Today I ran my very first 5K and thought I was going to die, except I didn't. And it felt great. Except for the Near Vomiting Experience at the end. And the fact that the string holding my shorts up came out and started dangling down my leg. And my shirt, which seemed long enough the last time I wore it, was not long enough at all , so my belly was hanging out . I was using one hand to hold up my britches and the other hand to wave down the medical personnel after I crossed the finish line.
Why I feel good about this race:
- It was in honor of Dr. Bobby Stewart, a local doctor who succumbed to cancer and left behind a wonderful, beautiful family, who were there in full force today.
- I had not really trained properly (or at all?) for a 5K. I walk and jog sporadically, but until today I had not run 3 miles +/- and was convinced I would resort to walking.
- I did not walk one bit.
- I ran alongside a wonderful lady, Mrs. Gibbs, who is an inspiration. She's beautiful, talented and a very good runner. (And she's a decade older than me but looks twenty years younger.)
-It was an achievement, plain and simple.
Why I felt bad about this race:
-See opening paragraph.
-I nearly threw up.
-I had not eaten in 24 hours due to having a bad day yesterday. I might have had a glass or two of wine. Might, I said.
-My clothing would not cooperate.
-My son BEAT me. He's 12. And he has never run anything over a mile. And he's 12. And he BEAT ME!!!! (I am proud of him, but I am very competitive.)
-I came in 42nd. Yes, 42nd. Out of 52.
But at least I did not throw up at the finish line where they were taking pictures. I'm afraid they did get a shot of my belly hanging out and the string dangling down my leg though.
Rats.
6 comments:
When I see the word (acronym? thingy?) "5k" I'm thinking algebra, and how to solve for "k."
Not that I could any longer, but it's a far cry more likely than me finishing -- no, make that SURVIVING -- a 5K race. Kudos!
Thanks, Foolery. And kudos to you for having an algebra-thinking brain. The extent of my math skills can be summed up as follows:
Me + Math = Deer in Headlights Look
Thank you for visiting.
CBW--I'm incredibly proud of you. So much so that you inspired me to go out "running" (I use that term loosely...but I'm too embarrassed to call it what it is--"shuffling"). When I first leave the door my mind decides on a mantra to chant during the run. Tonight it was the theme from Malcolm in the Middle..."You're not the boss of me now...You're not the boss of me now....and you're not so big." (One would think that my mantra refers to a spouse or another penis-wielding male, but it actually refers to the unhealthy part of me that wants to QUIT everything I try before getting good at it.) So I made it, albeit turtle-like, about 2 miles. A high for me.
CBW--Don't you stop, you gorgeous creature you. You are truly my inspiration.
I am the QUEEN of shuffling - last year got conned into "running" the McLean Day 8K -- after having spent the prior weekend in Vegas. Finished in a tie for 3rd from last place only because my friend Melinda felt sorry for me and kept my sad pace. Was not dead last because I beat a kid who walked the last mile of the race with his grandfather. They are now trying to con me into doing it again this year - probably so all of them are assured of not being last.
Kathy and Iris (oops, using real names here):
KEEP UP THE SHUFFLING. I went from walking like a FREAKAZOID to walking plus an occasional stride or two of shuffling, to being able to do 2 miles without dialing 911. Just build up slowly. What I told myself is just to shuffle/slog/jog until you feel like stopping, but then walk. Once you get your breath back, start the shuffle again.
It (running or walking) is very therapeutic and I do believe that whatever hormones are released make you feel good all over and help with your sleep.
Of course red wine does the same, but we are trying to be healthy here.
Aren't we?
Love you both. Love to hear your stories. Keep 'em coming.
Oh, and Kaffy.
When, oh when, will you start that blog of yours?
Your stories are a hundred-fold better tham mine.
Come on, just do it.
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