Running a 5K

Have you ever run a 5K? Would you like to?

My husband and his family are avid runners all of his siblings run and even his 79 year old dad still runs. My comment when we would go to races and stay on the sidelines to cheer everyone on was if I am being chased by a man with a knife, I will run. Seriously I never ever would have seen myself running a 5K. I had been watching a Fit @ 5 series weekly on our local nightly news. The girl was inspiring as she was a curvy girl, not what you perceive as a runner. She said she was organizing The first fit at 5K run, on October 8th, for new runners. I wrote to her to let her know she inspired me to sign up

Lesson learned: If you believe you can accomplish something and focus on it you will be amazed what you can do.

I ran a 5K October8, 2011. I had walked some before for The American Heart Association and March of Dimes.I had been on a health kick and was eating healthy and working out in the gym at work and also attending a Pilates 2 days a week. I needed to lose some weight so thought maybe I would give running a shot. In preparing myself to run I really did not need anything except, a heavy duty Bra, I am quite voluminous and knew I would not be able to run with the girls outta control. So online I went to find a bra that was also a straight jacket. I found a fabulous running bra called Enell Sports Bra, I spent about $60 on it ,Expensive yes, but without it no way I could have considered running. Choosing the size based on chest measurements.. I was excited when it arrived, I could start my training. The bra hooks with fasteners up the front , I could not put it on by myself so Frankie had to assist me as I got into my bra. I had to pull it tight as he hooked the hooks, It was quite hysterical. But, even as large as I am it held my girls tight, they really could not move. I was excited to begin the program.

Lesson learned: Buy a bra that really supports

If you are thinking of running a 5K or 3 mile race and you have never run before check out this cool plan that I used it is Couch Potato to 5K. @ www.coolrunning.com/ . Great program that will help you get into shape through your training.

I started my plan in early Sept, with my husband being my trainer, we ran around Back Bay in Portland, with the ocean breeze and the beautiful scenery, it was a great place. It went well but when I was done I was wrecked at the end of my first training session. But by the second week came around I had shin splints so bad I could hardly walk. I new I was pushing it to get all the training in as the race was Oct 8, 2011.

To avoid injuries: I would recommend being sure you are hydrated, drink, drink , drink water, or Gatorade if you would rather. Do enough stretching exercises before running. Most important be sure you are treating your feet well by wearing the proper running shoes.

When I first starting running I wore some Reebok's that I already had. They were still in what I considered good shape. But in retrospect I know they did not support well and may be why I had gotten shin splints. After my recovery from the shin splints which took about 1 1/2 weeks, I went and bought some new running shoes,

Lesson to be learned: we need to be aware that the shoes and the support matter. The shoes I bought are a style by Saucony and they are are incredible,

I started running again and no more shin splints. I will not say that all was soft fuzzy lambs and adorable little puppies, but it did make things better. But because of my shin splints I would not be able to get the full 9 weeks training in before my run. I made up my mind to do as well as I could and just alternate between walking /jogging.

The day of my race I was anxious and excited. Frankie was running with me, he would stay with me and encourage me. We went to the park where the race was to begin. So it was start time, and we're off. I will not sugar coat it, at times it was so hard. But I stayed focused and wooped at the local news people who were set up along the course at water stations. People I knew were running and I had them in my sites the whole way, its amazing how that motivated. The last leg of the race was extremely hard, a long gradual hill, Frankie and I were singing cadence to keep my mind off my throbbing legs. When I made it to the top and turned the corner I could see the finish line off in the distance. My legs were jelly so I decided to walk for a few seconds. Then I started to run again, I am not sure what happened, but between the combination of my jelly legs, and exhaustion, inattention and a pot hole, just as they announced my name I was all of a sudden I was tripping and falling. I just laid there my head berried in my arms. I think I was more embarrassed than anything else. People started gathering over to me, my husband, my daughter, my friends and the EMTs. The EMTs asked me if I could sit up, I said yes and told them I did not faint or anything I just tripped, So in a few minutes they help me stand, I gave a woot, woot, and said to the EMTs I am crossing that finish line. They said we'll cross it with you. So I crossed the finish line with 3 hot guys, my husband and the 2 EMTs. Everyone was cheering and I just went with it, not allowing my embarrassment to cripple my joy at having completed a the race. Upon standing for a few minutes my knees and one hand started burning. I had some major road burned abrasions which the EMTs took care of. I had sunglasses on I realized were all scratched up they were what had save my face from hitting the pavement. I only had a tiny scratch on my nose.Even with falling my time was 50:28 an.d I placed 175th out of around 200 but even falling I still was not last. Best of all I finished my Goal

Lessons learned: Set goals and go get them. Things may happen outside your control, but remain focused to complete your goal. If you think you can, you can.