Im not sure if I really like running but when your running in such a beautiful place it’s hard to focus on the running. We actually got to the race thirty minutes before hand so I had plenty of time to get the nerves going on how I was actually going to do this. Let me say this again, I have not run in over four months because of my yoga training. Groups of people sprawled every where doing there individual warm ups. As far as I was concerned, I didn’t want to do any of it for the sake of saving all my energy for this race. I was the lone gringa loca in the plaza standing still with a neon yellow running jacket on. I didn’t stand out at all.
The opening speeches are given about the proceeds being donated to children that are blind. Wow, didn’t know how awesome this was and now I am feeling even more driven to do well. The race begins with Malu by my side and quickly she waves me on to run ahead. I venture off into the crowd as the ecuadorians glimpse at my neon jacket and 5’8 self. By in large, Ecuadorians are pretty short people, thus I will be doing no shopping here. Not a bad thing I might add. Anyway, half way through I hit a wall of exhaustion and my mind starts to race on why that lady in the blue had looks thirty years older than I and still running faster than me. I should be able to do this. Every thought is about someone else. I carry on like this for a while and begin to walk. Just then a group of three pass me, one running a head, the second holding on the a pole with a kid holding the other end. I realize this was the guy that had given the speech at the beginning of the race with his son that is blind. What could he be thinking as a blind runner? Nothing about the lady in the blue hat that just moved over for him to pass her. Its all about him.
I start to repeat the things I want in my life, making it about me. "You are beautiful and are positive. You are going to shine your light for greater humanity. You are deserving of love and life." Repeat. My legs started to trot again and everything seemed to calm back down. I finished the race in 33 minutes, definitely not a good time but it didn’t matter. I had taken the first step to learning by focusing on everyone else I was only distracting myself from what I was feeling, self-doubt, not good enough and of course fat. In life, especially in the US, we entertain ourselves because we are scared to face what is really inside. I have been doing that for 24 years and in this more tranquil place I plan to learn how to be that person every day, not just during a race through the middle of the city.
After some celebration, we ate breakfast at Malu apartment and took a well deserved nap. We, Malu, Andersito and I, went to a bed and breakfast, Pinsaqui to eat lunch. The specific one was owned by the Larrea family which is Alex Grandmothers family name. The crest was beautiful that was printed throughout the old, plantation style house. We ate a delicious meal. I had pasta with mushrooms and vino sauce. It was one of the best sauces I have ever had. We then took a walk around the grounds. What a good day. I am so blessed to be in such a beautiful place with family.
The opening speeches are given about the proceeds being donated to children that are blind. Wow, didn’t know how awesome this was and now I am feeling even more driven to do well. The race begins with Malu by my side and quickly she waves me on to run ahead. I venture off into the crowd as the ecuadorians glimpse at my neon jacket and 5’8 self. By in large, Ecuadorians are pretty short people, thus I will be doing no shopping here. Not a bad thing I might add. Anyway, half way through I hit a wall of exhaustion and my mind starts to race on why that lady in the blue had looks thirty years older than I and still running faster than me. I should be able to do this. Every thought is about someone else. I carry on like this for a while and begin to walk. Just then a group of three pass me, one running a head, the second holding on the a pole with a kid holding the other end. I realize this was the guy that had given the speech at the beginning of the race with his son that is blind. What could he be thinking as a blind runner? Nothing about the lady in the blue hat that just moved over for him to pass her. Its all about him.
I start to repeat the things I want in my life, making it about me. "You are beautiful and are positive. You are going to shine your light for greater humanity. You are deserving of love and life." Repeat. My legs started to trot again and everything seemed to calm back down. I finished the race in 33 minutes, definitely not a good time but it didn’t matter. I had taken the first step to learning by focusing on everyone else I was only distracting myself from what I was feeling, self-doubt, not good enough and of course fat. In life, especially in the US, we entertain ourselves because we are scared to face what is really inside. I have been doing that for 24 years and in this more tranquil place I plan to learn how to be that person every day, not just during a race through the middle of the city.
After some celebration, we ate breakfast at Malu apartment and took a well deserved nap. We, Malu, Andersito and I, went to a bed and breakfast, Pinsaqui to eat lunch. The specific one was owned by the Larrea family which is Alex Grandmothers family name. The crest was beautiful that was printed throughout the old, plantation style house. We ate a delicious meal. I had pasta with mushrooms and vino sauce. It was one of the best sauces I have ever had. We then took a walk around the grounds. What a good day. I am so blessed to be in such a beautiful place with family.