A while back, bijou offered up a TOTD that asked what skill would we want that we don't currently have. I said that I would love to run in a race. A couple of posters were very encouraging and said I should do it. I took those encouraging words and along with my resolution to do stupid shit this year because I'm turning 30, I got off my duff and decided to do it.
So, about 8 weeks ago, I started training for my first 5K race. Training has been daunting, and amazing. I've discovered that with a little effort, my body can go farther and faster than I ever thought.
The first week of training was torture for me. I had to run 60 seconds and walk 90 seconds for a 20-minute period. Each week, the running intervals would increase and I would initially think there is no way I could do it. But I proved myself wrong every time. I was able to run a 14:00 mile the first time about 5 weeks after I started training. I was elated.
Today was race day. I ran in the 12th Annual Run for Literacy at the Westgate City Center. It's a stones throw away from the Coyotes' Arena and the Cardinals Stadium.
I knew I was a slow runner so I had the following goals in mind: 1) Come in under 45:00. 2) Beat at least some of the walkers. 3) Have fun.
I can proudly say that I reached ALL of those goals today!
The race was hard. It was hot. The temperature was only in the high 70's but we were running into the sun for a good portion of the race, so it felt much hotter. I had to walk some of it because I was simply too hot and tired to go much faster. I thought I had drank enough water the day before and morning of but I guess not. There was only one water station at around mile 2. I gladly took advantage of it.
The course was flat so I didn't have to navigate any hills. As I made my way along the course, I found my nemesis in a female power walker who was actually ahead of me for a considerable part of the race. I made her my sole focus for the rest of the race. I was determined to cross the finish line before the power walker. I did, but barely. On the last leg of the race, we were going straight into the sun again and I felt physically ill. I was considering how it would look if I pulled myself over and puked. But I kept it down and pushed forward.
My dad said a girl actually did puke as soon as she crossed the finish line. So I'm glad to hear it wasn't just me. I'm guessing a whole lot of the runners were dehydrated. I truly wasn't expecting to feel that hot. Lesson learned.
My whole family came out to support me and cheer me on which was so awesome.
I crossed the finish line at 41:38. I came in 201st place and 29th out of 30 in my age group (25-29). I don't know if it was because the race was small or what (about 600 participants), but the Announcer Guy was still announcing finishers when I made it. He said, "Bib number 196, Jennifer *********** is crossing the finish line now!" That felt good.
Post-race refreshments included a banana, a Rice Krispie bite, and water. Lots of water. And sitting in the shade. I did that for a while.
Then my whole family went to the ******* Barrel to celebrate. After a 2-hour nap, I feel a little better. And I'm already trying to decide what my next race will be.
