The 5k is finished, and yes, I finished it! And in a respectable time, for my first race. Not any record-breaking, medal-winning time, mind you. But respectable: 33:16

I discovered that (for me) the trick to running faster is to run with someone beside you; someone who will shame you into running faster and longer. I ran beside my sister-in-law, Kim. And while my training had consisted of alternating between one minute of running and one minute of walking, Kim just runs. And although this was also her first 5k, well, the girl runs better and longer than me. So there I was, running beside her, thinking man, I don’t want to be the one to stop and walk first… But of course I was the one who stopped and walked first, but not before running the longest stretch of my life. I found out that trying to keep up with a pack makes me faster and better. I finished a good 10 minutes ahead of what I was afraid I’d finish.

Jon (who finished in 20 minutes and a few odd seconds, and placed 11th overall) crossed the finish line, got his bottle of water, and then ran back to find me… with camera in hand. I tried to smile and act like it wasn’t such a big deal, that my legs weren’t just moving back and forth of their own accord… but, well, they were. I was pretty tired. But he clicked some pictures of me running my first race. (So there are some really unattractive, sweaty pics of me up on flickr, if you really want to look.  I discovered during this, my first race, that I am a very unattractive person when working out.)

I may be hooked on this whole 5k thing. I loved the whole goodie bag perk with the race tshirt, which I can now wear around like I am a totally serious runner person.  I loved the free breakfast afterward, with the orange slices and raffle prizes. It’s a really fun atmosphere. And though I will never in a million years “place”, staying in decent enough shape to run three miles every few weekends seems like a good thing to me.  There are supposed to be official pics of the race posted here in the near future. I know there is at least one of me and Jon warming up, pre-race (before it got really ugly).

I think it’s important to note here that my hubby was robbed. Somehow, they did not get his age entered in properly, so he wasn’t included in his age bracket results. He should have placed 2nd in the 25-34 Men’s group… but he will have to go to the grave without his just prize! (I think the prize for second place was Jazz tickets, and he has season tickets anyway… but still. I felt bad that he didn’t get the recognition.)  Complete race results are here.  You will have to scroll faaaaaar down to find me… and you probably have better things to do with your time.

Thanks to all of those who wished me happy birthday wishes. It was a good day. And I didn’t die, so sorry… none of you can have any of my stuff yet. (Sorry Kate, I’m keeping my bike for now… and I even got a new basket for it for my birthday!)

6 Comments »

1. Good job! That’s really not a bad time at all, you can be proud of that one! And just think that by the end of the summer maybe it will be a piece of cake.

   Comment by Sam — March 9, 2008 @ 6:31 pm

2. Congrats, you are my hero! I would like you to know that you inspired me to think a whole lot more about getting in shape. =) =)

   Comment by Diana — March 10, 2008 @ 4:59 am

3. Suz, you forget that you did beat me in the end. Thanks for running by me it was fun and I can’t wait for the next one.

   Comment by Kim — March 10, 2008 @ 7:02 am

4. I’m so impressed. Yowza. And happy birthday!!

   Comment by Lisa Milton — March 10, 2008 @ 7:05 am

5. You totally rock. I would never get near this type of activity of my own accord, especially on or around my birthday…

   And I don’t believe your protests of looking unattractive ever. (Except maybe with the weird silver-tinted lighting).

   Comment by stephanie — March 10, 2008 @ 7:30 pm

6. Congratulations! You did so great!

   Comment by Leslie — March 14, 2008 @ 4:15 pm

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment