Wow, these replies were so uplifting!
To those of you who are looking to do a 5K in the future, my only advice is this...JUST DO IT. Don't ever give up on that goal. Even on your worst run day when you think it's impossible. Even when the voices in your head tell you it's impossible. Even when the Fear Monster lurks about with messages of doom. Even when you look at pictures in Running World of those long, lean, muscular people who look like "runners." Just keep pressing on and know that you are beautiful and empowered and capable and amazing. JUST DO IT!
And I have to add an amusing footnote about my race. I'm a newspaper reporter and when my co-workers found out I'd signed up for a race they all had a hundred ideas for stories and photos. (Oy vey!
) Today my editor decided that she wants a first person account of the race. So, yeah, I have to write a story for the whole town to read about the whole nerve-racking dripping-sweat last-place dragon-slaying experience.
... 
on your success...
