Road Racer

Three months ago I decided it was time to finally get back in shape. I was done having children, so it was time to lose the baby weight I had accumulated over my 2 pregnancies. But the thought of actually trying to get fit and lose weight was not too appealing.

Then I came across the Fit by Labor Day Challenge sponsored by Samantha at Mama Notes. It was just the motivation I needed to get started.

I knew that the best way for me to achieve my goal was to start running. So, I began running following the Couch to 5K running program, a nine week program designed to take you from not running to being able to run a 5K. I followed it to a tee and ran my first 5K on September 19th, 10 weeks after I started.

I was nervous and anxious, but did not have any real expectations. I just wanted to finish in 30 minutes, and I did. I finished in a time of 27:20. I was really proud of myself! I did it, and did it faster than expected.

During the awards my competitive nature came out. As they were announcing the top 3 for each age group, I began to think that I might actually be in the medals. In the 20-29 group I would have been second! What!? Surely in my group, 30-39, the times would be slower. My heart started racing and I told hubby to get the camera ready. But it wasn't to be. My time was 30 seconds slower than third place.

I hate to admit it, but I almost cried. Seriously. What is wrong with me?! I just ran my first 5K in over 18 years and I was upset that I didn't get a medal.

I quickly came to my senses and began to feel proud of my accomplishment again. There was a lot to be happy about. I finished 5th in my age group, 19th out of all the women, and 69th overall. Not bad for only 2.5 months training. And in the back of my mind I was thinking about the next race and what I needed to do to run faster.

The next race was 2 weeks later on October 4th. My original plan was to run a 5K a month to help keep me motivated to run. I did not plan on running another one so soon, but it was held about 10 minutes from my house so I had to do it.

This time I went in with higher expectations. I wanted to improve my time and I was secretly hoping to get in the top 3 for my age group. I wanted a medal!

It was the perfect day for a race...cool and calm. I was ready to run. I was calm and cool. The course was moderately flat so I knew I could improve my time. I ran it hard and gave it my best and I improved on my time by almost 2 minutes! I finished in 25:34. My hopes were up again for a medal. I felt I had a chance.

But I didn't make the top 3. I was 4th in my age group, 12th out of all the women, and 47th overall. Not bad. And this time, I was not disappointed. Seriously. I may not have won a medal, but I was close. I will win one eventually. I think I can. I think I can.

And with my parents, my hubby, and my kids cheering me on, there's no stopping me!

My Fan Club - Mom, Hubby, Dad, Cakes, and Bubby