My First 5K!

I signed up for shin splints, back aches, knee pain, and fear. Ten. Weeks. Of. Fear. And I loved every minute of it.

On March 24th, in 25 degree weather, I began a journey like no other.

A journey that taught me the importance of moisture wicking breathable clothing, proper hydration, and how the right Black Eyed Peas tune can help propel me over a challenging incline.

A journey that taught me about good form running. How posture, mid-foot strike, cadence, and lean, all work together to increase efficiency and decrease injury.

A journey that forged a friendship and shined a light on camaraderie in its most perfect form.

A journey that forced me to dig deep.

I loved this 5K training program that taught me very important things about myself like the true meaning and ultimate reward of personal commitment.

I learned that it is not enough to just desire something, that to go the distance, I needed to truly commit. Ultimately making my goal, not the completion of a 5k, but rather my ability to execute commitment whenever the going got tough. The 5K was merely the sweet frosting on a cake made of commitment.

Commitment got me through that first day and beyond…through cold, rain, solitary runs, burning lungs, planks, speed interval training and hills.

Commitment got me through ten weeks of the most difficult physical challenges I’ve ever volunteered for.

Which is why, this past Saturday…race day…my first 5K day…participating in Fleet Feet’s 3rd Annual RUNapalooza…I won before the whistle even blew.

Before lacing up, warming up and lining up…

 

 

…we all won.

 

Hope to see you on the trails!

Ciao!