I got the photos on...YEAH...Hubby and I...very cold...



Getting excited to do something...warm up!



Last leg, just before the finish line...



I DID IT!



IT WAS GREAT!The temp this morning was 29 when we got out of bed. It did get up to 31 by the time we got to the race site. Now remember, this is Texas and it was 79 YESTERDAY! I had layers on my upper body with some UnderArmor running leggings. Was glad I did during the wait/warm up.

Well, several folks had told me not to get too excited and try to keep pace with the pack at the start and I did run faster than ever, my garmin had me at 6.1 mph at the beginning. I did slow down and average speed was more like 5.1.

I was fumbling with my ipod when the gun sounded and got a little flustered, newbie mistake. Was able to get that handled and enjoy the pack for a short while.

It was a great first race in that there were even lotz of young kids (under 10) running with their folks...mostly moms, I think dad's are probably too competitive to keep pace with this youngsters...not ALL dad's mind you! There was one very pregnant runner and I saw a great-grandma aged lady that beat me!--probably late 60's, early 70's. There was also a mom pushing a running stroller...she kicked butt!

The race was on a trail that is a running bike trail about 30 minutes from my home. It even went by one of the larger boating lakes in the area...very cold with the wind coming off the lake.

We started the race all together, 5K and 15K folks and some of the 15K folks finished before me.

My time was close to 37:25...not sure exactly cause they will actually post it in the next few days, didn't wait to get the exact number, hubby was by the finish line and said it was right around 37:25. That is the best I have ever run 5K...so accomplishment!

As I came to the finish, we rounded a corner and saw the finish line. Now the largest hill in the race was just before rounding the corner to the finish line (tree lined, so you couldn’t see much before the bend). I was pretty ready to be done with this after I got up (walking) that hill but once I saw the finish line I couldn’t help myself, I started running again. I don’t know if it was adrenaline or that my HR was too high (2nd newbie mistake, forgot HRM, just remembered garmin)…anyway, I was VERY dizzy when I crossed the finish line and was thinking, “I don’t want to pass out”…hubby was right there and took my arm and in a couple minutes I was fine.

During the race I had mixed thoughts. Remember, I have NEVER been athletic…I thought first, why would anyone want to run farther than this? (probably ½ way). Close to the finish I thought it would be more fun with someone running with you. I did enjoy it, but the cold weather was not my favorite.

I am very PROUD of myself for accomplishing this and after coming home to a warm shower and a nice nap…I REALLY know I had a good time! I was pretty far back in the finish as far as time, but that isn’t the issue for me…I DID IT! I think hubby may even decide to try it…YES! After he saw the great-grandmother cross the finish line he looked at our son and said “we don’t have any excuses”. It was GREAT to see all the different body types/ages…running is a sport for anyone!

I WOULD NEVER HAVE DONE THIS IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR ALL MY SPECIAL FRIENDS AT CK....

THANK YOU!