My brother and I ran a 5k together this morning. I had decided earlier in the week that I would be running this 5k in memory of Dom, who lost his battle with cancer on Sunday, August 15, 2010. Dom was a very good friend of my friend
Joe. I was also competing with my brother for the "family champion" title. Right before the race started, I looked up and thought of Dom. My plan was to start out with my brother and keep him in sight. Boy did we start out fast (6:40 pace according to the Garmin around 1/4 mile in). I realized I needed to slow down a bit. I just kept my sights on my brother and made it to mile 1 in 7:23. Perfect! And then, it happened, I blew up and slowed down to an 8:05 second mile split. I tried to pick up the pace for the third mile. I managed a 7:55 third mile. I didn't worry about my final tenth split at all because at that point my mind went back to the reason I was running today, to cross that finish line in honor of Dom and suppport of Joe. And cross that line I did, in a time of 23:45. In the end I did not beat my brother. However, I did improve a lot since last year's 5k "showdown". Last year my brother beat me by over two minutes and today he finish one minute and twenty five seconds in front of me in a time of 22:20. Although, he still holds the "family champion" title, I did manage to win in regards to age group placing. My brother got second in his age group and I managed to get FIRST!! Winning isn't everything, but I had a great time trying. The best part of today's race was the fact that I ran all 3.1 miles for Dom, an amazing man, who will truly be missed. Below are some pictures of our 5K run for Dom.
My brother and I before the race. I even wore a running skirt today in the hopes that I would beat him and could tell him he had been beaten by a "skirt".
My brother and I post race. Notice I no longer have my headband. Should have worn my Bondi Band. The off brand one I wore fell off during my final kick which is not an issue with the Bondi Bands as they stay put.
Me with my age group award. First place in the 35-39 division.
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!
Jodi - Congratulations on taking First in your Age Group today! That is just a phenomenal effort - and you running in memory of my good friend Dom really makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteI think your brother better watch out or his defense of the "family title" will be in serious jeopardy next year.
Thank you so much again Jodi for all of your love and support. I know Dom was smiling down on you at the finish. Best from Austin, Joe
Hi Joe. Thank you so much for the kind words. I surely hope I can beat my brother eventually. I'm getting faster each year so that is a good sign (although so is he....). It was truly my honor to run in memory of Dom today and I know for a fact that he was smiling down on me at the finish because the moment I crossed the line the sun came back out!! It had been overcast for literally the entire race until I crossed the line and stopped my watch!!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome Jodi! I really felt him this morning as for the first time in WEEKS there was a breeze blowing for a tough tempo run I had on the schedule - made it a great morning.
ReplyDeleteCongrats again on a great race!
1st place AG!! Woo hoo! Nice job. You'll take the family title soon!
ReplyDeleteWow, Jodi! What an amazing run and a 1st place finish! I bet that trophy will be your most meaningful one ever.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your award, that is so cool!!
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