Ryan and I ran our first 5K this morning! (We have walked several in the past, for fun.) The race was called the
2011 Superbowl 5K. We had the grandparents (M&P) coming over early to watch the kids so we could make the 45 min. drive to the race. Then, our friends texted us this morning while we were getting ready and said they were going to drive up and cheer us on, with THEIR 7 kids!, and asked if they could take a few of our kids with us. Of course we said yes! I wasn't feeling great because I had a nagging cough and cold all week, but it wasn't terrible enough to stop me from racing. Race time started at 10 a.m.
We got there early, around 9:15, and realized bib and t-shirt pick up was inside the gym of the community college. This was great because it was only about 35 degrees outside! We got a long sleeved purple t-shirt that said Baltimore County Police Memorial 5K on the front. I went to the bathroom right away and we decided to take our stuff back out to the car. We came back in the gym and they had a bunch of fresh fruit and pastries, as well as bottled water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. At home, I had already had a cup of coffee, some water, and half a Luna bar, so I bypassed the food and drink. We walked a couple of laps around the gym, and decided to go outside to walk and warm up. Around 9:45 we came back in the gym to stretch, and then it was time to toe the line! As we were heading to the line, we heard a familiar voice and saw our friend B with 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 kids running behind him, carrying signs that said "Don't Puke!", "Run like Snot!" and a couple of others. Seeing all of them boosted my spirits and I felt so ready! Thanks B & E!
We started out in the middle, and I got my iphone ready with my nike + app. There were a few nice words in the beginning from the policemen and then a shotgun start! We were off! I decided to "follow" a girl (just randomly picked a girl) that had on a cool outfit. (Pink hat and shirt, and a great running skirt). I felt really great at first and was smiling (I like to smile, smiling's my favorite). Ryan took off and I was trying to keep up with his long legs. We kept bumping into each other, too. Once I realized I was going way too fast, I decided to slow down and I got behind him. I felt much better after settling into my naturally slow pace! Ryan did great running. We both passed the first mile and I was at a 9:50 mile. That made Ryan's first mile faster. Soon after Ryan stopped to walk, and I kept going. We had already decided that we wouldn't run together. That's when I also saw cool girl stopped on the side of the road stretching. Uh oh. The second mile was a blur, but I remember it being tough. I wasn't really focused on my music at all, and the view was not lovely so I was all about people watching. Like watching the really old guy run next to me, than pass me, than stop to walk, I would pass him, than he would pass me running, etc. At the half way point we circled around and just went back the way we came. I kept looking for Ryan and I spotted him, but he didn't see me. I could see he was busy looking at his phone. (He kept checking his pace and time). Finished mile 2 at 10:26. I was a little disappointed, but kept going. I just knew I wasn't going to stop to walk. There were hills that slowed me up (I'm used to running on the treadmill) and the wind was also a factor, too. No excuses, though. Finished mile 3 at 11:22 and was so excited to see the finish line. I started running HARD for the last .1 and I felt like I was flying. Flacco (a guy with a jersey on that kept doing the walk, run thing) and I raced each other to the finish. I saw my friend E with her camera and I was so happy!! I heard her and the kids shouts as I finished my race in 30:37. I walked around to where they were and was so glad to hear Ryan was right behind me with a time of 32:05. WOW!!! I was so happy for him. After chatting a bit we decided to go back in the gym to warm up and let the kids help themselves to fruit, water, and hot chocolate. They were playing music and N & L were dancing and making everybody laugh. All-in-all it was a great race and I am tired now! Thanks again to B & E for coming to cheer us on. It really was great. We will be at your next marathon or swim meet!!! Happy Superbowl Sunday to everyone, enjoy the game, and all of the FOOD! Right now Ryan is cooking away. Here are a few pictures from the day!
ETA: Just checked the race results details and saw that I was 325 out of 503 and my time was 30:44. Ryan was # 371.
A screen capture of the race route
After the race and cleaned up with our t-shirts on
Before the race, it was cold!!
Before the race...CHEESE
After the race. Thumbs up! Photo by ES.
