We Did It!

Before the race. 

Kelly, Joyana, Michelle, Me, Debbie, Angie, Shay, Linda

I did it! We did it! It's hard to believe that 12 short weeks ago I couldn't even run for one minute and I ran (most of) a 5K!

Beautiful Garden of the Gods. The start line - about 830 runners - we were near the back.

The entire event was amazing to me, from the shuttle to the start line to running into Roland's arms at the finish line to the celebratory breakfast in Manitou Springs. It's all I've thought about the last 48 hours. My friend, Diana (who is having her baby as I type), told me this is called a "Runner's High". I never would have thought that those two words, Runner's High, could be associated with me! But gosh darn-it -- I've got Runner's High and it feels great!

Linda (pink jacket around waist)  finished first in our group.

Joyana (in black) looks like she is strutting across the finish.

Right before the race I had to use the bathroom, you don't want to run with a full bladder, and nerves  made me need to go. The line for the 8 porta potties was at least 15 minutes long and the race started in 5 minutes so Joyana, Debbie, and I ran into the bushes and did our business right in front of 830 racers. I thought we had picked a private place to go, but it was next to a trail that lots of people used - sorry if I flashed you. Debbie flashed lots of people!

When the race started I was shivering with nerves, excitement, and fear. I ran all but the steepest hill and walked part of one long hill. I saw people cheat the course but no way would I do that. The people who ran the 5 mile race zipped past me like I was standing still. It was thrilling to hear them come up behind me, huffing and puffing and grunting with effort and then watch as they bounded past - beautiful. If you've never run in a 5k I highly recommend you do it just so you can be next to those amazing runners who run twice as fast as you.

The finish! 
Coach Michelle crossed with me - she ran back and forth through the race checking on all of us. Such a great gal.

I passed people too. I was told that I should try to pass people but I thought that would be impossible, it was a miracle that I even showed up, but I did pass them. And then some of them passed me.

We are pretty happy - Debbie, Joyana, Michelle, Kelly and me.

Angie and Kelly, both fast capable runners, stayed with me the entire race. It must have been painful to run so slow. I love them for that. They both would have ranked near the top of their age group, but they stayed with me, coming in very last in their age group. Such dear loving friends. I insist that next time you both run your own pace ok?

I ranked 17th in my age group with a time of 46.49. I was disappointed with the time, but that was gun time so I think I can take a minute and half off my time cause I was near the back at the start. Also, lots of people told me that because the race is so very hilly (very) that the time is slower for everyone.The oldest woman to run was 73 years old and she finished in 39 minutes! My hero.

Sweetheart Angie

When I saw the finish line and heard the music and the announcer, I got goose bumps. Roland was standing right at the finish with the camera - I couldn't wait to get to him. Ah, I do love that man.

Coach M

Christine, Jen, and Cumorah cheered us on and Jen gave us all leis as we finished. The running group (officially called "Weak In The Knees" as we nearly all had knee trouble last week) gave me a huge bouquet of flowers. It was quite the celebration, my cheeks hurt from smiling. There were lots of pictures (check us out on this guy's site) and hugs and even a few tears of joy.

Michelle, Shay, Debbie, Angie, Me, Cumorah, Joyanna, Jen and assorted darling children.

Can't wait for the next one!