My First 5K.

   Ok, I guess I can check one of my goals off my list. I participated in my first 5K today.  I was part of a team for my daughter's school and it was the Komen Breast cancer 5K. I finished in 47 minutes. I understand that is not exactly lightning speed, but it is faster than I thought I would be, and it landed me in the middle of the pack.  It is also better than I would have done if I had stayed in bed, considering it was Saturday and I did not want to get up at 6:15!  I was not dead last and am very thankful for that, and I am also glad that I finished. I thought that for my first time in a race since junior high, that was pretty good. I might point out that in jr. high I was carrying a lot less when I ran, but that is kind of the point of me running now, or at least one of them.
   The 5k was a good experience and I am so glad I did it. The people helping along the way on the sidelines were so encouraging, and helpful in putting a water station just when you needed it most. The people in the race, total strangers, were so encouraging to each other. Just when you felt like you could not keep going or keep pushing yourself someone would say something nice or encouraging, which I thought was so wonderful.  There were also people lined up for a pretty long stretch at the finish line to cheer you on which was nice and gave you the extra jolt that you needed.
    I am so glad that I did this and I will do another one sometime soon. I have learned several things that will come in handy for the next race. First off, 3.2 miles seems a lot longer when you are running it on a street as opposed to a track. Second, old fashioned brick streets will kill your ankles, run on the sidewalk, especially with an old ankle injury (me).  Wear a hat, visor, or sunglasses because when that sun is rising it is fiercely bright! Thankfully I wore a visor.  It might also be useful to you to wear some sort of under armor type shorts or pants depending on the weather to prevent chafing, (especially the girls). I was on the fence about this but I think I will do it next time, plus it helps if your shorts ride up or like to slip down a little. It is also nice to have a way to track how far you have gone and have music, like an iPhone with an armband.  I didn't have this, and some others did but some didn't. A positive attitude is key, cute clothes help too.  Running before hand is a must to not suffer during the race. Train to work up to it. I didn't run the whole thing I would like to but I'm not there yet.  I'm going to keep at it, you have to start somewhere. Next time maybe I will be able to run the whole thing a get a awesome time, but I feel a lot of satisfaction in knowing that today I finished. I have accomplished something I didn't think I could do less than a year ago, and that makes me feel good. It also makes me want to work harder in the mean time so I can keep up the fitness level I have and do even better next time.  Anyone can do this you have just got to start.