We joined a local 5K training group back in February. I was intimidated at first, but everyone I met was really nice, and we all had the same goal. We even met two ladies who live in our neighborhood! We run with them on the weekends sometimes, now.
We trained for 12 weeks, and let me tell you, there were days when I really really wanted to stop. Shin. splints. stink.
We started out running 1 minute and walking 3. We finished our 12-week session running 5 minutes and walking 2.
Now then, I figure I've rambled enough. It's time to let you know the results!
I ran 5/2 intervals with another lady in my pace group. We ran a lot faster than our training pace (around 11:00-12:00/mile vs 13:00/mile), and our intervals got a little off toward the end. We ran 7 minutes and walked up the last small hill so we would have some juice left for the big finish.
I ran my very first 5K race in 41:15! I placed 8th in my age group.
My goal was to finish in under 45:00. My previous personal best for a 5K distance was 43:59 during training.
I'm really happy! As Chris tells me, I "shattered" my previous personal best! I thought I would be wiped out after the race last night, but I ended up feeling really pumped up for the rest of the evening. Gotta love those endorphins!
Now for Chris. I'm so proud of him! He has never really been in poor shape like me, but I dragged him along in this training program. I simply informed him we were doing it, and I'm not sure that he realized that I meant we are actually doing this! I'm so grateful to him for his support. I don't think I could have done this alone. (Surprisingly, to me at least, we were one of the few couples who did the program together.)
Chris trained in a faster pace group than I did. He and one of his coaches ran the entire race together. (I saw him running back down the course towards the finish when I was about, I don't know, just past the 1/3 point? Speedy Jones, right there.)
Chris also ran a personal best in his first 5K race. I think his previous personal best was around the same time as mine, since we train together on the weekends and he accommodates my pace when we run.
Chris ran his very first 5K race in 30:43! He placed 3rd in his age group and won a prize!
It was the Cinco de Mayo 5K, so his prize was salsa. (It's a perfect prize since Chris loves salsa!)
Today, I'm stiff and a little sore, but I'm so very happy. Back around New Year's, I thought to myself that I would like to run a 5K, but I didn't tell anyone because I figured this resolution, like many others, would fizzle out. When I saw the 5K training program online, I almost decided not to do it.
I'm so glad I did.
Moreso than getting in better shape than before, this program reminded me that I can do things when I set my mind to it.
I had forgotten that.
Of course, I'm signing up for the next session to improve my time. My next goal is to run a 5K in under 40:00.
It will be hot.
I will gripe about it. A lot.
But it will be worth it.
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