Meeting Meb Keflezighi

Wednesday, June 5, 2013, was National Running Day if you didn't get that from my last post, the blog world, or Faceworld. This was an extra special day, because I would get to run with Meb Keflezighi leading our 5k run. This event was hosted by Houston Chevron Marathon Committee. How freaking exciting?! Just one or two problems...my back hurt (read post here) and I was still sick. What to do? What to do?

I did what any stupid runner would do; I put that stuff aside and showed up anyways. Although, I had a plan to only run one mile and then just walk the rest of the 3.1 miles. Yes, that is a good plan. If my back started hurting or I couldn't breathe, I would stop running earlier. Easy Peasy.

Getting in to Memorial Park was difficult since the traffic was still bad at 6 p.m. I worried that I wouldn't be able to find a place to park, because there would be a lot of people there and it's 15 minutes until this run started, but I found a spot right by the event location. There were lots of booths, news crews, and people getting ready for the run. I tried to find the Houston Striders, but I didn't get the memo about wearing a Finisher shirt (I haven't finished a marathon yet). I wore my Striders shirt and was the only one. Anyways, I got back to the tent where Meb was signing autographs, which concidentally was next to the start line. I swear I didn't plan this. Then, they announced group picture shot and start. I literally took two steps and was the second row right behind Meb. How freaking cool was that?

Asking all of us to get in line and of course, everyone waited to see where Meb went.

That's Meb looking around to see what would happen.

He's ready to start, but doesn't really understand why we haven't.

He looks at the kids to start with him.

Finally, he leads the pack and everyone is yelling out to go slow.

Finally, we were off. Oh, it was hot and sweaty already. I moved quickly to the right side and ran slowly.  didn't really have time to get ready before we started. Meaning...I forgot to set my watch up and I was putting my headphones on during the run. Lots of people passed me, but that's okay. I just kept chugging along. I noticed immediately that my back didn't hurt like the previous day. I'm just going to have to limit my runs to gravel for awhile before I can get back on to pavement.

As you remember, my plan was to run one mile without stopping (unless I'm in pain or can't breathe). Well, I made it to the 1.5 mile marker before stopping. I really felt good and didn't feel the need to end at the 1 mile marker. I managed to run a few times more, but not much and not that long. My running was more like run 1 minute, walk 4 minutes. Since the drought and devastation to the trees last year, there was less shade. I felt the heat and sun. Yes, mother, I put on my sunblock. 

I rolled up to the end line at about 45 minutes, which isn't bad considering how much walking I did. Then, I got in line to meet Meb and get some autographs. I talked with the rep for Stretchers (Meb's shoe) and managed to purchase a book (which he also signed). I even got my picture with Meb and shook his hand.

We're like besties now...seriously...okay, maybe not.

I had to take my picture with the banner.

The book I bought, with autograph.

The other item is a picture of him and the 2012 Houston Chevron Marathon program, which is the Olympic qualifer for the 2012 London Olympics (you know that he got 4th in).

This was probably one of the more memorable runs that I have done besides my half marathon. I was super excited and it was well worth any pain or sickness backlash. I did stop by the store on the way home to get some Epsom Salt and took a nice long, hot bath. My muscles didn't ache as bad the next morning (but could also have been the massage).

On a side note, I should have read all that was involved with that run so that I would have been more prepared, such as bringing old shoes to donate, cash, and $25 for a donation. I only brought $5 cash and donated it, but will go to One Fund Boston to make up the difference.