First 5k Race

**Note: I wanted to post this sooner, but was waiting for the pictures, but they are taking too long so I will post this anyways.**

One Sunday, October 4, 2009, Terry and I completed our first 5k. We both participated in the Walk for Hope 5k Fun Run at Magnusen Park in Seattle. I was so nervous on Saturday night, I actually had a hard time sleeping. I was really apprehensive about doing the race. I had two goals for the event. First, I wanted to jog the whole way and second, I wanted to do it in under 40 minutes.

As I said before, I have never been a runner. I have always struggled at running, even as a child. The thought of running for 3.1 miles straight was quite scary and I was really worried I wouldn't be able to do it. I don't think I had EVER run that far before in one stretch. Amazingly, I was able to do it. I am still in shock that I was able to jog the whole way. There were a few times I wanted to stop and walk a little ways, but I pushed through it and was able to jog the entire course. Goal #1 = completed.

Secondly, I was shooting for doing the event in under 40 minutes. Based on previous workouts, I was pretty sure I could run the course in under 45 minutes, so in my mind 40 minutes was a long shot. I know that I jog slow and kept a slow pace throughout the race. It seemed like all the runners had passed me until I crossed the finish line and noticed there were still a ton of people behind me. I amazingly completed the race in 36:11. I was in tears when I looked at my watch and saw the time. Goal #2 = completed

After the race, I was literally in shock. I was amazed I actually ran the whole way and in under my goal of 40 minutes. I hate the "if I can do it, you can do it" mentality, but that is a little how I feel right now. If I can do a 5k, I really think anyone can with some training. Just a few months ago I could barely run for two minutes straight; now, I can do 36 minutes without stopping and I know in a few months I will be able to go farther. The half marathon is in June and I can't wait to see how I complete that!

Oh, and after the race, they had a huge line of tables filled with samples for us to take. I couldn't believe the amount of food they gave away! I felt a little bad taking it, but they said it was there for us to have. Check out all the food!