5K Success!!

So I can't believe I actually did it, I ran an entire 5K without walking or stopping. 

 About 4 months ago, a good friend asked me if I would be interested in doing this 5K with her.  She told me she would run with me and help me out.  Luckily I didn't give too much thought to it, and just said sure why not.  I think if I would have taken some time to think about it, I would have NEVER thought I could have done it.  At that point I had just started working out on a regular basis.  The first time I got on my treadmill, it took me 32 minutes to walk just one mile.  Little by little I continued to improve.  The first time I decided I would try to run, I was able to run for one minute, and then jumped off the treadmill and puked.  I kept pushing myself though.  I started using the couch to 5K program and that was really helpful and motivating to push me along.  I remember the first time I was able to run for five minutes straight and thinking, this is so hard, there is no way I am going to be able to run a whole 5K.  I had it in my mind that I would just continue to push myself, and then when the time came, I would just do my best, which definitely wouldn't be running the whole thing.  I did the C25K program for about 6 weeks on my treadmill and then decided I wanted to start running outside.  Once I started outside, I didn't really use the program any more.  I just listened to my body and pushed it to where I could.  It wasn't until about 3 weeks ago that I was able to run my first mile with out stopping.  I did that 3 times and was able to improve my time by about a minute each time I ran.  I still had the mindset at that point that I would have to walk/run the race.  However on Wednesday I wanted to go out running for what I knew would be my last time before the race and see how far I could push myself.  That night I was able to run almost 3 miles and for the first time got a little glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe I could really run this whole thing.  

 Friday night me and my friends went to go and pick up our running packet and it was crazy the crowds of people who were there for the event.  It really got me excited and made me feel like I was stepping into a new realm of people.  The race I did was with the Ogden marathon, which is in the top ten marathons in the country.  There were over 9,000 runners, from 42 states and 5 countries competing. 
I had to be up at 4:30am the next morning, but struggled to fall asleep due to my nervous excitement.  My alarm went off way too soon, but I popped out of bed and thought, OK here we go, ready or not.  We had to catch a shuttle bus to the start line an hour before the race even began, so there was a lot of time to kill standing around in the windy cold weather.  It was kind of fun though getting all pumped up with the big crowd all there for the same reason.  It was fun to walk around and see all the different kind of people there waiting to race.  I certainly felt cool being among the crowd.
 I had decided I was going to push myself and run the whole thing.
 At promptly 7:00 the race began and off I went.  I found the pace I was comfortable with and just kept going.  I never once told myself I couldn't do it, or that I needed to walk.  I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and just enjoyed it!!  I never thought I would be able to say that I enjoy running, but I have learned that it just really gives me a sense of accomplishment and pushes me to try harder.  

The coolest part of the race was nearing the finish line and seeing all the people waiting and cheering.  I quickly scanned the crowd looking for my family and friends who I knew were waiting for me.  The announcer even announced my name as I entered the chute and crossed the finish line.  What an amazing feeling that is, I DID IT!!  Just writing this I see how far I have come in such a short period of time, and I can't believe it.  I immediately ran over to my husband who was waiting with open arms, and we both just cried.  I am so lucky to have such an amazing supportive husband.  It was also neat to have my kids see me finish, and see what I have worked so hard to accomplish.  Lauren told me as I put her to bed last night, that I was the winner of the race in her eyes.  Both my kids want to run the next one with me.  

I definitely want to keep running and push myself to continue to improve.  I wanted to finish the race in under 50 minutes and was able to do it in 46:40, which was way better than what I expected.  So that is my jumping off point and I only want to get better from here.  Thank you so much to everyone that has supported, pushed, and cheered me on.  I truly could not have done this alone.  

The race also happened to fall on my 5 month mark, and I am happy to report a total weight loss of 78.2lbs. gone forever.  I am so happy that I finally decided to take back control of my life.  I have never felt better and I can't wait see what the rest of this year holds for me.  Here are some fun pictures from the race, that you can enjoy as my 5 month progression pics.