I ran my first 5K on Saturday. When you're thinking about it beforehand, you think, "Three miles isn't that far. I run that several times a week." But then during the actual running of the thing, with hundreds of feet pounding the pavement with you, somehow you run into a brick wall halfway through that leaves you overheated and gasping for air. Well, that is, that's what happens if you're me.
I'd registered for the event the day before at a grocery store, which proved to be valuable for a few reasons. Not only did I not have to show up early to the event and stand in line, but I earned an impromptu running buddy late in the race.
A woman about my age registered the same time I did. Near the end of the second mile, I was fading fast. Thankfully, there was a water station there and I slowed down to gulp the tasty wetness from the paper cup.
"You can't stop now! Come on, I saw you yesterday at the grocery store."
That was all the motivation I needed. I caught up to her, passed her, and kept going. Until I once again felt tuckered. When she caught me again, she asked if she needed to encourage me again. "I think I'm out of gas this time," I shouted back. That is, until I saw her slow up and start walking ahead of me. That was my motivation again.
I reached down within me and pulled out enough energy to catch up to her. "Come on! You can't stop now, we're almost done. You've at least got to run across the finish line!"
"The problem is, I usually listen to that crap," she said as she picked up her pace.
Our pace was about the same as she ran a little bit behind me. Finally we saw the finsih, and two chutes divide men and women runners. I slowed to let her in front of me and to my left for her chute, and then I somehow managed to sprint.
"Oh, crap!" she yelled as she tried to catch up.
No dice. I'd leapt over that brick wall and managed to have a good showing at least at the finish. Although, the Petite Filet said I looked pretty good during that first mile as they cheered my on at the starting line. Sadly, it took me 30 minutes and 11 seconds to run three miles (the first mile was covered in about eight minutes, but having to walk killed my time).
I didn't see her again to thank her for her motivation. Just glad I was able to help her, too. And my sad time will be something easily improved upon the next time I run a 5K.
Here's 10 things I learned:
1. It's really cool running with so many people when you're used to running alone.
2. Being properly hydrated usually means you've really got to pee right before the run starts.
3. Being a morning runner doesn't help you during an evening event.
4. Try not to trip over the little kids who fade fast and stop right in the middle of the street.
5. Never refuse a drink at the water station. I passed up the first one at the end of mile one and regretted it until the station at mile two.
6. There's no dishonor in taking a break to walk unless you care when you finish. Fortunately, I just wanted to finish.
7. Find a running buddy or two. My impromptu running buddy lost hers after the first mile, she told me. Next time, I hope to have someone to help me keep pace who can keep up with me and vice versa.
8. I wasn't sore afterward, probably in part because I do run regularly. Also because on Sunday morning before church I hopped on my bicycle and pedaled around for a while so I wouldn't stiffen up. Yesterday, sitting around with the Cutlet watching Veggie Tales videos did not help me, though.
9. I should have run the course beforehand to get a feel for it, although that would have made it less of an adventure.
10. Sonic's chicken toaster club with tator tots and a bottle of Gatorade make for a tasty post-running event meal.
So, did distant tones of Chariots of Fire peal softly to you from memory? I swear that tune will forever mark runners in a race for me. Good for you, T-Bone!
Great story! Joseph and I rode bikes around Whiterock Lake on Sunday, I'm guessing that's between 5 and 10 miles. I had been under the mistaken impression I was in shape. But, I wasn't sore after, so I guess that's something.
Congratulations on finishing your race. I admire runners. I would love to try but my shins just never approve.
great post - love it. congrats!
Fantastic! You're my inspiration. I must start running regularly again!
I've soo been there. I tend to go out too fast and then get pissed in the middle when that 8-year-old passes me. But you HAVE to kick at the end. And stay hydrated.
I can't wait to run again! We're planning on doing a 5 miler in Houston at Christmastime...
Yayyy, congrats on the 5K!! That is a HUGE step! And 3.1 miles is nothing to sneeze at. Something like 90% of the population can't run one without stopping!
You ROCK, T-bone!!!