Confidence builder

Over the winter, my main focus for training was on the bike. I would run, but not nearly the mileage I was while I was training for my fall races when I was running 5 days a week. Winter runs were normally after cycle class for 15-20 minutes twice a week & one longer run on Saturdays. My first running race of the season was yesterday. Originally, it was the

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. Because of my shoulder injury, I switched over to the 5k to use it as a test run before the MCM 17.75 I am running this Saturday. I hadn't been able to run in 2 weeks & was not sure what was going to happen when I started. I had mentally prepared myself for walking. I had a goal in my mind of 31:00 in case I was able to run the entire race. I wasn't thinking that was going to be possible given the way I felt that morning. It was a beautiful morning & 46 degrees at race time. The cooler temps allowed for me to wear my long sleeve shirt & running skirt - it was the perfect weather! As I crossed the starting line, I started my Garmin and said a little prayer that all would go well. After spending the first 1/2 mile weaving in & out of people and focusing on how my shoulder was feeling (not great), I decided it was time for rule #5 & said stop thinking about the shoulder - it wasn't that bad & I was still running. When I hit the 1 mile mark, my watch beeped & I checked the time - 10:22. I was thrilled when I saw that time because it meant I didn't go out super fast like I have in the past.  I thought to myself - I can do this & I can probably even finish in under 31 minutes. So I kept looking forward & enjoyed the sights & cheered for the lead runners as they were heading back towards the finish. At the turn around point, I grabbed some water & was feeling pretty good. At the 2 mile mark, I checked my watch & was shocked when it said 8:59. I started thinking about negative splits & that kept me going. I was cruising along and checking my watch more often to make sure I was maintaining a good pace. I focused on my breathing & realized I wasn't quite breathless (which is a good thing!) at the 2.8 mile mark, so I clicked the watch over to check my heart rate. I was just below my AT. This was a shock too because I am usually over my AT for the entire race. I must have really been doing something right.  I could see the finish line ahead & said it was go time. So I kicked it up a notch & went for it.  I heard my watch beep mile 3 so I took a quick glance & saw 8:43. That number helped push me the last 1/10 of a mile to the finish.  My watch time was 29:07 & the official was 29:08. I was thrilled with the results considering I had shown up thinking I was going to have to walk to be able to finish. It wasn't a PR (28:30), but I never thought I was going to have a race like that. One of the things I like to do is see where I rank in the final standings.  I have never been more that in the top 30-40% of people in the race.  I know this was more of a fun run & most of the runners were doing the 10 miler, but I loved seeing these numbers. Overall, I was 296 out of 2143 & 144 out of 1545 women. I don't know what will happen on Saturday, but yesterday gave me a much needed confidence boost & I know I will be able to get through the 17.75k even if I have to walk some  Trust in your training - I have been told that for months & it was only yesterday that I really understood it. If I can stay focused on the simple things like one foot in front of the other & ignore the self doubt in my mind, I know I will be able to finish strong & with a smile!