First 5K (Ten Ugly Men 5K)

So I realize that I haven't written a post in quite a while. Part of it is because I've been lagging with running. I've been getting at least 15 miles or close to it every week, but I wasn't having too much fun with it. Since most of my runs have been run with a friend at a very slow pace. So it was a great shock to actually find myself at the start line of a race this morning with my boyfriend.

In the back of my mind, I've thought about running this race for the entire summer. But I never thought it would happen until last weekend, when I actually shelled out the entry fee. But even after that, I still had a lot of doubts especially since I knew it was going to be humid and hot. The heat definitely gets me down and slows my pace at least a minute.

Despite all my doubts and the weather, this morning I did find myself about to run my first race. I also realized this morning that I've never competed in any official sporting event. School-wide relays in elementary school doesn't count. With this realization also came fluttering heartbeat and a desire to hide in the back of the pack. Fortunately, my boyfriend was there to keep me close to the start line. Once the sirens sounded the beginning of the race, numerous chiming of garmins starting up everywhere around me put me at ease. Partly because it was my first race, I found myself caught up in the excitement and the speed of everyone around me. I started off at a 7 min/mile pace, minute faster than my fastest training run of two miles. I knew I was setting myself up for a burnout, but I couldn't slow down. When I finished the first mile in about 7 min 15 seconds, the heat and the fast pace caught up to me. By then, I had long lost my boyfriend and I was going at it alone. Somehow I found the strength to keep on going and finish the 5K without walking and ran it in 25:04. It was a race PR not only because it was my first race, but I had never run that fast in training runs before.

Now, I'm just waiting for the results to be published. I know I was 120 overall and 6 in F20-25, but I don't know out of how many.  I can't wait for my next race. This was just the thing I needed to motivate me to sign up for a half marathon. I will get it done. Wish me luck!