Legs for Life 5K

SackPack, flyers for other 5k's and a t-shirt was in the goodie bag.

First 5K bib!

Finishing strong!

I did something today that I NEVER thought I could do. I ran a 5k. Not once did I walk. Not once did I ever want to. The adrenaline rush was insane. I loved, every freaking minute of it. I did not know any other runners, but yet it felt like we were all family. A little bit before the 2nd mile marker, I started to get a side stitch. I slowed my pace down a lot. A guy came up running beside me cheering me on. It was very encouraging to have this complete stranger cheering me on. For the rest of the race we kept about the same pace. It was like we had been running buddies forever. We cheered an encouraged each other. I sprinted like hell for the last quarter of a mile, I have never had that much energy around mile 3. Honestly I felt like I could of ran another 1-2 miles easy, there was just that much adrenaline running through my veins.

I am addicted! There was not an aspect of today that wasn't perfect. I ran on a beautiful course, I ran with great people, and I did what I set out to accomplish. I ran my first 5k, and I didn't walk. I finally for once in my entire life feel like I have found something that I am meant to do and love. It is empowering to know that I just ran 3.1 miles, without stopping. Even though I did it, I still can't believe it. It actually brings tears to my eyes when I think about how far I have come.

Race Date: Saturday March 27, 2010

Place: 167/299 overall 7/21 in my class (25-29)
Time: 36:01*

Weather: 38 F Sunny & 10 MPR winds

I am off to find my next race, I have an official PR to beat.

AN INSPIRING STORY FROM MY 5K
After the 5K was finished it was time for the younger kids to do their 1 mile race. The "little legs for life." When the gun went of all of the kids came out sprinting in a large pack. One little girl tripped and feel down hitting her head on the pavement. Her dad swooped in and picked her up. He carried her for half of that mile as she cried. It was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen. I really had to choke back the tears. She ran the 2nd half of that mile by herself. This reminds me so much of the poem Footprints. Because just as her father did, our father carry's us through the hard times in our lives.

*Disclaimer-we did not have the time chips or whatever they were called it was a good 30-60 seconds after the gun went off before I was able to begin, because of all the people in front of me.