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Sunday, October 3, 2010

my first race.

Saturday I ran in my first race. Well, my first one since my junior high days. Over 2 years ago, May of 2008 to be exact, I was going to run in my first race. It was a 5k. We ended up taking Holden home the Friday before. So that little 5k quickly became not a priority to me. And running has been off and on since that time. About 6 weeks ago, I was asked to be part of a marathon relay in December. So I started running some with other girls and some on my own. More recently it has been all on my own. And that's probably been good for me. To find my comfortable pace and try to push myself a little more each time. Though I do love the social part of running with other people, the time alone has been good for me.
For the past week I have been getting up around 5am to do my running. And it's been a really good time for me. A good way to start my day and nice feeling of accomplishment by 6am. I'm not necessarily a morning person, but I might be learning to enjoy this time for myself. A little time to reflect on my day and spend some time chatting with God. I think it gives me time to prepare my heart and mind for the rest of the day, rather than rolling out of bed when a child wakes me up. It's made a difference for me. So this past week I ran 4 miles without stopping on 2 different days. I really surprised myself. And there just happened to be a 4 mile race this weekend. So I felt like it was doable. I checked for a 5k. I preferred a 5k to be my first race. But there were none in my area. So the 4 mile Trinity Trot was my only option. And I did it! And I actually ran it a little faster than what I had done at home. And it was tough. Very much a challenge for me. And my hamstrings were feeling it today. Just a little tight. :) But I felt really proud after I was done. A nice feeling of completion.

2/3 of my cheerleaders. They were a joy to see waiting for me at the finish line.

waiting to begin the run

And we're off!

Now getting close to the finish line. Amazing how you suddenly have more energy to push harder when you can see the end.

And there I am finishing at 42:30something.

I haven't gotten my official time yet. It's no secret. I'm not a speed demon. But I ran a 4-mile race and finished. I've never done this before. I'm happy. And maybe even ready for another one. When Jeremy made the loop around to find me, Holden jumped out of the stroller to give me a hug. And Jeremy kept telling me how proud he was. Jeremy doesn't just freely throw out compliments and words of affirmation. So those words meant ALOT. And later to find that he had secretly texted our best friends those exact words "I'm so proud of her" with my finishing time . . . learning that almost felt as good as crossing the finish line.

10 comments:

Kari said...

Congratulations!! That's awesome! Next time you find a race to run, let me know and I'll join you =)

kh123 said...

Welcome to the club! What a great time!!! You are awesome Melodie!

My first half Chad had my bib, metal, and a pic of me framed. The rest of the bibs are stapled in our garage- its a nice way to display your hard work!

everyday graces said...

Congratulations Mel! I'd say YOU ROCKED IT friend! I think you made excellent time. So proud of you. Crossing the finish line strong is a great feeling isn't it!

The Skains Family said...

Yay! I'm glad it went well, and I'm proud of you too :)!

Lindsey said...

Congratulations, Melodie! That is so awesome. :) I'm proud of you, too!

I would enjoy running, and I admire you stamina and your determination to get up so early and run. Can I ask, are you running outside or on a treadmill? See, I have no treadmill, and would love to run outside in the early hours. But, I cannot overcome my fear of being harmed or abducted. I wish I could just get over it and live my life. :o/

kh123 said...

Lindsey I train in and out doors. Some things that you could do that might help you with your fear:

-run with an i.d. band (you can order on line, it has all of your contact and emergency contact info on a god tag that you can attach to your shoe or wear)
-run with mace (i do this esp if I'm running out in the country)
-run with your cell phone (they have racing belts that will hold all of this or the nicer workout gear has zippered pockets)
-always check let someone know your route and estimated finish time... when I do my long runs I end up out in the boonies and so I always call my husband afterward

Misty said...

I am so impressed!!!! Congratulations on crossing the finish line.

Melodie said...

Thanks Lindsey for your nice words. I don't have a treadmill so I run outside. I also don't have a gym membership. (That was one of the things we sacrificed for me to stay home with the kids.) So outside is my only option for now. Normally, I am a scaredy-cat. But Jeremy leaves early for work (which is why I have to get the running done so early). And he has been telling me for a while that there are tons of runners in our n'hood in the morning. And there are! Lots of runners, walkers, dog-walkers. So I am constanly passing fellow friendly exercisers. It's rarely just me on the sidewalk. Even that early. And so I am really comfortable and feel safe. Also, I run past my house mid-run so I am always within 1 mile of my house. Not that it would help me much if I came in contact with someone dangerous, but it makes me feel safe that I am not far from home. I know this isn't all that helpful, just my thoughts on it.
Keri (kh123) had LOTS of ideas. I don't do any of them. Probably should though. :)

The Myers said...

YEA! So proud of you! You did a GREAT job! Now, on to the half. :)

Daysha said...

I am so proud of you. I am so jealous too!!! LOL Go girl go!!