Completing My First 5K Race

I did it! I ran a 5K, and it was awesome. The weather report for race day was cold and possibly full of precipitation. I was worried the race would be canceled -- or worse, that I would opt to not participate due to unfavorable weather conditions. Thankfully, the weather cleared up. While it was a cold 33 degrees at start time, it was still a sunny day.

My friend and I were running together, and neither of us had done any of our training outside. We were both unsure how the asphalt would feel compared to our treadmills. The day of the race I couldn't tell the difference, but the next day was a different story! Not accounting for the asphalt or factoring in the varying inclines outside made for very tired and sore legs the next day. The hardest part in transition from indoor running was adjusting to the cold air that filled my lungs during the outdoor race.

I ran approximately 1.5 miles before needing a short walking break. The final portion of the race I did a combination of running and walking. I am pleased to report that I literally sprinted across the finish line. Post-race, a young spectator came up to me and said that he thought it was "really cool" how I sprinted at the end.

This particular 5K was a memorial run in honor of a Virginia state trooper who was killed in the line of duty. I had the pleasure of running near a pack of police officers during the race who were not only motivating each other, but they indirectly provided me with the extra lift I needed. Constantly I heard them say, "Don't quit! You're not a quitter!"

I may not have fully run the entire 5K, but I didn't quit and I exceeded my goal of finishing in less than 40 minutes. My unofficial race time was 34:10. While I have a lot of work to do before the 10k in April, it feels amazing to be out there competing in races and pushing my body to new limits. Before the 10k, I need to complete some training runs outside and learn how to better fuel and train my body the week of the race. Also, I need to learn how to pace myself without having the luxury of the treadmill setting the pace for me. I think I started off too fast, which, combined with the outdoor elements, left me needing to walk some of the race.

Unfortunately, I also won't meet my goal to be less than 200 pounds by the end of March, but I am ending the month at 204 pounds. I'm disappointed, but I have to remember that each pound lost is one pound closer to my goal weight.

Speaking of pounds lost, I have less than 12 weeks to lose weight for best friend's wedding. I have started my own challenge to myself and have invited the bride and the other bridesmaids to join me in a "Bombshell Bridesmaid Challenge." We are each working on various aspects of our weight goals, whether it is to maintain a current weight or to lose weight before the wedding. Our goal is to be a healthy and fit wedding party.

Through running as well as the bridal party challenge, it has been nice to incorporate friends and family into my health and fitness goals. Having support from the people I love makes the journey just a little bit easier and definitely more enjoyable.