My First 5K Race

 I have been running for a long time. I ran track in High School, got a couple of letters to show for it, and some medals in my closet. I loved running in the rain, or on hot summer nights. I loved running anytime that I wanted to feel free, if only for a moment. Running for me has been a release, not for exercise, not for good health, just to feel free.
When I went to college, I stopped running and instead started dancing in clubs all weekend with friends (doesn't everyone). I ran with music in my ears, and danced just the same. As long as I was moving, I was good.

At some point, I got caught up in life, and developed exercise induced asthma, which felt like a death sentence to a runner. At the same time, I finally learned that I got hives, when I got too cold. I felt like I couldn't run anymore, and it's been troubling me ever since. I'm happy to say, I have gotten back on the running wagon. Here a little, there a little. Although I wasn't not a distance runner at the track meets, I ran very long distances outside of school at least every other day.

Other than my lungs freaking out on me once in a while, straight out the gate...I feel at home running on the road with music blaring in my ears. Since being on the PTA, I felt the need to run my first race and not bail out like I did last year. (last year it was also a blistering 30 something degrees or colder with the wind chill - I would've been itching like crazy!)

I began training with Laura (Brad, & Mike) doing plyometrics in the coldest months, alternated with running as the weather warmed, and finally ran my first road race! My official time was 34:22! I was kicking myself afterwards, because I was slowing down right at the end to wave to Mr. Giddy & our girls, and realized I needed to sprint to the finish line to clock my time. Dork! lol! So I did it - I sprinted to the end, high-fiving along the way (see pic above) and realized I could've shaved at least 22 seconds off my time. Oh well, it's still under my age - but next time I will do better.
And next time is not that far off...I'll be running in the Pine Grove 5K race this June. Want to join me? I hope someday my girls will. But for now, they are enjoying the fun runs. And that is exactly what they are...FUN! All running is fun. For someone that is always on the computer or sewing inside, like me...getting out once in a while to run is still so freeing!
Have a great week everyone! Thanks for stopping by.