Feeling proud

I did it! Yesterday I ran the 5k at the Zoo and it was an amazing event. My children had given me tons of advice: walk 1k/run 1k, only run up the hills and walk down the hills, walk when you are tired. I took their advise and hugs, tucked them into my heart and set off alone.

As I merged onto the busy highway, I wasn't sure which I felt more anxious about, the drive or the 5k. I don't like to travel the busy highway, but yesterday not wanting to miss the run, I forced myself to do it. With the music blaring and me singing at the top of my lungs, the drive was quick and painless.

This being my first running event I had no expectations, so finding out there were over 4000 participants was surprising. After picking up my kit, I checked my bag, attached my number to my jacket and lined up at the start line with all the others. There are some very fit people in this world and many of them were in this race! The seasoned runners were decked out in fasionable running attire, ready to run, look cool and stay cool but warm at the same time. I put myself in the last wave of starters knowing my pace was slow, and was quite relieved to find out I wasn't the only one! Yes, I had thought perhaps I might be the only one in the 36+ minute category. :-)

When it was time to start I was ready; my toes were a bit numb from the cold and I had to get my circulation going to warm them up. The starter told us the first part was uphill and there were stairs, so my plan to walk the first .5k paid off. When I got to the top of the hill I felt great with a steady breathing rhythm, legs warmed up to run and the crowd thinning out as everyone found their pace.

At the 3.5k point, I felt a new serge of energy as I ran past the steelband playing their drums. The lions were roaring as I saw them through the observation window, and the zebras huddled together for warmth. The sun was shining and the fall leaves were in full show. It was a glorious morning!

When I hit the 4k point I knew I had enough energy to run the last leg. I pretended my family was at the finish line cheering me on and I could envision their smiling faces. It was all I needed to keep running. Crossing the finish line was amazing and I just wanted to hug myself for completing the course.

I completed my first 5k! [did I actually say first, because that could mean there will be a second?!]