So this morning I ran the YMCA 5k and finished in 37:05. So cool, since my goal was 45 min. During all my training I was averaging an 11 min mile and I figured I would probably walk some and I’m also a big fan of giving myself a generous amount of time for these things.
This was my first 5k or any kind of race ever. I was scared at first seeing all these people because I’m used to running alone. Once we started it was actually a lot of fun, hearing other’s conversations and running with Nikki and Cara. I heard this one girl say to herself, “wedding dress, wedding dress,” and I had to laugh. It’s nice to know other people chant things to themselves like I do. I also learned about Girls on the Run and I saw this little girl running with tears in her eyes. I almost cried, just thinking about how finishing something is such a huge self-esteem booster.
Sure 5k is not a huge distance but it’s farther than I have ever run before and I’m proud of that. Now my goal is to run the Lexington Half Marathon in March.
We met this guy who is going to do an Ironman event in Utah in May and his training efforts including getting in some tent that will make you feel like you are in higher elevations. I don’t understand. Cara said something like those people do things I can’t even think about doing and I agree, but that’s when I realized a year ago the people getting up to run 5k in 20 degree weather on a Saturday morning were the people I thought were crazy and now I’m one of those people.
I’m ready to say goodbye to 2009 but it is the year that I finally realized how to take care of my body, I just can’t wait till 2010 is the year I’m running half-marathons!
