MiniHeart-If I can do it, you can do it!

I NEVER—never, ever---thought that I would run a 5K!!  I must say that I am pretty darn proud of myself for accomplishing this goal today.  I was on a pretty big high after I crossed that finish line…but I couldn’t help but be excited for what I just did.  Not trying to toot my own horn here, but seriously, I promise you I never thought I would be able run 1 mile, much less 3.1 (I realize that this even seems miniscule to you 10K, 15K and 1/2 marathoners out there but we all start somewhere, right!!!!).  So, if you are reading this and considering doing a 5K but have doubts—don’t doubt yourself because if I can do it, YOU CAN DO IT!!  It wasn’t easy and the course today definitely wasn’t a flat course.  The final hill on Columbia Parkway pushed me to my limits!  Looking back at the beginning of the training (I used the 8 week program called Ease into 5K on my iPhone), I used to get panicky when I had to run 9 minutes straight!  And on those days, I remember thinking that I would have a hard time making it more than that!  But I kept on and little by little it got more doable.  And now I actually enjoy running (that seemed weird to even type)!!

But I couldn’t have done this without Chris.  He is such a great supporter…listening to me complain about aching legs, buying me gadgets for my iphone to make my run easier, and most importantly for letting me get outside and run.  Getting off the treadmill and out the door was the best thing that happened in my training.  It was then that I started to enjoy it!  Honey, I know that I couldn’t do this without you so THANK YOU. And since I’m thanking people, I must not forget my friend Michelle who encouraged me to do this with her.  Although we have never officially run together, she’s a great running buddy!! And a great friend.

But I don’t wanna stop now.  I would love to continue running…Not just for me, but for my kids.  I want them to see that I want to be healthy for myself, for them, for Chris, for future grandkids.  Along the course today they had little “facts” to read about the importance of cardiovascular health, about making better choices for better health, heart, and happiness.  They were enlightening and encouraging.  Now if I could just make better choices when eating…lol!!

So my final numbers today were:  33:50 which averages to a pace of 10:55.  I’m fine with those numbers but would like to do better next time!    My goal today was FINISH with no concerns about time!! 

I'm now gonna wear my medal and my tshirt with great pride!! Holy moly…I ran a 5k!!

I mean, really, I look like such a dork in this picture but this is when I saw the end and I was super excited!! 

My favorite part of the race, besides crossing the finish line to Adam Levine singing Stereo, was seeing my family standing on the sideline and cheering me on.  So fun to see their sweet waves and grins…I am so blessed! So incredibly blessed.