That being said, for years now I have wished to be a runner...from the sidelines. I have A LOT of friends who run regularly, and I "Like" and comment on their running pics on Facebook.
From my couch.
I would love for one day to be able to say, "I'm a runner." and to be able to talk about PR's, splits, and shaving time off my last race.
Well, I'm obviously not there YET, but I'm working my way. I am committed to a few 5K's this year (WHAAAAAT?!?!) and ran my first one of the year recently.
Was I fast? HA!
Did I run the whole way? Not even close.
Bit I WAS up early on a Saturday morning to go run a 5K. That counts for something, right? RIGHT?!?! I ran the Ozzie's Home Run and Walk 5K in Geneva.
Here's my flat runner (I was so excited to make my first flat runner too!)
To be fair, I will say that I did not train at all before the race. I've been doing the 21 Day Fix exercises, but I didn't go on one run (or even walk) before the race. Suffice it to say, I was nervous!
The race was held at the Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. For as long as I have wanted to take Brayden to a baseball game, I'm surprised that this was my first time at the park. (And, BTW, Brayden has yet to make it to a ball game.)
I got to the park early because I didn't know what to expect, but there wasn't a whole lot going on pre-race. Just a bunch of people stretching and stuff. It was the perfect time for some selfies!
It was finally time to start the race. Here was the starting line! I'm more of a wogger than a runner (my walk/job combo) so I situated myself towards the end of the line.
To be honest, I don't think I would run this course again. What you see here is pretty much all it was. We ran around the access roads behind the stadium and the course was very rocky in parts. I was surprised I didn't twist an ankle! It also was not a looped course. You ran one way, and then you turn around at the mid-point and run back the same way. I like looped courses MUCH better.
There were a few water stops on the course though, which I did like. Usually there's only one water stop halfway through the course. I remember at least three this race.
Ultimately, I finished 8 seconds (ONLY 8 seconds!!!) slower than I was hoping for. My goal - considering the zero training I had - was under 40 minutes, and I finished in 40:08. Not bad, but definitely not great either. The race ended inside the ballpark and there were bananas, granola bars, and water at the end for finishers.
Another thing waiting for finishers after the race was BEER and BRATS! All participants got a voucher for a free beer and brat or hot dog. I might not run alot, but I WILL run for alcohol or food. This race was a twofer!
Overall, while I probably won't run this course again, I am glad that I was up and out of the house early to do it. This was also the first race I have ever run by myself! I tend to go with either friends or my daughter, never alone. It wasn't bad though. I would totally do that again, just at a different race.
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