You're Stronger Than You Think You Are
Lessons from J&A Racing's Virginia Beach 5k (part of the VB 10 Miler Weekend)
The Mental Challenge of Running
To toe the line of any race is an accomplishment in itself. But doing so while struggling to find your rhythm as a runner requires an even greater mental effort.
The past year has been a rough journey, both physically and mentally, especially since hyper-extending my knee on June 16, 2023 (yes, I remember the exact date). Since then, I’ve faced highs and lows, trying to regain the fitness level I had during the 2023 Shamrock race. Yet, I haven't been able to get back to that place.
I currently find myself in a season where I am not measuring success solely by how fast I can run. Instead, I’ve shifted focus towards supporting and encouraging the running community around me. But in the back of my mind, something felt missing in my personal running journey. I still have goals, and I know I can achieve them while also helping others.
I truly cherish the moments when I help others achieve their goals, but I also have aspirations of my own. That mindset brought me to the start line of the 5K during the Virginia Beach 10 Miler Weekend.
The Journey to Race Day
Earlier in the week, I had recommitted to running consistently. Unlike previous weeks, I actually followed through, sticking to a plan focused on easy and recovery paces. Although I knew I could push harder, my priority was avoiding the injuries and nagging pains that had hindered me in recent months.
As the week progressed, I felt good—positive and balanced. My runs were interspersed with recovery walks to keep my body loose. Still, I had one lingering question: where was my fitness? Summer heat makes it hard to gauge progress, and I wasn’t about to do a time trial just to find out.
This 5K provided an opportunity to assess my fitness, even though the heat wouldn't give me a perfect read. Still, I figured it could offer some insight before cooler weather arrived. The flat course at Virginia Beach, with few turns, made for a favorable setup.
You can check out the course here.
Race Day – Pushing Beyond the Finish
My goal was simple: finish the race. But there was more to it than just crossing the line—isn’t that always the case? I wanted to race hard, give a solid effort, and feel exhausted at the finish. I wanted to test my limits, push myself harder than I had in a long time.
When the starting horn sounded, I felt comfortable and focused. In the early stages, I let the crowd dictate my pace. As the race spread out, I gradually picked up speed and settled into a rhythm. Everything felt automatic, ticking off the kilometers as I pushed myself, but without overexerting (yet).
Around the second mile, the race became more challenging. We moved from the shaded streets into full sun exposure on the boardwalk, just as fatigue was setting in. I dug deep, telling myself to hold on until the finish.
Learning My Lesson
When I crossed the finish line, I was exhausted but proud. My time, 25:41, was far from a personal best, but considering the heat and humidity, I knew it was a solid effort. I estimated that, in better conditions, I could have shaved off about 90 seconds. Mentally, I surprised myself more than physically.
The lesson I learned? I’m stronger than I often give myself credit for. Too often, we focus on what we’ve lost instead of recognizing what we’ve held onto. That strength is worth celebrating.
An Always Awesome Party
The thing about running on Labor Day weekend in Virginia Beach is that all concepts of “best efforts” are often thrown out the window because of the weather. 2007 was the last time I did a Labor Day Weekend race, and I almsot forgot how truly uncomfortable it is to race in this kind of weather. However, the thing I love most about the VB 10 Miler weekend (as it is with most J&A races), is the party atmosphere that the celebration is.
I got to take time to reflect on my accomplishment while also celebrating those who have become a part of this journey. We are all strong and can do hard things. Whether it is finishing at the front, and surprising ourselves with a victory. Or, we are crossing the finish line with a hard fought personal best. Especially, if we have the audacity to toe the starting line with hundreds-maybe thousands-of others, only to cross the finish line, care only about our time and celebrate the others.
We are stronger than we give ourselves credit for, and no matter the effort, every accomplishment is worth a party!!!
CHEERS IT UP
