Yesterday I completed my first 5k. Completed – cause I did all of it. In probably the worlds longest time. My time was so long that it wasn't even posted on the website. But I finished, I did something that I wanted to accomplish and I didn't die, I didn't peter out and I didn't look too pretty.
The day started out early – our little caravan met at my apt at 6:30 and with banana's and sunscreen we hit the road. I had a new walking buddy this time – my accomplished little sister (twin sister) Deidre. She was going to walk with me and we were going to have a blast. I was nervous… to say the least. When we pulled up to the location in Hendersonville I could tell this was a bigger event than had been in Portland. There were cops directing traffic and absolutely no close parking. People were stretching and jogging all over the place. There was music and laughter and I was a ball of nerves who needed to find a bathroom.
The first group started out at 8am – they were the brave souls who did the 10k…. yea I know. I don't like them either. Then at 8:30 we lined up and hudled together to hear the instructions muffled at us. Basically I heard "stay to the left…the left…water…..mumble mumble mumble." Deidre put her ear buds in and I felt excited and basically nervous – upside no longer needed to use the bathroom. The shot was fired and we were off…not so much like bullets more like molasses. Before the first bend Deidre looked at me and said very sweetly and loudly (because remember she had earbuds in) "we're last" yea… we were. Even the 6 year old and Grandma were up way ahead.
By the first bend Deidre and I were a pretty good deal behind but she was just going. Now here was the wrong assumption on my part. I thought De and I would be great to walk together, I thought she would just go my speed – was I wrong or what?!?!?! That girl rocked it out. She was sweet and kept checking on me – but I think if she had just started with the group her time would have been better. At each intersection there were very kind volunteers who cheered and rang bells and encouraged us to go…keep going… and to especially go in the right direction.
We finally made it the the bend where the water stop was… as De and I started to go down the street the majority of the group was passing us to continue on their way…. it was nice though we saw our wonderful sis super Donita and Amelia jogging and she told us we were doing great… and that we could cut through if we needed to… By this time I'm looking for a way out. I have already thought longingly of thunder storms that would have kept us from walking and of short cuts that I know we can take… but with one foot in front of the other we go down the slope and to the water station… the volunters there were very kind and I hear them tell one another "well give them water bottles as well…lets make sure they have water" so with water bottle and thanks we head back the direction we just came… no shortcuts not today…
De and I come back to the main road and really can't see anyone else any longer they have all already turned for the home stretch… thats okay. I know the way and we are half way there. I remember breathing – it was a nice feeling back in the day… I have also made a new song… "one step in front of the other, one step in front of the other, for the love of god. one freaking step in front of the other"
At this point I tell Deidre my sweet buddy to go for it. She asks if I'm sure and I tell her yep – just go for it. She was doing great those legs and arms were just pumping. I am so proud of her determination. Before she leaves though she asks why the lady emt on the bike keeps circling around to which I respond " to make sure niether of us has passed out kiddo" she understands…
Finally we are over half way done and have passed the 2mile mark… yea I know you can probably walk 3 miles daily – but remember some of us need to start somewhere. I have 2 volunteers join me, Darla and Steve a nice married couple who plan to walk the rest of the way with me.
The best surprise was Donita coming back to join me. She finished her time better than last time and dropped off Amelia with Dad – our photographer and came to finish the last leg with us. Super Sisters Super Rock.
Deidre and Steve – the nice volunteer jog the last little stretch together and I think she is hooked on 5k's as am I… I finished… it wasn't pretty… it wasn't quick… but it was. period. And this is a start, like so many new things in my life right now. This is a beginning point that I am going to work hard to improve on. I am going to work hard to continue to push myself on. I felt emotional as I walked across the finish line, sure I was last… but I did it… with the help of so many others and the encouragement of so many others - I did it.
Life is so much better as an in shape person – One day I will be there… Promise.
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