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.