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First Race

I ran my first 5K race yesterday. It was the Walk for Paws benefit for the Naples Humane Society. The air was a delightful 40 degrees with a crisp breeze.

The native Floridian in me was completely comfortable in a long sleeve shirt and sweatpants.

The control freak in me was extremely anxious about the details of the race, and my brain raced through ideas like finding the starting line and hoping I wouldn't be the last one to cross the finish line. I didn't know if other people would bring their iPods, so I left mine in the car. I worried over where to place my number on my shirt and whether or not I would look like a complete dork when I ran.

The whole experience was a blast. We all started with a light jog, but it wasn't long before I fell behind my friends. They ran the entire course. Since I've only been training for two weeks, I did my run/walk alternation. I was in HEAVEN! For a little more than three miles, I let my mind wander and thoughts run wild with every step on the pavement.

I finished in 55 minutes, and I'm okay with that. It's a great starting point, and I have a goal now for the next race, which just happens to be in 6 weeks. I'd like to shave 10% off my finish time.

The funny part, though, is how different I feel today. Of course, my muscles are so sore that I move extremely slowly right now (and only when I have to). But it's more than that. I really think I've found something that suits me. It's like when I first picked up a violin or a writing journal. Running feels that natural to me.

I see myself a bit differently this morning. I'm a bit kinder to my mental comments on my reflection in the mirror. I've softened my inner commentary on my ideas about myself. I know it all sounds hokey, but I needed this more than you can ever imagine. I am so excited about training for the next event.

Yep, I ran a race yesterday.
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Comments

Christy said…
No hokey at all. Congratulations! On so many levels :)
1:30 PM
Anonymous said…
I am so proud of you. I think you have done something many hope to do but never get around to. Maybe one of these days I'll run with you.
7:45 AM
Anonymous said…
Wow, great story... congratulations. I have my first 5K scheduled for the end of April. I'm a little nervous, but ready.
12:12 PM
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