Well, I did it! I survived my 5K!
On Friday night, I did a “test run”. I didn’t know if it would be a good idea to go running so close to my 5K, but I needed to prove to myself that I could do it.
We went to a local trail, which was very peaceful! I did my normal 10K training run, and then just started running, to see how far I could go!
Sammy just enjoyed the ride … my hubby rode his bike alongside me, with Sammy in the backpack, and took all these pictures!
I just kept going, and I felt great! It made me feel so much better about my race the next day!
Whoa!
Saturday was race day! The race started at 8am, but took place right across the street from us, so it was super convenient! I decided to wear the same clothes I had from my last training run, because it worked so well! (Yes, I washed them!)
Waiting in line to get my race packet -
The concept of this race was that they had “racing stars”, supposedly local athletes, would would be “pacers”. You picked your pace, and each star would lead a group of racers that picked a particular time. The longest time was 31 +, and that is what I picked! I was hoping to finish in 35 minutes.
Hello #183!
It was 40 degrees when we started over to the race start, but the sun was out, and it warmed up quickly! I took off my sweats and sweatshirt, and was so glad I did! And I was sooo glad for my hat – it is my lucky hat!
Chick-fil–A was a sponsor in case you are wondering …
Starting time with the other 31+ ers!
I decided to run as much as I could, and take walk breaks if I needed to. I really haven’t ran without stopping for more than 20 minutes, so I knew this would be a stretch. And it didn’t help that right before we started, the announcer said this was a really tough 5K. Gee thanks!
My motto while running – never ever ever ever give up. And smile – it makes me feel better, and makes everyone wonder what I am up to!
The race was an out and back – so 1.5 miles out, and then you turned around and came back. The “back” route was slightly different – it was mainly on sidewalks. This is the one beef I had regarding this race. The first 3/4 of the race was really well marked. Then it was mysteriously not marked. When I got to the part that was not marked, there was no one around me! There were people ahead of me, and people behind me, so I had no idea what to do, and I am very directionally challenged. I took my best guess, which happened to be right! Whew!
Also, the last part of the race was the hardest with a bunch of hills! What the heck! I looked at one hill, and decided there was no WAY I was going to run it. Lol. So, I think because of that, my time was a little longer than I was hoping for.
I love looking to the hills for strength – when the going gets tough, I just watch the mountains!
What did you do with my mommy???
Almost there …
When I saw the end, I started sprinting! I knew I could finish strong!
I was over 35 minutes, but you know, that’s ok.
100 pounds ago, I never thought this was possible, and I am pretty proud of that.
Plus I got my first ever medal!!!!
Cause I’m a FINISHER!
After the race, there was a race expo that I wanted to go to. It really wasn’t much … just a few booths, but one thing I wanted to do was get fitted for actual running shoes. My right leg hurt SO BAD after the race – all the muscles in that leg were just TIGHT, but my left leg was fine! I was wearing the shoes I had been training in, but I wanted to get fitted for shoes that would work the best for me.
We ended up going to a local running store, and I got a pair of shoes that I love! They are Brooks Defyance 5. I am excited to run in them! The guy fitting me could hardly believe the shoes I had been wearing… they were pretty bad. Surprisingly, my arch and stride are pretty normal! I felt instantly better when I put on different shoes!
Plus I got a GPS watch that I am super excited about! I really do love running, it makes me feel so strong and fit. Running is hard for me, but I feel it is so worth it! In a month, I will be at a spot in my training where I am ready to run a 5K, so I am currently looking for another one to sign up for, and hopefully my time will be better!
Lastly – a challenge update. This last week was hard on me – I was pushing it extra hard to feel like I could compete in this 5K. My measurements are pretty much the same – sometimes measuring myself makes me CRAZY because I can measure the same place 5 times and get different results each time! And my weight is down .6 of a pound … does that count for anything? But, my clothes are feeling a little looser, so I am encouraged!
Happy Sunday!
Congrats on the run, great job!
Jacky recently posted..Picture This
Congratulations!!!!! I’m in awe, since I can’t run a block. I can walk all day long however. Love that photo of Sammy in the back pack.
Lea Ann recently posted..Glazed Carrots with Grapes and Walnuts
Congrats!! You rocked it!
Rhonda recently posted..Quick Kofte
Congrats!!!
Awesome! You must feel SO proud and happy!
I’m so happy for you to have had this experience!
Lisa recently posted..PB Cups with a Cacao Nib Layer
Congratulations Jane! Amazing job on your 5K. New sneakers and a GPS watch are a great way to reward yourself for a job well done. I think the photos of you with a big smile on your face say it all. It’s about going out there, doing your best and having fun!
Also what a gorgeous sight those mountains are to look at. I wouldn’t mind having them as a back drop to my runs.
Aimee recently posted..Sunny Saturday
Thank you so much! I love the mountains — so much! Growing up in Illinois, I always thought the “hills” were “mountains”.
Now I know what real mountains are and they do give me so much strength!
Congratulations, Jane!!! Sammy looks very proud of you. I think the only way I’d finish a 5K would be if someone carried me in a backpack too!
Jane recently posted..JUST A QUICK NOTE
It was so funny – we were going to leave Sammy at home because it was a little chilly out, but he wanted to come, so we stuffed him in his backpack
Hope you are feeling better!
Way to go!! That’s awesome – loved reading this!
Thank you so much!!
What a beautiful day you had for the run. You look great Janie…..The matalic taste is slowly ebbing and my appetite is getting better. So I
need to walk. Since the ice is not as much of a
threat on the walkways, have no excuse especially
with the L O N G E R Days!….Sun setting a little
after 10PM AT….soon it will be mostly light all
night. Love your Blog Honey, keep it up! Mom Mc
ahhh, thank you so much! Spruce will enjoy the walks too!!
Congratulations! Yey! Well done, Jane! And you deserved that medal! I am so-so proud of you!
Thank you so much!
What joy! You set a goal and went for it! It is very satisfying to know this about oneself….
You looked great and with your support group there to uplift you, I knew you could do it!
m.
maria recently posted..a living testimony
Thank you so much Maria, my support group was pretty awesome!
Congratulations on the 5K!! That’s amazing!
Congratulations! I *love* that big smile, too!
Lori recently posted..SASS Yourself Slim book
You look so joyous in your race pictures – congratulations on finishing! And you got a medal, too??? How fun!
ahhhh thank you!
It was my first medal ever, I was so excited!