Rx 5K - the cure for fear of running.

So - it' basically mandatory that if you have a blog and you run a 5K - you must blog about the 5K.  I am not sure if there is some super special caveat for those who write primarily about food - but if there is one, I am  ignoring it.  
 
For one reason or another, the whole running thing has never been my cup of tea.  The last time I remember running any significant distance was in highschool gym class.  I also remember hating every minute of it.  After I finished that class which was aptly named "Life Fitness", I granted myself the right to never have to run again.  Luckily, I didn't do this for all form of exercise...

Even though I openly regarded running as a form of torture - I secretly admired those who would run.  Waking up early in the day to check out a new path, eating loads of carbs with zero guilt, wearing unusual clothing and strange bracelets... who were these people? what was their deal?

Well for some unknown reason - this year I had this idea that I could run.  I then proceeded to go out running a total of two times (spaced well a part), never very far and never very fast.  However, the idea was in my head.    

Then, Two weeks ago - I was challenged to run a 5K.  A challenge I accepted. 

Yes, it was after I quick googled "Is it okay to run a 5K with two weeks of training?"  In case your wondering the answer I basically got was - as long as you are use to doing at least 45 mins of activity.  

 The race I ran in was called the HeartBeat 5000 - and it is sponsored by local medical device companies.  One of which I was representing.  It was an great trail to go on, and had many nice views along the way.

 
After I grabbed my number and pinned it on, I wasted no time in determining where the starting point was.  This seemed like an important thing to do.  It was not immediately obvious in case you are wondering and was roughly located a five-minute walks away from where I grabbed my number.  Anyway, I arrived to the starting line before anyone else did - so I spent several minutes asking random people inane questions such as "Do you know where the starting line is?" or "Where do we start?"  I learned that Yes, a large flag with the words "START" on it along with colored balloons are good indications of starting line, and that most people do not arrive at the starting line 1 hour in advance.

Anyway, despite that "slow start" har har, I was positioned toward the way front of the pack.  This means I saw many many people pass me.  When the signal was go I was very careful to walk until I got to the official blue mats that initiated the chip timer for us, as to conserve that all important "5 seconds" of running energy.  I ran and ran, and then I wanted to walk, but everyone was still running, so I kept running.  Finally I walked a bit, but not for long so then I ran again.  This pattern continued for most of the race.

Around the half-way point someone shouted out a time of 15 minutes.  Is that right....? What point this race are we?  It sounded good.  Too good.  This is when I met up some runners who appeared to be at my pace (before this everyone was just plain old passing me).  I talked to one guy who said he had just started training a week ago.  I decided we were about the same pace, so I determined to keep pace with him the rest of the time.   

At the 2 mile mark I saw there was a water station.  This allowed me to I imagine myself guzzling down gallons of refreshing cold water.  Then they gave me a half-cup of luke warm water.  While I admire the gesture, I feel I have slightly better understanding of what it's like to experience a mirage in the dessert.

Then some more running. Or should I say series of mental games in which I tell myself to run.  Should run when going down this hill.  Should run when in front of photographer (umm... can we say vanity?).  Should run when under shade.  

As we neared the end I saw a stack of baloons - ahh the end! I can sprint to the end.  I sprinted with all my might, and then I realized those balloons were the 3 mile mark... and I would have to sprint some more - I lagged for about 15 ft, but sprinted to the end. Again.  

I can run and smile.

I finished with a time of 36:52.  It's not super fast, but I am super proud of it anyway, because my goal was to be under 40 minutes.

After the race, Hubs and I got free food.