3.1 miles = 5k

At the beginning of the year I set some resolutions for myself. I don't put them on paper or take them too seriously because most are broken by mid January. But something about this year was and is different. I've committed to making some things happen and reaching some goals.

This weekend I accomplished one of my goals. I ran my first ever 5k.

It was raining Saturday morning and the 7:30 a.m. race looked horrible on the news, but I was running the 9 a.m. race whether I got soaked or not. I'm not on a strict exercise routine, but I have been training. I started at the gym and worked my way up to 3 miles on the treadmill. Then I transitioned outside, which is a lot harder than it looks when you're a treadmill runner. This past week I hardly ran because of the migraines and the weather so I didn't feel as prepared as I should be. There was definitely a knot in my stomach on the way to the race.

My first ever 5k and I signed up for one on the beach. I ran twice on the beach while we were on vacation. That was the only sand training I had. Turns out it's not that bad. It was a little slushy in some spots from the rain and soft at the turn, but I didn't really have any problems. I am feeling it in my legs today. That's me on the right almost to the finish line.

I was going to run the race with a mom from school and her gym group, but I was never able to find them before the race. And since I didn't have my phone I couldn't get in touch with anyone. That includes Michael after the race. We failed to make a meeting point and it took me forever to find him and the girls. I was so happy when I saw them.

Other than complaining about the rain and the wet sand sticking to their feet the entire time, I think they were happy to see me too. Addison and those gloves. With me being nervous and trying to get out the door that morning I didn't even notice that she had those on. Michael said they got a couple of really nice comments.

I have a love/hate relationship with running. I love how I feel and I love the great workout, but I really hate doing it. I think this race changed that I little. Setting a goal and committing to it sure does make it all worth while.

My official time. I used my iPod to track my run and forgot to stop it at the end of the race. After a minute or so I looked down and it said 33 minutes. My best guess was 32 minutes. Just under. Now I have a time to beat for my next one.

I feel like this was the kickstart I needed to really get into running. The excitement during the race is so much fun. And I need the goal to keep me motivated. I'm already on the hunt for the next one.