I ran my first 5k this morning.
I. Loved. It.
I mean look at me, I was smiling
Before…
and After…
Going into this race my only goals were to 1.) finish the race and 2.) run the whole thing. I had no goals for time. I told myself that no matter how long it took me I would be happy as long as I ran the entire length of the course. I have run 5k distances on my regular runs so I knew that I could run the whole thing, but since it was my first race I just wanted to treat it like my first race and let it be relaxed and fun.
And fun it was. Once I was clear of the crowd at the starting line and the runners and walkers going at a slower pace than me I settled into a good and comfortable pace and I ended up finishing faster than I anticipated. I smiled my way through the run and learned at lot about running in races.
Now I am itching to run. I feel so motivated now. If you have ever thought about running a 5k I would suggest it. Even a novice runner can train for a 5k in a relatively short amount of time and it feels great to cross a finish line. Someday I hope to be crossing a marathon finish line but for now a 5k was a great way to boost my confidence, motivation and enthusiasm.
A year ago I wouldn’t have predicted it. A year ago I thought I hated running. You never know what the future brings and I just keep evolving and growing and changing.
I am a runner. I am so hooked.
You look so happy and so thin! Yay!
I am excited for my race too. Who would’ve thought we’d both like running so much. I was also sure I hated it before. I run intervals 1 min run, 1 min walk because that is what I’ve been taught by the “experts”. Counterintuitive to how I would’ve trained but I hear that is how people train for marathons too. I will say I have continued to enjoy running, been injury free, and met my goals so I’ll call it success. I am looking forward to training for a 10K in the fall.
Great finish time too.
Nice work! I think races do a lot in terms of motivation (actually having a goal to train for) and in terms of showing you just how strong you really are. Additionally, races make me feel like a real athlete, which is something that can be difficult when you take part in a solitary activity like running. Who doesn’t love it when people cheer you on?
Now that you’ve fallen in love with running, I have just one question. Aspen half-marathon with me in September?
Half-marathon?! In September?!
Congrats on your first 5K. I think running races is a lot of fun!
Way to go Cat!!! Dad and I are very proud of you! You are an athlete, you are smart and beautiful! You can do what ever you decieded to do!!!
Thanks, Mom!
Congratulations! I’m following a podcast running program that will help me reach my 5K goal in 2 months. I’m on week 2 and loving it!
A podcast training program sounds like a really good idea.