Some of you might have been wondering what happened to me...*L* I posted about my pre-race jitters on Friday (the race was on Sunday) but I didn't post again after that. (I wanted to wait until the official finish times were posted...haha.)

Anyway. Here it is. My 5K report, as it were. *L*

Saturday afternoon, I dropped by the YMCA to pick up my race kit. I'm such a nerd, I was so excited to get my very first race shirt! *L* Came home, attached my bib to the shirt, and started getting everything ready for the next morning (I didn't want to be rushing around first thing trying to get everything together.)

I didn't sleep that well Saturday night. Nerves much?! *L* Actually, I think it was more excitement, because I still couldn't believe I was doing this. Well, really, to be honest? I think I was half considering *not* doing it. I was that unsure of whether I *could* do it. :/

My alarm went off at 7 on Sunday morning (race time was 9.) I wasn't really hungry (too many butterflies in my stomach!) but I know what I'm like if I try to exercise without eating. Plus, I figured I'd need all the energy I could get. So I managed to eat a slice of whole wheat bread with peanut butter, plus an orange and a bottle of water. I had made sure to get plenty of water in the several days leading up to the race as well!

Got my stuff together and headed out to the Y at 8:30 (it's only a five-minute walk from my house.) I was *amazed* at the number of people there. I knew there would be a lot of runners, but I had NO idea that so many people I knew were there. People that I never would have even guessed!

When the announcement came for all runners to position themselves at the start line, I tried to get as close to the back of the pack as I could. I knew there were a LOT of faster runners there than me, and I didn't want to get in their way! *L* Plus, I figured being near the back would give me lots of opportunity to "catch up" to people.

I can't tell you a whole lot about the race in and of itself, once it actually started. I really can't. Because the thing is? I don't remember a whole lot of it. Isn't that weird? *L* All I was concentrating on was putting one foot in front of the other, and I didn't even really notice when people passed me (which I thought would be foremost in my mind!) I do remember clearly, though, seeing the first mile marker. I remember thinking, "Wait! A mile? No way. That's not possible." Because I had run the entire mile, and that's the first time I've EVER done a mile without stopping.

I did have to take a couple of walking breaks, but only because my lungs started burning MAJORLY and I actually had a bit of trouble taking in enough air. So I walked for a bit. But I didn't feel as lousy about it as I thought I would, because I wasn't the only one taking walking breaks (and let me tell you, there were people in much better shape than me taking them!)

I had three goals in mind for this first 5K. My number one goal was simply to finish (and I knew that I would, because there was no way I was giving up, short of dropping dead midway through.) Secondly, I wanted to complete it in about 45 minutes (that's the fastest I've been able to complete any of my training runs.) And thirdly, no matter what happened -- no matter how many walking breaks I had to take -- I wanted to RUN across the finish line.

Needless to say, I did finish. I'll never, ever forget how I felt when I turned the final corner and saw the finish line ahead of me. I didn't have any "cheering section" with me (you know, no one there especially to cheer me on) but in the end, that didn't matter. Everyone there was just so supportive, it was crazy. I can't count of how many high-fives I got as I came across the finish line, from people I didn't know. But I guess when it comes to something like this, we're all in the same boat -- we're all just trying to finish a race and everyone knows how much work goes into it.

I met all three of my goals for the race. I finished....I ran across the finish line like I stole something....and my official finish time was 35:15.

So now I have just one question: When's the next 5K?!

Yay! What an inspiration to read!! Congrats!

Awww, I totally loved reading this!!! So happy for you!

Great job! I was hoping you'd update us

That's a great time for a 5k!

I'm so jealous! I have yet to get the courage to do a 5K yet....it's always been a mini goal of mine to accomplish. I really need to get back on the C25K bandwagon!

Congratulations, great job!!

You've lost a HUNDRED POUNDS. Do you really think a piddly little 5K is beyond what you can do?! Don't think about it...just do it! If I can do it (hello, before I started C25K, I literally had not run a step since gym in grade four!) ANYONE can do it.

WOW!

Way to go!

I have done six 5K's and your first time is more than a minute faster than my BEST time!

Congratulations!

Fun read and killer time!

Awesome job!!! And yay for meeting your goals.

Great time, too!!

Wowzers Snoofie - that is friggen awesome!!!!!! And inspiring me to maybe start looking for runs in my own area. Well done!

Aww thanks Snoofie! I think a lot of it is in my head and that holds me back. I need to just get out there and do it like you said

Mental blocks are, in my opinion, are what holds most people back, much more so than physical limitations. That idea of "what will I look like when I run? Will people be looking and laughing at me while I run?..." We are our own worst critics. I know I was! I was convinced that I "couldn't" run, but it wasn't my body holding me back...it was my damn brain. *L* Once I made up my mind to stop caring what others thought, I was fine. But I know that can take *such* a long time. I hope you can get there soon, because it is the BEST feeling ever!

Super congrats!!!

What a great post. I read so many comments from people who are scared to death to run with others--and feel like they may embarrass themselves by trying to run with others that are in better shape.

Every race I have been too--you will find enormous support from everyone. Always high five's--Good job type comments at the finish line are there. Sometimes even during the route there are people on the sidelines encouraging runners--(no matter how slow they are--or if they're walking.)

They're just happier than heck to see you out there doing it.

BTW-MEGA-Congratulations on your 1st 5 K--and I hope you do a ton of them and then move up to the 10 K's when you feel you're ready for it.