With far too little training, I launched out on my first 5K run this last Saturday. I knew that if I did not get my foot in the water so to speak, I'd never get wet. It was a perfect day to begin what I hope will be the first of countless other great running experiences. It was cool, the sun was trying to break through the clouds and to be honest I was extremely excited about getting under way.
The run is sponsored to remember Molly Dattilo, a green eyed college student that went missing without a trace. On July 6, 2004, Molly was last seen by family and friends on the west side of
Indianapolis where she was attending classes at IUPUI. Molly was only 23 years old at the time and unfortunately no one has been charged in her disappearance. Her family did win a judgement against two men they claim were involved in her probable death. The race also seeks to promote Molly's great love of running in the local area. Along with the 5K, there was a half mile and mile race for the local elementary school children.
After registering and getting my packet, I pinned my number to my chest (816), changed my shoes and ran down the riverfront trying to loosen up. The runners began to migrate towards the start line, a prayer was offered, and the National Anthem was played. (It was a recording of Molly herself, which I thought was neat.) We got in position and the gun sounded the start of the race.
I have been run/walking around 14:45-15:00 minute miles in what little training I've done over the last month. The adrenaline factor must have kicked in because I ran the first mile in 12:05. (That explained why I was fighting the dry heaves going past the visitors center.) Even though I was moving at a good pace for me, everyone else was moving past me. Children, runners pushing children, the elderly, a man smoking... you get the picture. I kept hearing the crowd behind me shouting out encouragement for one of the local doctors. "Go Dr. Ellis. You look great Dr. Ellis. We're proud of you You're gaining on him Dr. Ellis." Well, I made up that last one but he did catch me and pass me right before that first mile. The last time I saw him was on his way back in on the out and back course along the river. I checked later and saw that he finished about two minutes ahead of me, which is not bad for 70+. Way to go Dr. Ellis.
My one great hope was that I'd finish ahead of the 10 year old boy that I had managed to keep pace with for the majority of the run. As we passed the Lumber Mill Antique Mall again, I mentioned that his right shoe lace had come untied. If he just stooped down for the few seconds it would take to tie it, I knew that I could crush his will by bolting off on a crazy eyed last ditch run for the finish line. He looked down at his right foot and looked back up at me. He didn't break stride but a little smile crept across his face. I believe he knew what lurked in my dark heart. We turned down the last hill, one block from the river and we could both see the finish line in the distance. As we stared down the last three blocks, he took off, no doubt energized by some need to beat the big guy that had been pacing him for the last three miles. Hope faded as he pulled away. Something else happened as I tried to finish the last 200 yards strong. I saw the clock and I was beating my goal of 45 minutes. 37:57:82, I was a winner after all!
I look forward to my next run. Remember, keep running Madison.
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| Father and son finishing together. |
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