My first SPARK 5 K

My first 5k was about three years ago on the fourth of July when a group of us walked/ran in support of a young man who was paralyzed that June at summer camp. I was very grateful that day for the ability to run in support of someone who was unable to do so on his own. I don't know what my time was but along the way I joined up with a friend who, now, three years later is my inseparable running buddy. We are training for my first half which will be Nov. 7 . Our favorite thing to do is to head for the hills once or twice a week for a grueling hike/run that leaves us sore but happy before heading to Jamba Juice to celebrate the day and good health.

Last Saturday, the day after a nine mile run, I ran my second 5k which I am calling my first SPARK 5K. My son and I decided late Friday night to do it for fun, otherwise I would have made Friday a rest day. The nerves alone were good practice for my upcoming half. I woke up four times and in the morning my stomach was in knots. The race was a small affair which started at our gym where my son is a lifeguard and I frequent practically every day of my life and it wound through the community park there, so really I had nothing to worry about. I tried to look at it as another workout; a practice run.

We parked at the other end of our neighborhood and walked the short trail to the start. It didn't take long for things to get started and at the word 'go' my son was off like a flash. I figured I'd let him go ahead because it wouldn't be a pretty sight for him to be beat by his mom, lol. Maybe next year.

I was able to keep a good pace, but I think it was a little fast for the beginning. I thought I could pass certain people but that didn't last for long. At one point I was running steady with a guy behind me and a guy in front of me. I told myself that satan was chasing me and I was following Jesus. I wanted to stay right there between them; not being caught by satan and following close behind Jesus. My mistake was thinking that I could pass up Jesus and do it on my own because in the end they both passed me up, lol. I hadn't really thought about pouring it on in the end or about racing, really, at all but if I had given it some thought I may have kept my pace better.

I was grateful to have my family meet me at the finish line and cheer me through. My husband took some pictures that paint the very ugly, grueling picture that it was, lol. Runing Buddy describes it as looking like a fish on the ground flopping around and gasping for air. Yep, that was me.

I was glad that I was able to run the whole way and came in right in the middle of the pack at 31.18. Next weekend I am running a 5K with a friend who will have her baby in a jogger cycle. I doubt my new time will be any better but, again, it will be a good workout.

The rain has arrived here in our area and I took a run this afternoon as it was turning to a light mist. It felt nice but I was way too hot in my new long sleeved dry fit shirt. Hopefully race HM day on the 7th will be clear, cool and dry. I am hoping to finish sub 3 hours for my first half. If all goes well, next year I will be back at it, challenging my times and pressing on to do even better. I'll be another year older and will be very grateful to finish strong!