My First 5K

It's ironic that I originally started this blog to document my training for my first 5K race. But when I finally managed to register & run in my first race, it takes me two weeks to post the results. But I guess it's better to blog late than to never blog at all, right? So here it goes... The race was an awesome experience! As I posted before, I decided to run in the Wasatch Women 5K/10K race on August 22nd. I was attracted to this race's women-only status & it's short distance. I figured there would be many women of different running levels there & I wouldn't be too embarrased. I'm still considerably out of shape, and knew I couldn't keep up with serious runners. Even though I'm far from my ideal body weight, & running level, I wanted to run this race anyway. I was running for the experience & to get a better idea of my current 5K time. In fact, I didn't really "train" for this race at all. I went to the gym twice in the two weeks prior to the race. I kept meaning to train outside, but the weather was so hot, I just couldn't get myself to run outside. I figured I could at least finish the race, and I didn't care exactly what my time was. But that doesn't mean I wasn't nervous. I've never run a race before. I've never expected myself to run outside, up hills, consistantly for 3.2 miles in front of 1300 people I didn't know. Considering the terrain & the hot weather, I set a personal goal of running the 5K in less than an hour. I know this is a terrible time, considering a "decent" 5K running time is around 20-30 min. But, for me, coming in less than an hour was going to be awesome. I talked Megan into running with me. She agreed, even though she HATES running. Her husband was also kind enough to arrive early with us & take a few "before" pictures. My parents arrived just before start time. It was awesome to have all that support. At the last minute, I decided to listen to my iPod while I ran/walked. I don't usually exercise with my iPod because I'm usually watching the latest video in the CardioCinema room at the gym. I also don't have a good place to keep it while I run. But I was really glad I used it that day. I was able to totally get "in the Zone," and focus on listening to my body. I could push myself harder than I normally would have. I found a good pace & started a quick jog/walk pattern. Before I knew it, I was rounding the corner to the finish line. As my foot crossed the line, I glanced up at the clock and saw 49.52! I came in less than 50 minutes! WOW! I never knew I could do that well! Megan did awesome, too. She had cut 7 min off her time from her first 5K race in May. Considering all the hills in the park, and the temperature hovering around 80 degrees, our times were especially sweet. I was emotional when I started the race & when I finsihed it. Hopefully next time I won't be such a boob. :) Here's a video of me crossing the finish line:



And here's some more pics:

Megan crying after crossing the finish line.

Megan & I hugging after I crossed the finish line.

The "After" picture. It's beautiful, isn't it?