Riverbank Run 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 07:47PM Ran my first 5K today (Saturday, May 15)! Feels pretty damn good to have accomplished that goal. I stuck with my training for nine weeks and went from someone who NEVER ran (like, ever) (and never even really exercised) to someone who ran a 5K without walking. It took my 43 minutes, but I RAN FOR 43 MINUTES STRAIGHT! Two months ago I could barely run a minute at a time.
Ready to rock it!
Even after crossing the start line, it was a slow moving crowd for awhile. Once it thinned out a bit, I settled into my own pace. Emily took off and damn, she did good! Thirty-three minutes! Dad stuck by me, and it meant so much to me to have him running beside me. I would have made it without him, but having him there made it much more special (and easier).
Mid-race. Feeling just fine.
I listened to music for awhile, then listened to the people around me. I kept my iPod (with Nike gadget) handy so I could check my pace occasionally, and I listened to more music toward the end. I needed the Rocky theme song to push me through the last half mile.
It was a very cold day, but I still had to strip down before the end. And, oh yeah, I so finished!
It was fun. Honestly, it seemed to go so fast, I don't remember much. On the other hand, it took longer than I expected. My practice times were off because I never calibrated my Nike gadget, so when I found myself running more than 35 minutes, I was surprised. I really couldn't care less about my time since the goals were to a) cross the finish line, and b) try not to walk (even though my dad told me to walk a minute when I grabbed some water at the water station on the course, I said no because I had that goal in mind). I accomplished both goals this morning. But I guess my next goal is to improve my time? Anyone want to run a 5K with me later this summer?
My dad has run the 25K event in the Riverbank Run since we were kids (or before?) and always sucks on orange slices at the end. Of course we had to continue the tradition.
I'm still not sure where I'm going next with this running thing. I ran a couple times with some people from work, and we're thinking about making it a weekly thing. I still have no intentions of becoming a hardcore runner, but I think I'll keep it up to some extent until I'm over it.
Reader Comments (14)
Congratulations to you! Did your dad wear work boots to slow himself down? Love the pics with your sis.
My dad wore his work clothes to be silly, and the shoes were just part of the regalia. He's a character.
First of all...congratulations! I'm so proud of you! I feel like this is something I never could accomplish, and since we're similar in the exercise department, the fact that you did it, makes me feel like there's a possibility for me yet. :)
Also...I was going to comment on your dad's attire, but it seems someone already beat me to it. :)
Robin you could so do it. When I started, I hesitated to tell anyone because I was sure I'd fail. But I did it, and I think you could, too. If you're interested.
Congrats Shan! Awesome job!
I was curious about your dad's attire as well. lol
YOU DID IT! So proud of you!
Awesome! Congratulations!
Congrats! I am SO impressed!
Congrats!
And I love that your dad ran it with you. From about the age of ten, I'm guessing, through about high school, my dad and I used to run 5Ks together. It was kind-of a thing we used to do together. And despite the fact that at times I hated it because it was too painful, I love that time that we spent together.
I'm late to the party, but congratulations! You are awesome!
Seriously, I'm in awe!
That is AWESOME!!!
And if I lived near you - I'd totally do a 5k with you.
I actually had that as a goal of mine once, be able to run a 5K without walking. After injuries and breathing issues, I changed my mind. It's been a couple years since I started running, maybe I should do the couch to 5K a try. Is there a link?
Ang: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml