12k! Count it!

At 9:38 this morning i joined 20,000 people in running to raise money for Cancer research. This event offered a 5k and a 12k course, which went seperate ways throughout the city of Firenze. I decided i would like to challenge myself by training for the 12k course and id say that i was quite prepared because not only did i finish but i spent 51 minutes passing people. Once making our way around the Duomo we made our way through town towards the river then along the river to the San Frediano neighborhood. Once entering Boboli Gardens i decided to continue passing people climbing the slopes using my calves to propel myself forward. Once at the top, the race bordered Fort Belvedere then descended back down into the center of the San Niccolo neighborhood. From there we made our way up towards San Miniata and Piazzale Michelangelo which overlook the entire city. By this time i had passed pretty much everyone whose pace was less than mine and pretty much cruise controlled down the hill. I knew i was well on my way towards completing the race when i was crossing the river back into the old city. From there i made my way past Santa Croce and inched closer to the finish line in Piazza Della Signoria.. the finish really snuck up on me after a 90 degree left turn but i was thrilled to be so close and decided to finish in high gear.

At 10:29 i arrived ,12 kilometers and 51 minutes later, at a surprising and quite satisfying conclusion. Crossing the finish line i found it difficult to tell my body to stop running. I gladly took the opportunity however and joined some friends in enjoying prepared fruit and bottled water.

I feel pretty proud to have completed this race considering i ve never even excelled in a 5k race before. This time however i put in some serious hours and miles training and it paid off. Crossing the finish line i was very tired but had need be, i believe i could have easily kept going. I think i want more.. more 12Ks, more miles,... maybe a half marathon? Maybe that's a bit naive but then again 12k once seemed out of the picture.. im pretty sure if i train, i can do whatever i want to. We ll see.