…and some days you ROCK it.

One thing I continually learn in this life is that I should never underestimate myself. This weekend was a prime example of this.

A month or two ago, I signed up for a local event with a friend of mine. It was a 4 mile course that ran up to a local landmark and back down. I had not been to that particular area, so while I assume everything is going to be hilly (this is Colorado, after all) I had no idea exactly what was in store for me the day of the event.

Fast forward to last week when I was out and about town with some friends of mine, and they casually pointed out the landmark in the distance.

I looked at the little speck resting halfway up the mountain far away and gulped, “Wait, THAT’S it?”

Reality set in. This wasn’t just “hilly” it was a hill. Correction: a mountain.

The days passed and the event got closer and closer. we had a late cold snap come through with snow and sleet (thanks, Colorado) and as I hauled out my ‘cold weather” running gear, I dreaded the low temps that would be there for the start of the race. Side note: I am now a complete wimp when it comes to cold. 75+ pounds less insulation will do that to a girl.

But I cowgirled up, got dressed, and headed to the start with my friend.

As we stood among the growing crowd, I kept glancing up the hill. This was not going to be easy.

After a while the starting bell rang and the herd was off. I started running, slowly, of course, then soon realized that that wasn’t going to last for the next 2 miles, so I changed to a fast walk and would run every so often. There was no reprieve from the climbing. It was up and up and up.

I also noticed that almost everyone else was walking, too. Apparently, this was the best way to tackle the course for most of us average humans.

A little after the water stop at mile one, the front runner came barreling down the hill. While the leaders in a race often look a little strained from maintaining their winning pace, I’m going to have to say that the leaders of this one earned their medals. They all looked like they had put in much more than was usually expected of a “short” race.

I kept my head down and focused on the ground in front of me-a trick I often used to use in cycling. A hill seems more manageable when you only look at a few feet of it at a time.

I worked on maintaining a steady pace, knowing the return trip would be a bit easier. I heard drums in the distance – and some music. I was getting closer to the turnaround.

Volunteers cheered us up and let us know that it was just around the corner. Mile two – done. Now for the downhill.

At this point, I had no idea what my pace was, how much time elapsed or where I was in the pack – though I knew I was at least in the middle. After downing a cup of water, I started a comfortable jog and told myself I would run the entire way down.

I kept my legs loose, pace even, and I really felt good.

I was feeling happy.

I passed by my friend as she was finishing her trip up and I glanced over to the beautiful view from time to time, but I did not slow or stop. This snail was on a mission!

Another side note for this run, I forgot my earbuds, so this was the first time I had run without music. It was interesting. I eavesdropped on conversations (couldn’t be helped) and listened to the footfalls of my fellow runners. I heard birds flying around, and the occasional rustling in the bushes alongside the route. It was nice to know I didn’t need the music to keep me going. Not having Future Islands singing in my ear also meant I could hear the finish line cheering as I made my way down the hill. That is always a wonderful sound.

I went past mile marker 3 – only 1 more to go. I was rocking this run!

I even had enough air to make a few jokes with a couple pushing a stroller that kept looping around me.

Before I knew it, I crossed the finish line and when I glanced over to the time clock, I made it under an hour.

I was elated.

Before I knew official stats from my Garmin and the actual race chip, I was already stunned at my time. Again, I had walked the first half of the race up hill. I must have done pretty good on the downhill!

A volunteer handed me a cup of water, I snapped a FINISH selfie, and made my way down the hill for a snack and to grab my shirt. My emotions were definitely high.

As I nibbled (ok, devoured) half of a bagel, I made my way back up to the finish to cheer my friend in. I felt great.

After a little bit, I spotted her coming down the hill and I cheered for her as much as the other volunteers did and we both celebrated finishing a rather challenging course.

We took a quick turn around the booths at the finish area then made our way to the car where we both decided food was in order.

At the restaurant, I looked at my event stats on the Garmin app.

Again, I was stunned.

I’d somehow managed to keep a nice pace in the walk up – and especially nice for my normal snail standards. But then I looked at the pace per mile downhill. Holy cow. I managed my fastest two miles ever. Fast enough, they offset the slower walking pace up and I ended up with close to a PR for an event! Cloud Nine just floated a little higher, my friends.

I tucked into my generous breakfast and felt real pride at how I had done. I’m still smiling as I write this.

To confirm the day’s fabulousness, I received an email from the event with my official times:

I came in 441 out of 1053 participants.

I placed 22 out of 57 in my class.

These stats are from someone who has LITERALLY come in last more than once in events. I managed to come in the top half!

It’s possible I may print that email out and frame it. I kid you not.

After spending the week dreading it, chastising myself for not running much the last few weeks, and trying to convince myself the whole thing was going to suck. I ROCKED IT.

Always remember you should not underestimate yourselves and what you’re capable of – you never know when you will truly surprise yourself with what you can do.