Published: July 29, 2009 09:30 am      

Happy ending to Bix training

I ran with the best of the best during Saturday’s 35th annual Quad-City Times Bix 7. I was definitely in my element Saturday. I was so happy to be standing on Brady Street with bright sunshine and cool temperatures to guide my 7-mile journey. I just soaked in the moments before the gun went off. I reflected on my road to the Bix 7 five years ago. I trained a year through rain, snow and ice to get to that point — to stand with elite runners from around the world. Every year that I come back to the Bix is like coming home again — to a place I could never imagine not coming back to.

I always feel a common bond with this group of runners. You can see the determination and drive in their eyes. We all have that common hunger to reach the finish line. I always take a moment before the race to talk to God. He has been my coach from the very beginning of my running journey. He has guided my footsteps farther than I could have ever dreamed. He not only runs with me at the Bix 7 but every day in this journey called life.

After the gun was fired, we all gradually started moving up Brady Street hill like a herd of cattle. We were elbow to elbow and running shoe to running shoe. If you get claustrophobic easily, then this race is not for you. As I was running up the hill, I couldn’t believe the mass of people in front of me. It is truly quite a site — one that never gets old.

Once I reached the top of the hill, I knew my journey was only beginning with six more miles in front of me. I was very focused — probably more focused than I have been in years past. I am constantly coaching myself through each step and hill and back again. “You’re doing good. Stay on track. Just worry about yourself and no one else. This is your time. Please dear God, please be with me. I can’t do this without you.” You could never start this journey with a negative attitude. For me, attitude is everything during this challenging run.

The spectators are amazing along the Bix 7 route. They are part of the reason why this race is so special. You have cheerleaders from every direction pumping up your confidence level, spraying you with cool water or giving you a high five. I can’t imagine the race without them. We also had some canine fans, which I always like.

I also adore all of the volunteers who stand at the water stations. They might want to think of investing in some umpire masks to ward off the paper cups that come flying back — sorry.

After the four-mile turnaround, I knew I was going to make it and the worst was behind me. I just kept plugging on and when I reached the sixth mile, I was sporting the biggest grin you have ever seen. Some runners looked exhausted but not me. I was having the time of my life. I raised my arms above my head and gave the crowd a thumbs up. I also was thrilled to see my parents as I was edging toward the finish line.

Costumes are also part of the Bix 7 and I had a mermaid running beside me at the end. I also saw a group of Elvis’ too. Maybe next year I should wear a chicken hat. I thought about writing “chicken mamma” on the back of my shirt but opted against it. What do you think?

As I reached the end, I looked to the heavens and said “thank you.” I think that is always very important. I have had many dreams during my life including singing on Broadway but this dream actually came true five years ago and is still coming true today.

At the end, my time was 1:12:20; a personal best. This was three minutes faster than last year — not too bad for a chicken mamma. I received a 35th anniversary medallion, which felt really good to hold by the way. All I wanted at that point was water and more water and my Whitey’s popsicle. I wanted to find that Whitey’s truck in the worst possible way and there it finally was like a beacon shining bright amidst a large mass of sweaty people. That popsicle never tasted so good. I am a Whitey’s poster child, what can I say?

I gradually made it through the after-race party grabbing a few other goodies and more water and finally back to Brady to meet up with my parents to grab an early lunch. It’s amazing how hungry you get after running seven miles. They were starving too since we left home around 5:45 a.m.

I couldn’t be happier with my performance Saturday. I am obviously not a fast runner like winners Molly Huddle and Meb Keflezighi; I would have to wear Rollerblades to keep up with them. I consider all the runners at the Bix 7 to be my sweat brothers and sisters. I want to congratulate each and every one of you. It’s always great when running dreams come true.



Angie Bicker is the lifestyles editor with the Clinton Herald. She has been with the Herald since 2001.