^{PLACE & TIME:}  Robin 3rd, 43:08

                Anna 1st (1st Soares across line)

(Click on Pictures to make larger)

Robin's Story..

It's a beautiful morning in Davis!  On our drive I felt really close to the Lord.  We were singing some worship songs. I just feel so blessed I can do this race.. especially when others can't.  Like Troy.  I'm dedicating this race to him.  He is my gift from God and I feel fortunate to call him my husband.

We're a little late.  Earlier I had forgot my running shoes (oops!) and we had to go back.  My prep time is shorter.  That's ok as it means less standing around and getting nervous.  This race is special to me because it was the race I started, to benefit the Davis High Cross Country team.  It still does.

I run into Beth Bourne.  I'm excited to see what she'll do today...probably sub-40!  I got the chance to run with her a few weeks ago at Teresa Clark's (former roomie) wedding shower run. 

A huge crowd has lined up.  Somehow we have to get from 20 people across to 4 people across within 100 meters!  It's going to be an interesting start! 

Ready, set, go!  Despite being stuck behind another runner, I'm able to get through the bottle neck without injury!  We run down into the tunnel and back up the other side.  This is the extent of the hills here and I'm grateful for that coming off a triathlon in hilly Lake of the Pines.  I have no clue who's in the 10k or the 5k.  I remind myself not to go crazy, but to hold back.

I see I'm running just under 7min pace.  I would love to stay at this pace. Will see what my body is capable of.  I see Beth in the distance with her GVH teammates (Golden Valley Harriers).  I hope she wins it today!

Mile 1 is 6:57.  Okay, it's a good start.  I pass a young girl and her father who are "exchange runners" from Japan.  I tell them good job and they thank me...such a polite response!  Up ahead I see the runners split off for the 5k.  Now I know who I'm racing against.  I see 2 girls ahead of me to shoot for.  Let's see what pace I can hold over the next mile. 

Mile 2 is 6:58.  These flats are a big help for staying under 7min pace.  One of the girls is 30 feet ahead.  I think it won't be hard to catch her.  As I try to push, she seems to pick it up, too.  I want to get by her and then go after the other girl.

Mile 3 is 6:53.  I now only see the girl in front of me.  The other is too far ahead.  My body is feeling the strain and fatigue more and more as I go.  My brain also feels the strain and fatigue.  Quickly, the Lord reminds me of Troy and it helps me to suck it up and keep going.

Mile 4 is 6:57.  Just when I think I'm making ground on her, it seems like she pulls away.  I'm able to pass a few guys but she continues to allude me.  I remember what Troy always says, you never know what can happen.  I keep hoping for an opportunity to catch up.

Mile 5 is 6:52.  Strained and fatigued, but my legs are still carrying me along well...thanks God!  I'm starting to doubt I can catch her but continue to press on.  Now she's coming back to me!  This might be possible. 

With less than 1/2 a mile to go, I'm right with her.  I plan to pass going through the underpass.  I think back to the famous Ironman race (the "Iron War") where Dave Scott lost to Mark Allen because he planned his move too late.  I take a risk and wait.  I push into the underpass and am able to pass.  I tell her good job.

Mile 6 is 6:43.  I push as much as I can and don't look back.  I'm hurting really good and my stomach is starting to churn...just a little farther. 

I finally make the last turn and see my wonderful family waiting.  I give Anna a high five and push to the finish.  Thanks God!  You helped me do it!  You got me here!

I congratulate the girl and also Beth who did finish under 40 minutes!

Race Results

Anna's Story...

I always like watching Mommy and the other really fast runners do their race.  My muscles are getting bigger all the time and I think I'll go pretty fast today.

Yay, there's Mommy!  She runs through the finish.  Now it's my turn.

I'm at the starting line.  I make sure my foot is right behind the line.  There's the race guy... he's funny.  We all shout, "Yes! we're going to have fun!"

He's playing Simon Says and showing us stretches.  Stretching makes me run faster.

I like being next to all these kids, this is going to be fun.

Go!  There's mommy and daddy taking pictures.  I smile and keep running.  I remember this loop, with the ducks down in the water.  Over the bridge.

Mommy's taking so many pictures and trying to help me but I'm fine, "you go ahead, mommy"  I can make it, I can make it.  I see the people smiling and cheering.  There's daddy.  Only 1 more loop.  I'm getting tired and want some water.  Oh, there's the finish line... just like mommy's race!  Yay, a medal!  That was fun.  Daddy points to the girl that won.  I go over an tell her good job.  Everybody did a good job.  We all got medals.