Finished

I finished my first race ever today. Hopefully it will not be my last. A few weeks ago I started to train for my first ever 5k. I am not a runner so my expectations were not much more than go, do your best, and have fun. I can say for sure that I met my expectations.

I had a goal to finish in 40 minutes. I know to most people that would be easy but for me each step was a challenge. I can honestly say this is one of the first physically challenging things I have done in my life (besides child birth). It has felt great to have a goal that is a REAL stretch for me.

I think it was special for me to see the kids watch their mother do something hard. Something that does not come naturally to me, something that has taken great effort on my part. Many times while training Abby would look at me and say, "Mom, that looks like it is really hard." and she was right. My cute family met me at the finish line cheering me on with a fun banner they had made.

It was an honor for me to go and support some of my great friends who all ran the half marathon. My eyes teared up as I saw each one of them turn their last corner and make it to the finish line. They trained hard and are such an inspiration.

We each finished and met or came in just under our race goals. I ended up coming in a little over 37 minutes. I walked more than I would have liked to but I also ran much faster than I do at home so I guess it all worked out in the end.

My cute hubby decorated our car we took to the race over night and it was a great way to arrive at the race. My new goal is to keep working at running an entire 5k and then take it from there. Overall, it was a great experience and I am proud of myself. It just goes to show that no matter how old and out of shape you are you CAN set difficult goals for yourself and just do your best. I'm glad I did!