first race

Today was my first actual "race"; The Biggest Loser Run/Walk 5k. There wasn't nearly as much "pomp" as I thought there would be. Which in some ways, was disappointing but oh well. The race itself, was fun. There was also a half marathon. There were some "serious" runners that were going to run the whole thing and appeared to have been running for a long time. There were also some who, clearly were not, and hadn't been running long. I actually saw a runner toting a Mc Donalds bag while eating an egg mc muffin, or something similar. I felt badly for them knowing it was probably not going to settle well once they started running.

Some people had pictures of themselves ( much heavier self) pinned to their shirts to remind themselves how far they had come. Some were pretty impressive. Some people appeared to have a lot more to go, yet there they were, getting ready to run (or walk) a 5k and some, even a half marathon. Props to them because I have no intentions of running a half marathon. The half marathoners went first, then it was our turn. There were SO many of us. And such a wide variety, big and small, old and young. Some in running attire, some in jeans and tennis shoes. Just when you thought they were going to be a spectator you'd see their bib. So different from the races Albert runs.

 This is the crowd that had to go before me, what you don't see is that it also goes around the corner!

I had to wait about 7 minutes after the 5k started before it was my turn to go. They let about 100 of us at a time go every 30sec.  When I realized how long the line really was I wished I had gone and stood in line prior. There were still a bunch behind me as well. By this point I was ansy to start, however I was not nervous or anxious at all, which I was very grateful for.

Finally my turn and I was in the front!

The air horn sounded and I was off. I "darted" off in front of the pack along with about 5 others (while leaving the rest in the dust. lol), then all of a sudden we caught up to the previous group who were walking. There were a lot of them and it was like a traffic jam of people. A handful of us ran zig, zagging through the group until we reached the next group which, by then had thinned out. It was kinda empowering running past all the walkers/slower than me joggers. 

Then I'd see a very overweight person walking and feel overcome by emotion. So much pride (for them) and I was so proud (of them). I knew how hard it was to get out there some days, and how much harder it was before I had lost some weight. On top of that, if I were their size or even half their size I would never have had the guts to do it.  I so badly want to cheer them on as i passed them but the lump in my throat stopped me. They were actively trying to get healthy and it was hard work, both emotionally and physically. 

There was one water station and Jackson from season 14 (of the biggest loser) was there. Since I had regretted not getting a picture with him at the expo I stopped and took a selfie with him, he wished me good luck and I the continued on. In the brief 5 sec, he was so nice and I felt so silly. :) 

selfie with Jackson

After my selfie, I had about a block to go before we were to make a u-turn and head back to the finish. At one point I had to stop and walk but then I felt a group of people coming up behind me while I was walking in the middle of the road. I glanced behind me and sure enough there were, which made me want to start running again. Every time I felt them creep up on me I pushed harder, they, without knowing, were great motivation. Finally, I could see and hear the finish line, finally! Then I saw Albert and Antonio waving at me about a 100 yards from the finish; I had done it! Phew! I ran 98% of the way, better than I normally do! It felt good. As some of you know. I had been feeling sick for pretty much all of September and only ran 3 times that month. I was in no way ready for this. In the 2 runs prior to this race I had been slow, much slower than usual. But I knew I could walk the whole way and still not come close to being last so I was determined to do it regardless! So I was so proud of myself for running pretty much the whole thing and feeling good! Turns out I did do good, I ended up placing 5th for women in the age group 35-39!! And 110th overall for age groups.  Happily, it also doesn't tell me how many of us were in that age group (or overall) so I can just assume there were hundreds! HA! :)

waving at Albert and Antonio at the end!  

It was a perfect morning for a run too; cloudy and 55 degrees. Maybe next year I can recruit my mom and cousins to walk/run with me! Now that I've gotten my first race under my belt I might now want to do another 5k. We shall see.

Finished and I got my medal! :)