It Was Soooooo Hot...

Well the 10K race of the Gay Games is now history. To say it was hot out there was an exaggeration. It was HOT!!! I think the temp was around 80 at the start(6a.m.). Cooler by the lake meant little this morning.

On my way to the race I encountered two runner from New York, and we chatted. One of them tried to talk me into joining a running group. Both were very friendly.

Once I got to Soldier Field, I found the race area. Got my bib and timing chip, and got ready. My friend Krys came out to cheer me on, and I was very happy to see her. The start was delayed due to the water stations not being ready. Once they were, the gun went off. No really, we weren't all in place, and the gun went off. So off we went.

My plan was to go slow and steady, and shoot for a time between 1:12-1:15. I was in the back of the pack. During the first few miles I ran along a woman. She and I chatted now and then, I just wanted to make sure she was doing ok. She seemed to be struggling. She told she would be fine, and soon went ahead.

The first three miles seemed to take forever. Soon the leaders were on their way back to the finish line. Many of the pack would cheer me on. "Go 277" many of them said. That really helped.

I took the hydration belt, but felt a bit silly, because I was the only one with one. Still better to drink then to die. One lesbian said I had enough gear, did I have chips and salsa. Ha ha.

At the turn around race volunteers told me I looked great and to keep going. I had forgotten my watch, so I had no idea what time I was doing. The last thrre miles were tough. The sun was hot, and I was walking much more on the return trip. I made sure I was drinking though.

At mile 4, I stopped for water. Two women from Australia gave me my water, and asked if I needed to cool off. I did, so they doused me with water. Yiiiiii! I joked with them, and then trotted on.

I was really wondering at this point how I ever did a half marathon. This was tough. Still what kept me going was the great view of the Chicago skyline. It was stunning.

Finally the finish line was in sight. People all along the way were cheering me on. I saw Krys right before the finish line, and she cheered me on. I was so happy to finish. I looked at the clock - 1:17:38. Not bad. Not too far off my goal.

My manager from work, Lisa came out to cheer me on, and I saw her after the finish. I was so glad to have a mini-cheering section.

Krys awarded me my Gay Games Medal(all athletes get a participation medal - I chose not to wear it until I earned it). The winner of the race came in around the 34 minute mark -woosh!

So I was hot, tired, but very happy. I DID IT!!!!!

Wednesday is the 5K. Hoping for cooler weather.

:-)Charlie