2319: STL GO!

We made it to the end of another week—though we still have Saturday and Sunday ahead! Here’s what’s new on my end:

Saturday, April 26th, I ran the 10K at the St. Louis GO Marathon with my good friend Ahmad Wilson. We’ve been training since January, and back then I could barely get through a mile without itching and burning. Now that same feeling doesn’t kick in until after six miles—a huge milestone for me, especially since I never imagined running a race, let alone two in a row, when I first laced up my shoes.

Honestly, the week before the race, I wasn’t sure I’d make it the full 6.2 miles. In six weeks of training, my longest run had been five miles, and I couldn’t shake the mental block about that extra 1.2. During our Tuesday and Thursday runs, we added distance gradually—starting at three miles, then four, then five—saving our “long run” for Saturday mornings. By Thursday, I remember thinking, “Maybe I rushed into this—maybe I should skip it and wait for another event.” There was no physical reason to quit, just fear in my head.

On Friday, Ahmad and I drove up to St. Louis—about an hour and a half from Carbondale—and checked into our hotel at 4 PM. With time to kill before the Cardinals game at 6:30, we grabbed lunch at Blue Ocean (10/10 would recommend if you’re in “the Lou”), then spent some time wandering the aquarium. By the time we returned, I was exhausted—and I took a short nap. When I woke up, a calm confidence had settled in.

Ade, my good friend and classmate, joined us, and we headed to Busch Stadium. There was something serene about sitting there with the boys, soaking up the atmosphere—and it reminded me of how grateful I am for the connections I’ve made here at SIU. The Cardinals won 3–2, and we headed back to the hotel.

Race day arrived at 5 AM. We left early to warm up and stretch; the morning air was chillier than expected, but nothing we hadn’t trained in. Race time was set for 7 AM. Time slowed until—boom—we were off.

• Mile 1: I felt surprisingly fast.
• Mile 2: We passed under the Arch; breathing was steady, pace around 7:50.
• Mile 3: Rolling hills brought me to my knees—literally—but I pushed through.
• Mile 4: Crossing the Missouri–Illinois state line felt endless, but I found a second wind.
• Mile 5: Back downtown, my legs came alive again.
• Mile 6: I pushed myself, knowing this was the final stretch.
• Final 0.2 miles: I sprinted as hard as I could and crossed the finish line in exactly 49:00 flat.

🎵 Song of the Week

"Travelin"
— Buddy Guy, Sinners Movie

🗣 Quote of the Week

“I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and new.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

📖 Scripture of the Week

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Until next time,
ZDD