Cape Cops 5K

And it's over..... The run was yesterday and somehow even though I trained for several months for that day, my thighs and arms are killing me.

The morning started out tense. I was nervous and anxious and it was clearly visible to all those in the car going to the run.

My friend Amanda and I noticed several participants running, sprinting, stretching before the race. I didn't want to waste my energy on warming up, but Amanda convinced me to take a quick walk before the start of the race.

Once we made it back to the mob of runners the nerves almost got the best of me. I looked around and saw people who looked like they had been running for years and were in much better shape than I was capable of ever being. There were people in shirts with team names on them. They had leg muscles that were toned and firm. I felt slightly out of place. I had to remind myself that the only person I was racing was myself. I had my set time in mind as the goal that I wanted to finish by and that was all I needed to focus on.

Once it was time to run I felt like I was going to be trampled by all the people who were behind me, but I was able to run .75 miles without needing a rest. I walked a short time and hit the mile mark at about 14 minutes. I wasn't too happy with this time so I knew I needed to pick up the pace if I wanted to reach my 37 minute goal. By mile two, I felt strong and nothing was hurting. The only thing was my breathing. It was hot and humid and it felt like I was breathing in mud. There were a few people around me who'd run for a few and then walk and sometimes I'd be ahead of them and sometimes they'd be ahead of me. It kept me motivated to keep moving and jogging along.

As I rounded the corner at mile three I could see the big blow up finish line. I switched on Eminem's "Lose Yourself" and hauled ass to the finish line. I was scanning the crowd for TGIM and Yellow Marble but I didnt' see them anywhere. It wasn't until I was almost to the finish line I saw them standing on a transformer box cheering me on. I couldn't help but feel emotional. My goal to complete a 5k had come to fruition at 37:06 minutes. I was so happy that I did it!! I was proud of myself for setting a goal and sticking to it.

I remember just a few months ago when I couldn't even run a minute without feeling like I wanted to quit. It's amazing how good it feels to be able to complete this 5k and know that I could do it. I can do it. And I will do it again!

Thanks for all the support!! Knowing I have people watching my progress makes me work harder. I hope I have inspired some of you to put on your walking shoes and get out there and start moving.