5K #2

This last Saturday was my second race this year. I don't really know if I could call myself a "runner" yet unless the definition is someone who loves to run and loves the challenge of getting faster. That would be me - I LOVE the endorphine rush, I love beating my times, I love it that I look better than I have since I was probably sixteen (even better than I did when I got married), I love that I have definition in my calves and muscles in my legs, I feel strong.The last couple of times I timed my 5K distance on a treadmill I was 27:10 and then 27:07 plus I've run 8 miles twice - I was completey exhausted after each time but I knew I was getting stronger. I had a goal - 27 minutes! I was completely nervous ... I really wanted to do well. We also kept looking at the weather reports and the weather was looking pretty yucky. I had a stomach ache all day on Friday and I did not sleep well at all the night before the race. Amy and Dave picked me up at 7:30 and Dave dropped us off close to the front. We made him take some silly pictures of us first though! Then we met some of our friends so we could wait with nervous stomachs together! I have to say - I am so proud of these girls! Kristin beat her personal best and April, Kelsey April's daughter, and Jodi all set a big goal and were determined to finish! They were awesome!Amy and I were determined to stay together like last time but we hadn't run together in quite some time so we weren't sure if we were going to be the same speed. She was pretty surprised when I told her my goal, she said she was just trying to make it in under 31, 30 would make her happy. We decided just to see how it went - we probably should have brought our mp3 players instead. I had a TON of adrenaline when the canon shot off that I took off pretty quick. I pushed myself so hard - even when it started to HAIL! We were soaked through after only 10 minutes into the race. I kept looking back at Amy, wishing that I was running WITH her but just kept pushing forward instead. Every once in a while, when I just felt like slowing down and waiting for her to catch up, I would sprint instead. I knew if I was going to make running in the hail and all the anxiety worth it then I needed to make sure I got the best time I possibly could. I made it to the last stretch and started to run as hard as I could - and I noticed the clock - it was still in the 26 minute mark. I didn't know how fast I could go and then I heard my awesome friends - Kami and Michelle scream my name! I pushed it harder ... I looked at my stopwatch and couldn't believe my eyes! In fact, I forgot to even press the stop button because I was so surprised. It said 26:59 when I pushed stop. I started to cry! Then I turned around and saw Amy running her heart out towards the finish line, she crossed and pushed her stop button. When she got to me she held up her hand so I could see her time - 27:43. We both started sobbing! And hugging. It was pretty hilarious. Who could ask for a better friend and running partner than Amy? I am so lucky to have someone who can share such a special moment with me, who understands exactly what that moment meant to me. All the hours of working so hard at the gym, all my hoping, all the anxiety - it was all worth it. I was elated. Is there a stronger word than elated? If there is than that is what I was.

Official time: 26:50

Rank: 82/381, Pace: 8:39/mile

Last week I registered for my first half marathon.I might be crazy. But one thing is for certain ... I am hooked.