1st 5k!!!, and Free Shoes to Boot

If on January 21st you would have told me that on May 3rd I'd be running a 5k, I would have asked you to put the crack pipe down. Low and behold you weren't smoking crack, I just got up off my butt finally and started doing something productive. What are the odds. I would have given you great ones that it wasn't going to happen.







I drove to the start of the 5k with a lot of nervousness, and apprehension. I wasn't sure where to check in, where to stand in line, and how far back in the pack I was supposed position my self. When the kind gentleman gave me this orange disc thing, I had to ask him what it was and where to put it. Thankfully he was polite and simply told me to tie to my shoe laces. With that all figured out there was just enough time to wait. The P.A. guy would announce that there was five more minutes to go and we should get ready. My only problem was I didn't know how to get ready, so I calmly watched others fidget with their ipods or other mp3 devices. When the announcer stated that there was three minutes left, the nerves really set in and I was facing a serious flight or fight syndrome. I was close to the back of the bullpen and I thought I might make a triumphant exit out of the pen. Then I saw my wonderful wife watching me and I realized I was now committed. So I got my ipod ready with the appropriate music and made sure the nike + function was ready to rock. Now all I had to do was anxiously await the gun and all would be well.

At this point of the pre-race I was looking around trying to find a group that I might be able to follow through this race. None quite looked slow enough. I figured I was my own and I would probably be bringing up the rear. Some one has to finish last and it might as well be me I was thinking as the gun finally went off. After getting through the starting gate, everything seemed to loosen up abit. I moved as far the the right as I could so faster people behind me could come flying past me on the left. After a minute of this, I realized that no one was coming and that I really wanted to move. I wanted to move up in the group this thought amazes me still. I felt sneaky and a little dirty to move to the left and start passing people. I found what felt like a comfortable pace and stuck with it for quite a little while. We came to some hilly sections and I did break down and walk for a short little while. I was surprised to find that several others were walking as well and I was not alone while walking. (pre-race I was sure I'd be the only one needing to walk.) I had enough gas left to pick up the pace enough to finish the last mile fairly strongly. It was a blast running while watching the timer count. It seemed to make me run with a little more of a kick.

After crossing the line I turned my watch off at 28:22. Holy cow, 28:22 I was hoping to be close to breaking the 30 minute marks but I had my doubts about accomplishing even this goal. Needless to say I was ecstatic with that time and just as giddy as school boy about the whole thing.

I can't tell you how many times I thought about not going to the race and actually running it. My perceptions of everyone else's abilities were really blown out of proportion. Sure there were great runners there and they put up some unobtainable times, but there were also allot of people who were just beginner runners as well and were just there to have fun.

The post race activities were cool. It was fun to hear how fast the top three were in each bracket and see just how much I need to improve. The answer is a bunch. But that's ok, I'll just keep digging. Quite possibly the coolest thing about the whole post race was the stand that was giving out beer. Now I'm not a big beer drinker any longer but that may have been the best beer I've ever had in my life.

They gave us these really cool champion double dry shirts just for running. I love this shirt. I want to wear it everywhere. They also had a bunch of raffles post race. My bib number was 213 so imagine my surprise when they called 213 as a winner for a pair of new balance shoes from a local running shop. How sweet is that.
See, here is a picture of my really cool shirt, my awesome shoes and the reason why my wife likes to say hey 213 get your butt over here and take out the trash.

Finally if anyone out there is about to run their first 5k and is kinda nervous or hesitant about it, Relax. You are going to have a blast. You might not get the time you want but you might very well surprise yourself and smoke that goal you have set for yourself. My biggest advice for other people running their first would be enjoy it. Look around see what others are doing, I'll bet they don't look much different than you. Enjoy the day and than tell me about it so I can celebrate with you.

Anyone have a good idea for getting the Nike+ system work with my new FREE new balance shoes?

Good luck and keep digging