Saturday, May 23, 2009

My First 5K: Documented for Posterity


Guess what?

I ran my first 5K last week! This was truly an amazing feat for me. I have never been a runner. In fact, I was the girl in gym class who huffed and puffed around the track claiming that I couldn't run. I must admit the odds were and (still are) stacked against me. I don't have a "runner's body". There is nothing long and lean about me. I'm a mere 5'0" tall.

This all started with The Big D. I started running to amp up my weight loss efforts. Over a six month period I slowly and gradually worked myself up to a point where I could run a good amount of time without stopping. At that point, I decided to bite the bullet and sign up to run a 5K(3.1 miles) with my husband, Rich, and friend, Shelley.

I trained mostly with Rich who is not a mere 5'0" tall. He's a much more significant 6'0" tall. He was so sweet and helpful and ran right alongside me even though it was more difficult for him to run at a slower pace. He also helped me work through some of the mental stuff, which turned out to be a BIG part of the battle for me.

I didn't set any speed records, but I met my goal of running the entire distance (without stopping) and finishing in under 40 minutes. My official time was 38:22.5. And do you know what? I actually enjoyed it! I didn't enjoy all of the training, but I definitely enjoyed the race. In fact (now brace yourself for this one), I'm running another one in about two weeks! I'd like to satisfy my curiosity by seeing if I can run it a bit faster. After this one, I plan to take a break for awhile and not push quite so hard.

Anyway, that's a little bit about what has been going on with me. Thanks to all of you who have encouraged me and prayed for me along the way. It really meant so much to me!

Shelley and I (BR - before the race)
Rich and I (BR)
Shelley and I (AR - After the race)
Rich and I (AR)


18 comments:

beckyjomama said...

I'm sorry, but I missed the picture where you LOOK like you just ran a 5K. Where's that one?

Other than that ... GO YOU!!!!!

I am just starting a couch to 5K program and am gonna be training for a VERY low key, small triathalon in Aug. And, gotta tell ya, I am SKEERED!

Kate said...

I'm SO, SO impressed! And I love Becky's comment.

Kate

Celeste said...

That is awesome! You are all amazing!

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

Yeah, you! I'm running my first one the first Saturday in June - I'd love to know how Rich helped you through the mental stuff.

Jackie said...

I cannot being to tell you how so stinkin' PROUD I am of you! Way to go, Alana! I am very impressed with your time, too.

You and your hubby are so cute, together...love it.

Abigail (aka Mamatouille) said...

Oh wow! Congrats!!! I've always been the girl who huffs and puffs, too, and can't get around a track without feeling like fainting. So I'm really really impressed with your achievement - for now I'll keep cheering from my living room - maybe someday will work up to moving myself.

Shelley said...

Alana, I am SO proud of you my friend! I am honored to have run this race with you, and I really do look forward to doing another one with you...later. :). I can't wait to hear your new time!!!

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

Congratulations!!! That's quite an accomplishment, and that comes from the other girl who huffed and puffed around the track in Junior High! You look just as great AR as you did BR....

Xandra

Carissa said...

you truly are a STUD!!!!

Lynn said...

Woo Hoo!!! Congratulations! I don't like running, so I can't say I'll be joining you in this aspiration. I agree with Becky....why do you not LOOK like you've run? Just lovely.

Kara said...

Woo! Hoo! Way to go Alana! You should seriously be SO proud of yourself. I have always wanted to run in a race and if I can get a buddy to do it with me, then I will be hoping next year is the year. Congrats to you on your accomplishment.

P.S. I just saw Lynn started her comment out with "Woo Hoo". Apparently - we are on the same wavelength! :-)

Angela Nazworth said...

First off, you are so dad gum cute! Congrats!!

Anonymous said...

I thought she was helping ME through the mental part!

I am so proud of you, Honey!

Growin' With It said...

feels great, doesn't it? great job girl!!

Melissa Marie said...

Oh this is so inspirational to me! I am currently training for a half marathon and am not a runner in the slightest. (Yeah, I've lost my marbles) Congratulations!! :)

Denise said...

first, that is TERRIFIC!
you MUST tell me which program you used. i have tried running alana, but agghh, i can't do it. (it is hilly where i live, that is my excuse).
but i still want to. come see me in cali. and inspire me in person!

Linda Z said...

Wohoo! Congrats! I'm not a runner, but love to watch others achieve physical goals! Keep it up! :)

I'm Tara. said...

*highfive* Didn't give you an official one here. :) So proud of you!!