The Finish Line

So today was the day I was semi dreading for awhile. It's 5K day. And up until this morning, I definitely didn't think I was ready. I had really started off my training in the summer strong. I was all about getting ready and then....my normal crazy beginning of the semester stuff happened and I got off track. As the day grew closer, the more anxious I became. In fact, I had a dream last weekend that it would be awful and that I wouldn't even be able to do it. yikes. It was stressing me out. BIG. TIME.

Now, I realize I'm not in the worst shape of my life and that I exercise daily, but I'm not a runner by nature. In fact I have always said that I hated running. I like to be physically active, but running....no way. So last spring when I decided I wanted to run, I was a little surprised at myself. I think I wanted to prove to myself that I could. So you can see why I was stressed. I didn't want to fail and write off running forever.

This morning, I woke up nervous. I showed up at the race (where I was supposed to meet up with my friend, Emily who was running the 10K) and was still feeling like I was making a mistake, that this was going to be a disaster. Even as I walked to the starting line (solo, because I couldn't find Emily), put my iPod in my ears, pinned my number on my shirt, I was freaking out.

But I refused to let myself down. I turned up my music and started running. And it was good. It wasn't a nightmare. It was actually...dare I say...fun. I had no expectations of the time I wanted. I just wanted to finish and feel good about that. And the best part is that I wasn't the last one to cross the finish. Not even close.

Here is my number--I was happy it had an 8 in it. A good sign.

After the race--Brooks BBQ was served. So worth the extra WW points today.

Me and Emily (who rocked her 10K time) after the race.

Enjoying the fall day and our personal victories!

The only downer was that I wished I had asked people to come be at the finish line for me. I didn't make it a big deal because I was so worried that I would suck that I didn't want to ask people to come out. But I guess it's good that I did it totally by myself. I know it's only a 5K but I never thought I'd ever do something like this so I'm the only one that needs to be impressed with me. In any case, I'm so thankful that I did it and that I did prove that I can do it. The weird part is I can kind of consider myself a little bit of a runner now. Whoa. Three years ago, I never thought I would be able to say that. I'm proud that I can now. (Remember this post?)

And I think this may be the beginning...I already want to do it again. Remind me of that when I freak out the next time! :)

Happy Sunday!