California Day 3: RACE DAY!

Thoday was the biggest day of my life so far. I was up at 4am after little sleep, was dressed, had breakfast, and met my team downstairs by 5:15am.

Team Challenge New England - Napa 2013

We were out of the hotel, on the bus, and on the road before the sun even came up! In fact, here's a photo of the sun rising on our way to the starting line:



Leslie and I sat together on the bus and chatted the whole way. It felt like a long ride, and it was chilly, but we finally made it to Cuivason Estate Winery where the rest of the runners were getting ready:

Dede's panorama shot of the runner prep area

My non-panorama view of the runners at the Estate

Amazing to see all the runners in orange running for Team Challenge!

We spent some time stretching, taking photos, checking our bags, waiting in the bathroom line, and getting pumped!

Team Challenge New England getting ready!

With my mentor, Leslie, during warm-ups

Sporting my Team Challenge gear and getting pumped!

Beautiful view of the vineyards!

Great photo of Leslie with the vineyards in the background!

Then it was finally time to line up, and Leslie and I thought we were going to miss the start because we were standing in line for the bathroom for so long ;) But we made it! The line seemed to go on forever...

The line behind us...

...The line ahead of us!

And then we were off! Leslie and I ran together for the entire race. We didn't see anyone else from Team New England at the very beginning. We tried starting out slow because there was a huge hill right off the bat. But after mile 1 we sped up to a 10 minute per mile pace, and kept it strong until about mile 8.

We ran into Alicia and the other managers/coaches around mile 2 or 3.

Go Team Challenge!

Cheering stations!

Cheering stations in action!

We ran past Sam Madison around mile 3 or 4 - and then we just kept passing people! We were totally on a roll. I wish I had taken more photos of the scenery while we were running, but it pretty much all looked the same - in a good way :) Besides, I took it in for myself, enjoyed it, and kept running!

I took this photo from my teammate Rocco

Photo from my teammate Dede

Photo from Dede

Photo from Dede

Coach Dave caught up with us around mile 8 or 9, just when I was starting to feel exhausted. He ran with us for a couple of miles and gave us lots of kind words of encouragement. He told me what I already knew - that we could do it, and we could meet our time goal. Coach Dave (as well as Coaches Jenny and Chris) were there for us all season when we needed a boost. They seemed to be right by my side when I needed it the most - pushing me to go further or faster, pepping me up when I didn't feel so great, and reminding me why I am running with Team Challenge in the first place. Our coaches really are the best - thanks Coach Dave, Coach Jenny, and Coach Chris!

Coach Dave on the course! (Photo from Dede)

It was at this point though that I new we started out way too fast. We had to slow down for a few minutes and even walk several times. I had my shot blocs and my water, but nothing seemed to help me catch my breath, get a jolt, or stop my knees from throbbing. Leslie (did I mention she ran by my side the entire way?) kept reminding me that, "This is what Heartbreak Hill was for!" and I kept pushing. Leslie, thank you for your constant encouragement and moral support!

We ran into Alicia again around mile 10 or 11 or so (at least I think, I definitely lost track by then). She was so excited to see us, and ran alongside us for a minute to snap our photo :)

I'm actually smiling in this one!

Around mile 10 or 11 bystanders started popping up along the course that reminded us things like "only 5k to go!" and "less than 1 mile left - you can do it!" There were even some guys at the end of their driveway handing out shots of Guinness! (I passed if you hadn't guessed)

The Guinness guys! (Photo from my teammate Dede)

Also from Dede - the last stretch towards Sonoma Square! (Photo from Dede)

That was also around when the sun started to come out in full swing. Previously, It has been cloudy, breezy, and a cool 60 degrees with zero humidity. Perfect race day weather! But, alas, it was time to get my freckle on!

Finally, the end was in sight! Or at least we could hear the music and announcer from the finish line when we rounded the last corner in downtown Sonoma. I looked at Leslie and said, "That's the finish line. Wanna go for it?" She nodded her head, and we sprinted the last quarter or so mile to the end.

Sprinting towards the finish with what Nick calls my "race face"

Just before the finish I saw Nick on the sidelines to my right. I waved and blew a kiss, and that's right about when I started to cry.

Official finish time: 2:18:18 - yes!

I don't know if it it was the emotion from seeing him with his big grin smiling at me, whether it was because I was in so much pain, because I had finally finished, or because I saw the clock and was devastated because I thought I had ruined Leslie's chance at finishing sub-2:20, but the tears started to roll. I tried my hardest to hold them back, but I think everything from the entire weekend caught up with me all at that moment.

They handed us our finishers medals just inside the gate, and Leslie's sister was there to meet us and take our picture (photos coming soon!). Seconds later Nick was by my side and we were embracing. "I did it! I can't believe I did it!" I remember saying to him, trying to hide my tears. And just like that, the race was finished and the four of us were off to the Team Challenge tent to check in and let them know we finished.

But, WOW. What an incredible experience! It took some time for me to wind down, stretch, and prevent myself from just collapsing on the grass. But Nick and I enjoyed the after party with the free music, food, and most importantly - wine! We hung out for quite some time before heading to the local winery to buy a thank you gift for Duane and Julie, and then to the car to drive back to Davis for our last evening on the West Coast.

Finishers' medals that are practically the size of my face!

I did it!

Using Nick to hold me up while I stretch post-race

The last runner coming in!

Music too! (Photo from Dede)

Cheers to victory!

Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, to Alicia (the team manager), and to Nick, for making this day, this weekend, this last 6 months, the most incredible experience of my!

13.1 miles strong,
ashley

Post-race Sonoma scenery

More Sonoma scenery