D-Day AKA: Race Day

Today was the day. The day of my first 5k!

Me (looking rough), Kayla, and Autumn.

This is the only photographic proof I have that says I actually competed today.

When I originally signed up for this, 7 of my friends said they wanted to do it with me. You can see how many actually showed up. 3/8 of us completed the race. Excuses ranged from not coming in from out of town, drinking too much the night before, jut deciding not to do it, being late to the race, the list goes on... But, it was their money wasted, not mine. We still had fun. Plus, I enjoy running by myself. I don't stress that I'm slowing anyone down.

So without further adieu, the recap:

Our start time was at 8:55am so we woke up and left my apartment around 7:45 to get downtown, find a place to park, and walk to the waterfront where the race was being held. We were able to hang out for a little while and then headed to the starting line with all the other runners. Before I knew it, people ahead of us started running so I quickly ripped off my yellow jacket and threw it and my phone in the bag the Sheriff was carrying and I was on my way! Autumn and Kayla were walking so I kind of just took off and left them in the dust.

I feel like I set a good pace for myself but I could tell I was running faster because I was excited. I was getting passed by a lot of runners, but I definitely wasn't last. Most of the route was up one of the main roads in Portland and it definitely has some steep parts. I only walked twice and would start running again. We had to stop a couple times too so busses and cars could go through.

At the top of the hill, the 5k runners turned left and the 8k runners went straight. I turned left and was one of the only 5k runners there. I then realized that I STARTED WITH THE WRONG GROUP! I started with the 8k crowd and it was confirmed when I was headed downhill (thankfully) and the intense 1st place-wanting 5k runners were whizzing past me. I moved to the side so I wouldn't get trampled like a Grandma on Black Friday and continued my pace. There were lots of supporters yelling which gave me extra oomph when I rounded the corner and could see the Finish line. I saved a final kick for the end and was so happy when I crossed that line. I removed my ankle chip, and ran off to find the Sheriff at our designated meeting place.

Want to know my race time?

47:26

I was SHOCKED that I finished in under an hour. I thought I was done for when I had to stop and walk and then to wait for cars. I wonder what my time would have been had I not had to? Probably under 45, which secretly was my goal. I also figured out that because I started with the 8k runners, I ran an extra part that I wouldn't have had to! Had I not done that, I KNOW I would have been under 45. But whatever, you live you learn. Moral of the story: make sure you are starting with the correct crowd.

It's still hard to believe that I ran and completed a 5k. You hear contestants all the time on shows like Biggest Loser saying "3 months ago I could never envision myself ____." Well, I finally get it. It's so true. If you would have told me 4 months ago that I would be running a 5k in under an hour, I would have told you that you were insane. And honestly, I loved it. I loved today. It was hard and rough, but it was also exhilarating. I see more races in my future.

After the race, we headed for some GRUB! I was really hungry and slightly nauseous. The nausea continued for a lot of the day so I texted Mrs. Wookie to check if that was normal. And, it was. Eating more helped it. I ate things today that I haven't eaten a lot of in the past 3 months like hash browns and greasy (but delicious) pizza. Oh well, I deserved it. Back on the wagon tomorrow.

All in all, I have to say I'm proud of myself. Sometimes it's hard to feel so and appreciate your accomplishments when you still have so far to go. But, I'm working on it.

Well, I think that's all, have a good night!