A little over a week ago, Chase and I participated in our first official 5K together! It was amazing. It was called Babysteps and proceeds supported counseling for parents who have lost their children. It was held at Tannehill State Park. We sure did pick a good one for our first race. It was held at 8:00am. We didn’t know if we were going to make it, since we are usually running late AND it was pouring rain. Luckily, we made registration and were assigned our numbers. I was super excited to pin mine on! Chase wasn’t as thrilled. *shrugs*. I however, made him wear it, hahaha! We were 326 and 327! I pinned on our numbers with care and we anticipated the start of the race. When I said it was pouring, I mean it was a monsoon. Apparently, those can occur in Alabama. Who knew? It had its advantages though…it totally beat running in August heat and humidity. I had to pour the water out of my shoes twice before the race started! I was nervous about the race. So many people were participating. Would I be able to finish? (I knew I could, but the thought still occurred.) What if I fall down? (It was awfully slippery.) What if I come in last? These questions didn’t really matter…I knew I would finish even if I had to crawl. I knew if I fell, I would get back up. I knew it didn’t matter if I came in last—just a pride thing. Anyway, nerves aside, I was still excited. I didn’t get to warm up or get a good stretch in, and I believe that hurt me in the long run. Finally, it was time to start, and the flock was off. We were in the middle of the crowd. We were to run on trails throughout the park. I had never run with so many people in my life. It was cool because we were feeding off each other’s energy. About 8 minutes in, Chase decides to leave me! I couldn’t believe it—I thought we were doing it together. He didn’t advance too far in front. I could see him the entire time, and he kept checking on me, but still, he left. It sort of motivated me though—I wasn’t gonna let him get out of my sight. He was a runner in highschool and actually had run a 5k+ several times, just not for charity. This was my very first! Anyway, I already knew he was faster and had more endurance than me. I just wanted to stay together. But still, him running ahead added fuel to my fire—and it all worked out. About a 1.5 miles I had to slow my pace to a walk for about a minute. I could still see Chase running, so I started right back. At the beginning of the 2 mile mark, Chase had to slow to a walk. He has trouble starting back after he slows down. I am opposite—I can’t go as long, but can start back after a short rest. I caught up to him, but when I did I got a cramp in my side. It only lasted about a minute, then we started back running together. Then, I rolled my ankle on a rock or pine cone—didn’t get a good look at it. Luckily, it didn’t sprain and didn’t hurt too bad, so I was able to keep going. After running for a little while, we had to slow to a walk again. After about 2 minutes I was ready to run. Chase, however, was not ready. I said, “Well, you left me earlier, so I don’t feel bad leaving you! 
” Then I ran on my own for a bit. My pace was a lot slower than in the beginning. Eventually, I had to walk again. That was when Chase was ready to run. He caught up with me, and we walked a little together up hill. We knew we had to be close to the finish, so we said when we get to the top of the hill, we would run the rest of the way. At the bottom of the hill, we could see where the finish line was. Chase started to give out again, but I told him “you can do it, babe. Let’s do this together.” We then held hands and continued running. Then we were close enough to see the time on the clock: 35:45. I said, “Let’s finish in 36 minutes! We can sprint!” Chase said okay, and we took off…our feet pounding as hard as they could in the puddles of water and mud…but we did it!!! We crossed the line at exactly 36 minutes!!!! 36:00!! It was exhilarating! And we finished in the middle. There were still several runners coming in after us. We joined the crowd clapping and cheering on the remaining participants as they crossed the finish line! It was so much fun! I look forward to our next race! We have a goal to finish in 34 minutes. I know we can do it! My prescription for you is to join an event for charity whether it be a run, walk, etc. It is awesome to help out a good cause. You will help yourself also…work hard to finish and do what you can to succeed. It will give you hope, motivation, and confidence. I believe it will help you to finish other goals. At least it did for me!
On a side note, I wore my “No Meat Athlete” t-shirt that I ordered special for the race and loved it!!! And guess what, Chase even ate an apple afterwards! I literally teared up! It was so much fun to run in the rain!
This is us afterwards….
