Confessions of a First Time 5Ker

I ran my first 5K last night: the Candlelight Run. I set a goal and yesterday was Race Day!

We dropped the girls off at my parents' house and headed over to the race. We checked in an hour and a half before the race and discovered they had already handed out all their goody bags! Luckily we knew the person at the Sportsclub booth so we could get some free 5 day passes (hint: it was my sister). I was so excited to pin on my number and to attach the chip to my shoe. I felt like a real runner. Except that I noticed that everyone around me had these super tiny ipods to run with. Turns out they were ipod shuffles. Learn something new.

Erin & I headed towards the middle of the 2000 people racing for the start and I was so pumped about actually running that I forgot to start my watch when I crossed the start line. I didn't remember until about a minute into the race. Note for next time: start your watch when you hear all the beeping!

We had heard that the course had changed so that the finish was downhill. What we didn't know was that 1.5 of the first 2 miles was a slow, steady uphill. I had forgotten to start my watch, the miles weren't marked and Jonathan was running with his GPS watch that I usually borrow for runs so I just kinda ran. I tried to keep a good steady pace and I hoped it was enough to get me in under 30.

I felt good through the race and I finished strong and fast. But I crossed the line at 30:50 and I wasn't sure how much time had passed between the clock starting and my crossing the start line. Finally this evening they posted the times.

29:28

I did it. I am so proud of my accomplishment. I totally have a runner's high. I actually compared it to labor- not the physical aspect so much but the sense of accomplishment and awe that came right after. I think I want to do this again. Maybe I'll aim for the 28s.

Thanks Erin H- I don't think I would have committed to the race and trained if you hadn't agreed to come run with me!