We're running a 5K!
You heard that right. Your faithful Picture of Health bloggers will be running the 5K in tomorrow's Baltimore Running Festival.
Now, to all you seasoned runners, this may sound like a piece of cake, but for Stephanie and me, this is a true challenge.
We both started running -- well, slow jogging -- earlier this year. Stephanie described on the blog earlier how she got the running bug with the help of a cool fitness DVD.
I took a less structured approach by throwing on some sneakers, plugging in my iPod and just going for it. I tried to following a modified Couch to 5K plan, allowing my iPod to dictate my speed. At first, I'd run one song, walk the next song, eventually running more than I was walking. Then, about a few weeks ago, I realized I could run 2 miles without stopping. Who knew?
All summer, some of our colleagues at The Sun have been nagging us to run the 5K with them. Naturally, we were were terrified. But after months of hemming and hawing, we finally caved.
And here we are, the day before race day, freaking out!
Important note: neither Stephanie nor I have ever run an entire 3.1 miles in one shot. Clearly, we have no idea what we are doing. But we're hoping for a fun day out with friends and that the adrenaline of our first race will get us through. We'll update you on Monday about the experience. Until then, pray for us.
Anyone else running this weekend? See you there!
Baltimore Sun photo
Comments
Kelly, you'll hopefully experience that tremendous extra "push" that runners feel during big races. This push comes from the relentless cheering and positive motivation coming from the spectators lining the route and also from your fellow runners. Just keep a steady pace that's comfortable for you and most of all HAVE FUN! Best of luck to you and Stephanie
Posted by: bob | October 9, 2009 4:06 PM
Good luck, Kelly and Stephanie! I'm sure the thrill of your first real race will carry you through the finish line in no time. And just remember, you don't have to run the whole thing... you can always jog or walk some intervals. I did that Couch-to-5k program, too. It's great isn't it? Happy racing!
Posted by: Beth | October 9, 2009 4:43 PM
You'll do great! I ran my first 5K 3 years ago and it seemed completely daunting, but it got me hooked on running and now a 5K feels easy. The race adrenaline will definitely get you through, and I bet you'll be surprised at how well you do and how good you feel. Good luck!
Posted by: Ashley | October 9, 2009 5:13 PM
Thanks for the well wishes! You guys are the best.
Posted by: Kelly Brewington | October 9, 2009 5:36 PM
Best of luck to you tomorrow! You'll do swell and be so glad you did it! That first race is a great experience and hopefully will inspire you to keep it up!
Posted by: Pete | October 9, 2009 5:44 PM