>> running my race

"You are never too old to set another goal

or to dream a new dream..."

C.S. Lewis

On Saturday, April 5, 2014, I accomplished something I never thought I could: I completed my first 5K race. This is a big deal because I have never been athletic, never been a runner, hate working out, and don't often push myself to conquer things that intimidate me. And seven weeks ago when I started C25K, I could barely run one-minute intervals without dying. Today, I can run 1.5 miles in 20 minutes before I have to stop. And I'm not done improving. I've actually already signed up for my second race, which is only 11 days away, and my goal is to keep getting faster.

My goal for my first 5k was to complete the whole thing in 45 minutes. I ended up beating that goal, which I was ecstatic about since I wasn't able to run the whole thing.

I had a mix of emotions on race day that I want to record. I woke up feeling so nervous I had to force myself to eat and not throw up. Then once I got dressed and ready to go, I was antsy to get out the door. Once I arrived, saw all the thousands of other runners and felt the comradery in the air, I was pumped. I felt good for about the first mile and half, then I had to stop running and start walking. The rest of the race, I ran in intervals. Around mile 2 I started questioning my ability and had thoughts about never wanting to do this again. But I kept going anyway. When I rounded the last corner and saw the finish line in the far distance and heard the cheering crowd awaiting, I ignored my desire to vomit, mustered every last bit of strength I had, and ran to the end. It was such an amazing feeling to see my husband at the finish line, proudly taking my picture and seeing everyone cheering. That's when I understood why people do this over and over again.

Sharing this experience with my sister and sister-in-law was awesome because we went through the ups and downs of training together and accomplished our first 5k together. I'm still so proud of us.

My husband has been so supportive. He got up at 5:30 on a Saturday just to cheer me on, and that is not a small thing in my eyes. I know how tired he was, but he still did it for me. Another reason his selfless support means so much to me is that he used to be a runner; in high school, he ran cross country track and loved it. But he doesn't get to run anymore because he has compartment syndrome. Yet, he encourages me and cheers me on as he watches me do something he wishes he could do.

So yes, I'm addicted. I'm addicted to the comradery of race day; I'm addicted to seeing myself improve; I'm addicted to making my husband and friends proud of me; I'm addicted to conquering fear and truly living my life. 

Here are a few more pics from this special day. I'm so proud of my friends who ran a half-marathon on the same day I ran my first 5k. Such an inspiration!

(Yes, that is Michelle Duggar. I beat her by a hair, y'all.)

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13