Three months ago I did something that I had sorta, kinda thought about doing for along time.
I tried doing it on my own last year and the year before but never stuck with it.
In July – it stuck.
I started running.
This is THE follow up to this post I wrote back in August.
We set a goal for ourselves and WE MET IT.
We raced our very first official 5k together. Trek or Treat – we couldn’t have picked a better race to start with. It was a blast.
My running buddies each have a 12 year old who have been running with us every now and then throughout the course of our program. For all of their hard work – we let them join us on the run.
We decided early on that we would dress up as Rockstars because that was our theme throughout the C25K program. We thought about going as Chilean Miners but didn’t think running in hardhats would be a good idea (even though headlamps were required for the run).
Rockstars…pretty easy to dress up as Rockstars. One would think.
I ended up looking more like a funky Cleopatra
Getting ready was reminiscent of our younger days, getting ready for a dance. Lots of make up and lots of laughing. But without the underage drinking.
After caking our faces full of makeup and pulling our makeshift costumes together we were ready to go!
After caking our faces full of makeup and pulling our makeshift costumes together we were ready to go!
(can we pause here for just a sec? WTF is wrong with my eyes…? anyone…?)
Once there we picked up our bibs and kits. It was pure excitement there in amongst all the other racers.
(heading out to the start)
We headed to the start line. Counted down and we were off! Well..mostly. The start of a run is always a bit tricky (I’m told). The first 50 feet of my actual running were great. Then my friggin wig fell off and I had to carry it through the entire course. It was a bit of a pain in the ass but I just used it as a pompom to cheer us on.
Last week Cam asked what I would win if I won the race. I told him there was no way I was going to win. I told Cam that my goal was to finish. I didn’t care how long it took, I wanted to run 5k and cross the finish line. With my buddies. The end of the course was uphill and we were getting tired. But then we could hear cheering in the distance. Suddenly the finish line was in sight. The adrenaline kicked in and we took off. We crossed the finish line together.
Arms raised with people cheering and clapping. It was quite a rush – as many of you racers can attest, I’m sure.
The kids crossed the line at 29mins.
Our time was 36:17. Pretty respectable for our first race. We were so proud of ourselves.
Not only was it hard work getting through the program, but logistically making the time to do it was hard work. Kim and Kelly each have 2 kids. I have 3 and we are all very busy moms.
So ensuring that we each got our 3 runs a week in and trying to do them together or in pairs was tricky at times. But we did it.
(after the race)
When we registered for this back in August, I couldn’t imagine being able to run 5k.
And last night I did it. In a real race! YAY ME!
Now my goal is to better my time. Hopefully next year I can cross in under 30 minutes. I have a year to shave 6 minutes off my time.
Now I need to get these running buddies of mine off my back about doing the local 10k in December. Baby steps, girls.
Baby steps.
well done! I think doing anything just for you in a busy life is amazing and critical! I have been the same about running and have started doing a bit in the last year. Gotta love anything that makes you say NEVER SAY NEVER! Keep going!
WOOOHOOOOO
You’re awesome as per usual….I need to do it too Erin – I wish we were closer so we could do it together (with pit stops for a drink along the way!)
Christine, how fantastic. What an amazing accomplishment and how wonderful that you were able to share it with friends! Was it important for you to have a goal? I often wonder if I would like running more if I was training for a race.
BTW you guys looked totally awesome!
Erin – the buddies made ALL the difference! Without them I would have stopped shortly after I started – just like the previous times!
I highly recommend the C25K to get you started. I have yet to meet anyone who hasn’t been able to finish or who didn’t enjoy doing it!
Michelle – Thank You!!
woot woot woot!!! You ladies are amazing!!! You make it sound so easy and so fun but I know that it is a lot of hard work and dedication, how ya’ll manage to fit it into everything else is beyond me, just one more reason I say you are one of the strongest women I know!
Congratulations! Look like a great time and what an accomplishment. It’s probably a good thing the wig fell off, imagine how hot your would have been with it on, unless it was really cold out. It must feel great to make a goal, follow through with the training/preparation and then accomplish it.
I’ve always hated running, but I’m starting to think about it more and more. One of the good things about this place is the trail system, good for hiking, running and biking, sooo, maybe I should take it up, I need to find some buddies like you did or I’ll never go.