I have never run a more stressful 5K in my life!

20 woke up early and was raring to go and, I’ll be honest, I panicked a bit at her obvious motivation so I jumped out of bed, chugged a protein drink, and dressed for battle.

As the group of runners clustered and waited for the start, I felt my heart thumping against my chest. We all started the move towards the start strip and my brain declared “Fuck all! Just run, do your best, and don’t worry about it.”

Fat chance.

I lost 20 in the crowd almost immediately so it was akin to running through a dark forest, never knowing exactly where the snarling beast is lurking — you know it’s there though, and you also know that you very likely won’t make it out alive. I just ran for my life, not knowing if she was behind me or ahead of me already.

This route has only one turn around. That was my only chance to gauge my competition. I saw my spouse running towards me in the opposite direction. That was no big surprise but I did not see 20. I made the tight U turn and keep looking for my younger look alike. She was behind me! We locked eyes as we passed each other and flipped each other off (both with fingers and Monica/Ross style). I saw the lightening flash in her eyes as she kicked into hyperdrive. Oh, shit!

There was still about another mile to go and I had pushed myself harder than usual at the start so I seriously questioned my ability to stay ahead of her. I hit a mental brick wall when I saw a long incline ahead of me and I had to walk for a bit. I told myself I’d walk only to the bridge, then the 2nd bridge, then the street sign. I was totally mentally screwing myself while looking behind me to see if she was gaining on me.

Xanadu 🎶 started on my iPod and I got my second wind. I slapped myself in the ass and lifted one heavy foot after the other while wondering if my walk had given her the time she needed to catch up.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

I picked up speed as I saw people turning the final corner up ahead. I knew the end was near, I just had to keep going and hope I didn’t see her streak past me….

Dear 20: My love, my life, my child — suck it!

51: 35:09

20: 39:27