Lindsey Mastis

I didn’t think of it until I crossed the starting line. But I was running with my iPhone for the first time and wanted a reason to lug it along. I decided to update everyone using Foursquare for a couple reasons. First, people would know where I was in the course. Second, I could easily post the updates on Twitter and Facebook. And because I knew it would be posted on Facebook, I made sure to take a lot of pictures.

 

Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run
Pumped up! Ready to run!!!

Lincoln Memorial
20 mins into run. Feeling great!

The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
My foot is falling asleep, but still have energy!

Sand Volleyball Courts By The Lincoln Memorial
5k completed!!!!

Thomas Jefferson Memorial
How much longer???

Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run
2 miles left!!!

Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run
FINISH LINE!!!!

I got a bunch of comments. Knowing there were people watching my progress gave me motivation. Overall– the race was wonderful. Patrick and I started in the green wave (second to last) which allowed me time to Foursquare, and take pictures with the digital camera I brought along. My right foot fell asleep about 25 minutes into the run. It’s a problem I’ve had for a long time and I’m about ready to try a new brand of shoe. I had to keep taking a time out to stretch my foot and wait for the feeling to return before running again. It really slowed me down.

Fairly close to the beginning of the race, I saw the juggler. This guy comes every year. We were both running under the Kennedy Center. It was where runners are on both sides going different directions. So I jumped the median (it’s more like a stone sidewalk) and caught up to him. I snapped a few pictures. And then I jumped the median again and continued running. Wish I knew who this guy is. I’d love to see how he trains.

Later on, I saw one runner down, and another being given oxygen. I don’t know whether they collided or fell, but it looked painful. All the runners that passed talked and we all hope they are okay.

There were so many kind people on the course. Twice, a runner stopped to take my picture during the race. Race volunteers not only handed out water and Gatorade, they cheered us on.  And just when I ran out of energy, there was a guy giving out beer and Oreos. I took two oreos and kept going.

As soon as I got close to the finish line, I typed “FINISH LINE” on my iPhone. I got ready to take a picture. As soon as I crossed the finish line I stopped and snapped a picture for Foursquare. I was so concerned about letting people know I finished, I forgot to take a picture with my good camera at the finish line. But I do have some photos of me and Patrick with our finishers medals.

After the run, I read all the Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare messages. It made me feel so good to know that others could take the journey with me. This is the first race of the season for me, and I can’t wait to run again!