We did it!
So, the big 5K race on Saturday turned out to be... well, a piece of cake! Ok, exaggeration. It wasn't easy, but it certainly wasn't as scary as we made it out to be.
It was, in fact, heaps of fun. So much so that we're already talking about taking part in the Baltimore Running Festival's relay team next year or --gasp-- maybe a 10K come spring. To think, a year ago, my idea of running was a quick scurry across the street to make the light. Yes, we have thoroughly lost our minds.
Stephanie, my former colleague here at Picture of Health, and I held a steady -- i.e. slow -- pace throughout the 3.1 miles. That was key for us first-timers. Our expert running colleagues Julie Scharper and Anica Butler, meanwhile, left us in the dust early on. But we didn't mind so much. Stephanie and I chatted the whole time, waved at the awesome spectators who were cheering us on and didn't once try to walk or roll up in the fetal position on the corner somewhere. We really couldn't have asked for a better day with the cool breeze, throngs of cheering onlookers and upbeat music blasting when we made it to the finish line.
Real runners talk about that endorphin rush that comes after any meaningful run. I'm not sure if I felt that, or rather, complete and utter relief that the race was over. Nevertheless, I spent the rest of the day smiling at my new accomplishment, eager to set the next challenge.
Anyone else take part in the Baltimore Running Festival this weekend? How'd it go?!
Comments
I second your entire post. It really is amazing how good it feels to set a goal and accomplish it. I am really proud of us. Thanks for running with me!
Posted by: Stephanie Desmon | October 12, 2009 9:34 AM
Good Job!!
Posted by: Dave | October 12, 2009 10:32 AM
I did the half-marathon on Saturday and trained with Team in Training in Howard County for it. I didn't make enough time for my solo during-the-week runs, so I was somewhat under-prepared and hurting by the end, but it was still a great experience.
Being cheered on by people on their front porches kept me going, and I loved the guy in the tiger costume standing atop his car while "Eye of the Tiger" blasted from his stereo. (The latter ended one of my walk breaks a little early -- how could you not get a burst of energy from that?)
The wind took down a couple of the early mile-markers on the half-marathon course, which didn't bother me because I was not keeping track of my pace, but I imagine it was disconcerting for others.
I already want to do it again next year, but with more miles under my belt before race day.
Posted by: Sarah K.K. | October 12, 2009 1:07 PM
Well done. And you all look cute in the picture!
Posted by: Nicole | October 12, 2009 1:59 PM
Good for you! Not only talkin'-the-talk, but walkin' it too (I mean runnin'). If you're going to talk wellness you need participate. You all look great.
Posted by: Carolyn | October 12, 2009 9:49 PM
Thanks everyone for the kind words. And huge congrats to Sarah! I didn't see the Eye of the Tiger guy! Now, if only that guy was there to cheer me on on deadline. I would be a whole new person. ;)
Posted by: Kelly Brewington | October 13, 2009 9:56 AM
Woo hoo!!!
Posted by: mj | October 13, 2009 9:17 PM