  Ugh.  I hold my breath and go as fast as possible, and get back outside, but I am upset.  Now I reek of smoke.  Let it go.  Shift happens.

Still about Mile 5, and we run past the Finish Line.  That is just plain cruel.  I'm making great time.  Might I sub-2 this race?  Is it possible?

Mile 6 - We are on a busy road and luckily there is a lot of police support.  The cars are being held up, so the runners can go.  I am sure that is a pain on a Saturday morning, but these drivers are awesome!  They are all sticking their hands out the car windows to high five us as we run by!!!  Thanks local drivers, for being so understanding!

Mile 8 and I am feeling pretty good.  I keep locating runners ahead of me, set them in my sights, and do my best to catch up, eventually passing.  This course is hilly.  Very hilly.  But I am learning that I am actually better on hills than flat. 

Until.

Mile 11.  How wonderful that the Boy Scout charity support at this point has ice cold towels for us?  They do!  And it feels sooooo good.  Especially because - Mile 11 is uphill. . .the entire way.  Not cool.  The other not cool factor?  Either my watch is off or the race is off, but I compare with runners around me, and it seems that we are about .5 miles ahead of what the signs indicate.  In a 13.1 mile race, that is a lot.  But. . .

Shift happens.

I know before I get to the finish.
I'm not going to sub-2 this race.
I'm disappointed; I'm soaked with sweat and my feet hurt.


Shift happens, and I am pretty darn proud of myself for shifting and PR'ing by over 5+ minutes on a hilly course.