As some of you may know, my new year's resolution this year was to begin running. I've never really been a runner before, and by "never really," I mean the last time I ran a mile was 6th grade gym class. One of my coworkers runs half marathons a few times a year, and I decided I wanted to run one with her over Labor Day weekend. I've been training since about the beginning of February, running more and more over the weeks. Today, I had my first 10K (6.2 miles) called the Mermaid Run.
Kayla and Edel woke up super early with me (aka 6:30am) and we headed out to Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont, CA. They were amazing and came to cheer me on :) I got there wearing the free T-shirt I got for registering, and my first official race bib (#1114). The theme for this year's run was "I run because..." and every one filled in their bib's with various quotes. For example, "I run because I'm awesome," "I run because I can," "I run because it makes me happy," or "I run because I have long legs." I was flirting with various things ("I run because monsters are chasing me" or "I run because Jenny said so") but settled on:
The race began at 8:30, and I was surrounded by a giant crowd of people. I had no idea how many people ran! All shapes, sizes, and ages. But anyway... the time ticked by and so did the miles. My stride came and went. Miles #1 and #4 were the toughest. I had a nice stride in the middle and by the end. Of course, for me, a nice stride is still between 12 and 13 minutes per mile. But hey! It's not like I was in a race or anything (cough). I finished the race in an hour and 18 minutes, somewhere in the middle to third quartile of the pack.
Upon finishing, I downed a bottle of water, and laid on the grass. It wasn't as great as Michigan grass, but it made do. I've spent most of the afternoon napping, rightfully so. And now I am watching the Star Wars episode of Family Guy from the classic Sosne position - reclined.
I feel really good and proud of myself. I never in a million years would have imagined I could run a single mile, let alone 6 and change. I think running a half marathon in September will feel overwhelming, and I can't wait to accomplish the goal. ...I'm also scared shitless, because doing what I did today TWICE seems ridiculous! Luckily I have 3.5 months more to train :)
Now here are some Joe Man pictures, cause I said so...
i feel especially honored that i have known all along about your running and your hard work and your training and your excitement and your fears and your (now) accomplishment after the fact!!! way to go amanda!! i can't wait to come and cheer you on in person in september! it will be a wonderful adventure and my pleasure!! i love you ~
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