15th Annual Ford Island Bridge Run

What a fun event! Parking was a bit of a headache so next year I’d go a little earlier. Weather looked dreary but ended up being just perfect; a little sunny then overcast. The run takes you through all the historical buildings; by the bowfin, behind the air museum and down and around the runway back up and through the renovated living quarters. Everyone was so lighthearted and friendly which made the run really fun. The best thing, though, were the snacks at the end of the run. After making the tredge back up&over the bridge, meadow gold trucks were waiting to pass out popsicles, milk, yogurt &cottage cheese. What a treat.
I’d definitely do this run again.

Unilocal 365 Challenge #122/​365
After the Great Aloha Run, I had the insane idea to sign up for another run… the 15^th Annual Ford Island Bridge Run, which is only 6.2 miles. I figure I would train on the days that I don’t attend TRX classes by running around my neighborhood.
However, there are times when plans don’t go according to your agenda especially for me. And I have that type of personality where it grates on my nerves and it will gnaw at me for days afterwards.
For instance, the past three weeks-​I haven’t been up to par in health. In fact, my coughing is still here but not as bad as before. I’ve only returned to TRX classes last Thursday.
So, for me to expect to do my best on race day… I was setting myself up to having too much of high expectations. Nevertheless, I still got up early plus I was using my running clothes – so all I had to do was put on my contacts, brush my hair, and brush my teeth.
Drove to the stadium but the gates weren’t open yet, so I drove to SackNSave to pick up bananas and water.
Parked in the Aloha Stadium overflow parking lot and ate a banana (I should have ate more as well as whole wheat bread but I didn’t). Drank some water and by 6:15, I decided to walk across to Richardson Field and waited with the rest of the runners/​walkers to be instructed to line up at the start line.
I stretched…
Observed…
Took pics of my shoes and surroundings…
Waved hi to a few co-​workers and silently prayed while reminding myself to pace myself.
7:00AM (It begins)
Ran slowly on the bridge… first HILL (I HATE HILLS)
Off the bridge and rounded the corner to the first mile marker and noticing in the far distance… the runners that were ELITE RUNNERS passing the four /​five mile MARKER.
And this is what happened…
I allowed discouragement to set in…(bad thing for me to do)
By the three mile marker… my stomach started burning because I burned up that LITTLE APPLE BANANA, which I had to slow my run down to where I decided to walk for my body to adjust.
However, I was allowing myself to notice other people especially walkers pass by me. So, I started jogging really slow. This is when the sun came out from the clouds and blast me with its rays (good thing I had a bottle water).
Another thing that slowed me down, (my fault!) was the fact that I was taking in all the historic building surroundings as well as making a note to go to Pacific Aviation to check out the planes!
The water stations were at perfect intervals but it was luke warm water. However, thank you to the volunteers who were quickly handing out waters and cheering us on.
As we rounded the last circle before heading back to the bridge, I noticed that some cars were impatient and attempting to drive in the midst of runners (boo!)
Finally, the bridge loomed ahead and at first I was jog/​walking behind other walkers before realizing that I am able to run around them. There were the camera people waiting to take pictures but um… NO, I was actually becoming grouchy because I swear… I hate hills. I had to run the hills on the bridge… then I had to run up the hill to round the corner to get to Richardson Field. I was not a happy person because I allowed discouragement to get the better of me. I was that irritated at everything, that I decided to sprint it just to get it over and done with.
The finishing time on the clock was 1:43:36, however, official time was 1:43:00 (I made it under two hours, thank God).
But, like a petulant child after accomplishing something, I just headed to the table that was offering water and gatorade. I grabbed my bottles and watched the awards ceremony.
Megan Clark (my trainer) at SOHI Fitness placed THIRD for OVERALL WOMEN in this event. How cool is that? Plus, the trophies were koa wood (I think).
There was some entertainment afterwards but I didn’t stay. I chose to pick up my grandson and rest for the remainder of the day.
Overall experience, it was a good run. It would have been a BETTER RUN if I did the following:
1) Eat a little more before the race
2) Understand that because I was just getting over being sick… my timing will be all right
3) Don’t look ahead to see the elite runners and get discouraged because after all, I am running for me and no one else…
4) To remember to take my inhaler before stepping out of the car
5) TO HAVE FUN
Will I do this one again next year? I think so.