My First 5k Race

Lots of people hate running, but I'm lucky enough to really enjoy it. I LOVE it even. Not sure why, since I've never been particularly fast. There is just something about pushing yourself to keep running when you feel like quitting. And the endorphins afterward make me feel like I could do anything.

Since the beginning of the Biggest Loser competition, I've been running 6 days a week. Because I've been so dedicated to my running regimen as of late, a co-worker of mine suggested I run a low-key 5k race that was coming up. I had never run in an organized race before, so I wasn't sure about it. BUT, I wouldn't have to do anything out of my daily routine to train for this race and it was taking place just a few blocks away, along my usual running course in Riverside Park. PLUS, it was for a good cause (Melanoma research). So I figured, hey, why not?

On Race Day, Jed and I headed down to the park and after signing in and doing some stretching, I made my way to the starting line. My focus was to just finish...doing so with a decent time would be a plus. I had no idea what to expect. Two days prior I ran 5k in about 28 minutes, so I figured I should shoot for something like that. I wasn't wearing a watch though, and they weren't providing split clocks, so I was just going to blindly try my best and see how it went.

At the starting line, getting in the zone

When the starting gun went off, I was not prepared for the spike in adrenaline I experienced. I had a surprising, immediate desire to pass everyone in front of me. I knew I needed to be careful not to start out too fast, but I couldn't help it! At seeing my starting pace, Jed thought I would almost certainly lose gas toward the end. I worried about this too, but my long-dormant competitive side came out --every time I passed someone I felt a little rush of pride (especially when it was a man) and it would motivate me to run even faster. At each mile marker I tried to up my pace even more, and somehow, the adrenaline carried me all the way

I made it to the finish line!

(Don't worry, I didn't carry that bag during the race)

I was shocked to see the clock as I crossed the finish line - 22 minutes and 34 seconds. More than 5 minutes faster than my regular pace! I didn't believe it at first, so I went to see the print-out for confirmation...that's when I discovered I was the 19th out of 180 runners...ok, that's respectable. What pleased me even more was that I was the 2nd female overall.

And then, upon further inspection of the results, I discovered I was FIRST in my division! I was the first female between 25 and 40 years old! I couldn't believe it! For being first in my division I got all sorts of loot...a new yoga mat, a free pair of crocs, a high-tech water bottle, an NYC running guide, and a $50 American Express gift card. Score!

"Winning" my first 5k has strengthened my addiciton to running and inspired me to enter more races. I've since run another 5k (didn't even come close to winning that one), and am training for my first half marathon in October. I'm so glad my coworker encouraged me to give racing a try. I love it!!