One thing I learned from the Nature Valley Run: always believe in yourself and never pass up a challenge.
Sadly, I didn’t do that months ago when the registration was still open. So I was back to being a spectator slash uber fan for hubby during the second leg of the RunRio trilogy.
But I was happy to be there to share one of his important milestones: to run his first 21k.
This story is not about me. It’s about the man who inspired me to run.
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We were up early again this time and we triple checked to make sure that we’ve got everything we needed before leaving.
We arrived at the Fort at a little past 4am but there were already a number of participants who were there before us.
We hardly finished two rounds around High Street when we saw more people fill up the venue. The organizers were already calling the 21k runners to assemble at the starting chute.
The sea of runners could easily have been in the thousands. The mix of emotions was so palpable, you can almost taste the anxiety, determination, passion.
I thought 3k was such a long distance but as we all watched the 21k route being flashed on the big screen, all I could say was: Crazy. Their route seemed to go on forever.
But Kernie said he will finish it for me. And for the Haagen Dazs. The hosts announced that all 21k finishers will get a pint of expensively delicious ice cream.
As the gun start went off at 5:10 am, everyone was pumped and raring to go.
The moon was still up when they emptied the strip.
Kernan was gunning for 2:45 so I had two hours more to wait before I stand by at the finish line. I was tempted to sleep but attempted to practice running instead.
Even with my Ipod on, it was difficult to focus on my run. There were too many people around High Street. Then again, part of me wished I was running the race too. But it was too late for regrets now. I just resolved I would join the third leg at the end of the year.
Two whole hours had passed before I returned to the finish line.
I could see runners walking and running toward the finish with determined looks on their faces. And when they’re just a few strides away, you can see that look turning into a big smile – the sign of victory.
Two hours and thirty minutes had passed. No sight of Kernan but I imagined him getting nearer and nearer to the finish line. I’ve witnessed several times how determined he is and I was confident he would make it.
After another minute, I saw him running from the distance. A big smile started spreading across my face. My star runner made it. He crossed the finish line at 2:32!
All the mornings he would wake up early to practice running around UP had paid off.
But I believe an important part of it was his determination to set bigger goals for himself. Despite his own fears, he dared to go beyond his limits.
I couldn’t have been prouder. I was just happy I was there to capture his winning moment.
He ran. He conquered.
One day soon, I will conquer this distance with him. We are partners for life. With him running by my side, I know I can do anything.
In the meantime, we’ll continue practicing, training and running.
And I’ll be eating ice cream. 
I’m Jayme, a runner’s wife and a running mom to two girls aged three and two.
Cool! My next run is this weekend… Miles for Smiles at the Fort....
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