My neighborhood was having a 5K on Memorial Day. My awesome Zumba teacher thought it would be fun if some of us did it! So I signed up at the beginning of May and Blake literally laughed at me. He has been running 5 mornings a week for a couple years. I hated running and honestly thought runners were a little cuckoo for enjoying it. I figured I was in decent shape from Zumba so it couldn't be too hard, right?!
My first run was a Saturday morning and it was HOT. I downloaded the Runkeeper app (which I LOVE by the way) and started a Zumba channel on Pandora and took off. My goal was to get to 3 miles. I would run for a bit, then walk for a bit. It was hard but I did it. I ended up going 2.82 miles in 30:32 so 10:51 pace. So not too bad!!
It was hard to fit runs in before the 5K because it was May (HOT) and I had Claire at home of course. I starting setting little goals for myself. Run during the verse, walk during the chorus. Then run for a verse and chorus, walk the next verse. Etc. Slowly but surely, I started walking less and running more. I got in a total of 10 runs before the race. Based on my progress, I set a goal of 10 min mile pace.
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| Before the race. This stinker was up a lot that night so I think I got around 5 hours of sleep! |
That morning, I was nervous but excited. It was cloudy so that was nice. Everyone had told me to make sure I don't start out too fast. They said it's a common mistake. Your adrenaline kicks in and you are trying to keep up with everyone but later you burn out. I felt strong when it started and tried to find a spot. It was different running with all these people in the way!! :) When my app let me know my stats at 5 minutes, I was amazed at my pace! I had never run for a mile without stopping but I was feeling good so I kept running. Finished the first mile in 9:08!!! (according to my app which was a little off of the official results) I paid for it in the second mile. I got a side stitch and ended up walking more than I would have liked so 10:31 pace. By the third mile, I knew I was almost done so I was able to kick it up again. I was slowly passing people and that felt good and helped to motivate me. That mile was 10:09 pace. As I saw the 3rd mile marker, I purposely walked for a bit because I wanted to finish strong. As I rounded the corner to the finish line, I saw my sweet husband and daughter waving at me and cheering me on. Not gonna lie. I started tearing up. Crossed the finish line in 31:38 so just so 10:11 pace. 16th in the female 25-40 age bracket. The pace wasn't quite my goal but in fairness my app gave me 9:57 pace and that is what I've been using. Overall I was so happy and proud of myself! And I do have to say Blake was impressed :)
So that is my long winded way of saying, don't be scared!!! And don't worry if you aren't that fast! I am just competitive with myself and others so I wanted to do the best that I could. I was proud of my progress and that I did something different, and I actually enjoyed it!!
I was going to say more but this is long enough. I'll have to do another post on what kept me running and my second 5K. And one on my weight loss.
Join me on my next one!!! November 8th for Bridging for Tomorrow!!
Bridging for Tomorrow 5K
