My very first 5K

I was convinced to run my very first 5K run yesterday by a really good friend of mine who is training to run a half marathon.  She just so happened to have signed up for this race, thinking it was a 10K and then asked if I wanted to do it with her.  It took a little persuasion I might add because, yes I have been running, but I didn't want to commit.  The last time I committed, it was a10K run and my life got the best of me (being sick, shin splints, husband's injury, etc.) and I didn't train properly.  Needless to say, I did not finish that race and I did the 5K walk instead.  I was so utterly disappointed with myself, I committed to never run a race again that I didn't think I could finish.  So I said 'YES!!'  And I trained my hardest.  The week leading up to the race, I ran 5K on the treadmill on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, so I knew that I could definitely run this race.

What I learned from running this 5K Santa Shuffle in Stanley Park, was that I need to train outside more, not just on the treadmill, because boy, is it different.  The weather, the temperature, the ups and downs of the streets or paths, the bumps within the cement, the people around (or that you have to go around), the lack of water at your fingertips, the extra layers of clothing that you need to pull off.  I guess you could say, I wasn't prepared for that part.  But with my awesome, amazing friend urging me on and keeping me on track, I did it!!  She was so patient with me as we moved on and pumped our arms focusing on the distance ahead.  I am so proud of the both of us.  My first 5K run is complete, now on to a 10K.  I'm going to keep training and see how I do, so I'm not sure when this next endeavor will be, but hopefully soon.

 

 And what's better after a good race, then to go pick out your Christmas tree!!!