crim 2011

Yesterday was the Crim. My favorite race of the year. Last year, I ran the race in just over 68 minutes and was on the right track of running a 65 this year. The last couple of weeks, I had a few setbacks to say the least, so the new goal was just to finish without walking.

My dad came into town from Colorado just to run the race! Afterward, we had a "Hamel Crim After Party" to celebrate all the Hamels who ran or walked. We had 17 participants just from our family! How cool is that?!

I started the race off with Camden. We stayed together til about the Bradley Hills. We had a few "too fast" miles & we talked just a little too much haha. I heard someone shouting for him @ the hills & realized it was Scott, who by the way is doing amazing this year! I ran with him for the hill part and then told him to take off. (he broke the 70 minute barrier this year for the first time!)

After the hill, I was alone for the rest of the race. I got to about mile 7 and almost started crying. Not because I wasn't performing like I wanted, but because I was completing it and not letting anything (or anyone, ahem) get in the way of that. I have never felt that way during a race, I'm not even a crier. Ever. I finished the race in 71 flat. Not my best time, but not too shabby, considering. Lots of my friends & family ran their first Crim (or race ever!) Lots of my friends pr'd. My dad ran his first 10mile in under a 10 minute pace. My sister ran her first 10miles ever & didn't think she was gonna make it the day before! My mom & cousin ran the 5k! (yes, my mom ran!) Marley ran the 10mile, then jumped into the 5k "just because". And lots of other family and friends completed events too. It made me so proud that everyone was there, doing something healthy for themselves and having fun.

THEN the mile! I ran with Isabel for her race (duh, I wasn't gonna leave my 5 year old alone in down town Flint!) She did SO awesome during the race. We stopped twice for water, and we passed lots of people! Even adults! Her final time? 9:45!!!! The fastest mile she ever ran before was 10:50. I cried when I looked at my watch. I was so proud of her little legs & her big willpower! I NEVER cry, I'm almost embarrassed to even admit it haha. But yesterday was just so... good. 

Next year's goal is of course, 65 minutes. I'm determined to be back there again. But for now, I have a marathon in a few short weeks that needs to be focused on.

I love running.