My First 5K

Almost 2 years ago, I got a treadmill and started running almost every morning before my family got up. I started by running one mile and slowly worked up to 1 1/2 miles. I didn't have time in the morning to run much more than that, as my children are very early risers. Months later, I remember calling Rich at work and telling him I had run 2 miles that morning. I was so proud! He said he was going to look online for a 5K for me to run in and I said, "no way!" He was sure I could do it, but I didn't have nearly as much confidence in myself. My good friend, Connie, and I decided together that it should be a goal for us to do that someday. That was last summer. A few months ago I decided to give up my regular running time to God, as my time with Him had been squeezed in at other times of the day and not been nearly as profitable as it needed to be. I was scared, since I thought I might be giving up running altogether, but I prayed that He would help me still make time for it. It's all worked out great! Anna and I began running together and have really pushed each other to better fitness. So, we decided to run a 5K on June 19th.

Anna, Connie, Anna's sister Melinda, and I ran together. We were all a little apprehensive, but it was awesome! Melinda and I eventually pulled ahead and evidently wanted to run a little faster. I was really glad she was there - I think it was good for both us. Connie and Anna stuck together just a little ways behind us. We did the whole way without stopping to walk and I even sprinted at the end (Rich said I had to). I admit that in that last mile, I was totally wiped and felt that I was running pretty fast. I thought I must be shaving quite a bit off my regular time, which is about 10 minutes a mile. I even pictured myself placing in my age group! Ha... I ended up coming in 60th, which was probably about half-way. Looking back, I do remember seeing quite a few really booking it at the beginning - they must have finished way ahead of me! I knew my competitive nature would show itself, even though I had told myself I just wanted to say I had done it. Reality came back and reminded me of how far I had come and all that I had to be proud of. My time was 30 min, 32 seconds. Rich says I can take a little more off that since I started far back behind the start line in the large crowd that took a while to get going. Also, at the one mile marker, I high-fived Avery and Allie and then Allie decided she wanted to follow me. I slowed down quite a bit there, trying to get her to go back to Daddy!

Overall, I had a great time with my friends and I'm really proud of all of us. I'm definitely going to keep pushing myself and maybe someday run a 10K or maybe even a half-marathon! A girl can dream...