5K">My First 5K
On Saturday, I ran a 5k race. Originally, I had planned (or hoped to plan) to run the half marathon with Jason. As time passed, it became evident that was not going to happen. Between me missing running days to meet other commitments, getting sick, finding out I had asthma, and feeling all around frustrated, I just couldn’t do it. I stopped running altogether at the end of October after a particularly nasty cold. Then, I decided to pick it back up in February, and things were going alright until another nasty cold which left me unable to do any training for about 2 weeks. Even though I knew I wouldn’t make my goal, I decided to participate anyway.
The morning was cold and a little chaotic as no one around me really seemed to know what was going on. As I got closer to the starting line, I felt more and more nervous. I started off running pretty well. Then, I sort of just crashed. I couldn’t breathe well. I am not sure if it was from the cold air or the nerves or a combination of both, but after about the first 3/4 of a mile, I felt pretty bad for the rest of the race. I ran/walked, and I was able to run the last kilometer or so and finish at a running pace, but I really wasn’t all that happy with my inagural running experience.
I placed 2800 out of 4500 participants. I was 329 out of 487 in my division. I was 1775 out of 3117 for women. My gun time was 48:01, and my actual time was 41:00. My pace was 13:12 per mile. I am not overly excited about this, but I guess everyone starts somewhere, right?
Still much better than I could do! I envy runners. I often wish my knees would handle running.
But you know what? You went out there, and you did it! You stuck to it, and you finished your goal! I think that’s amazing.
On the first day with your first baby, you don’t nurse a toddler but if you don’t nurse that first day, week, month, you almost never nurse a toddler. I think of running a 5K to be the same. You took the first steps and maybe you’ll do more in the future but for now, be proud of the first race. Now I need to get off my duff and start running again.
It’s good to hear what’s new with you.
That is great! I have only ran one 5k, a few years ago. It was a local race, put on by the park district. I thought, “great — there should be lots of runners of all abilities there, so at least I won’t come in last.”
We got there (my husband was running with me) and it became very clear that there weren’t a lot of casual runners at this race. It was mostly the college cross-country team that showed up.
Long story short, I didn’t come in last. My husband did. He MADE me cross the finish line before him so that I could never say I was last.
I still had fun and am glad I did it, and really want to be ready to do another one!
Anyway, great job!! I hope your shins are feeling better — we have the whole summer ahead of us to keep working at this running thing. Have you considered the Twin-Cities 10-mile race?
Good for you and great job! I ran my first 5K in May. I have my second one this weekend, which probably wasn’t the best plan considering I am STILL recovering from BlogHer. It was great meeting you there!