Slow and Steady

I was in my first race last night.

Erik & I, along with a few coworkers, participated in the Corporate Challenge. I knew I was going to be walking it, but I didn't care, I wanted to do it.

I stayed in the back, where they marked for "walkers," but there weren't many of us. That was a disadvantage, because I was in the back the whole time. I made sure I wasn't dead last, but at one point that did become the case because people behind me, were dropping out, quitting, and leaving.

I stayed.

When we rounded back to the Boston Common, the organizers were packing it up. Other walkers said "fuck it," and decided to walk through the Gardens.

No. I wouldn't do that. I was finishing this race, dammit.

I crossed the finish line by myself, at 1:04:37.

There, on the other side, was Erik, beaming, arms outstretched as he caught me. "You did it," he whispered in my ear, "you finished." I started bawling, exhausted and fucking proud of myself.

Let's see next year if I can run it. :)