We ran in the YMCA family fun and fitness 5K yesterday as a family. I've got to tell you, I haven't run 3 miles all at once in probably 30 years. The last time we ran, in a YMCA 2K fun run (which is about 1.2 miles) I jogged about a quarter mile, then walked a hundred yards or so to get my breath, then jogged some more, then walked and, you get the idea.
Yesterday I set out with no great expectations. I started out with about 150 runners down the course and just tried to stay within my head. My breathing was pretty easy and I didn't try to keep pace with anyone else. We made the turn at the end of the first street and headed up a slight incline. Uphill, even slightly, seemed to take much more effort, but I kept my breathing even and pushed on.
I was surprised when, still jogging, I passed a chalk marking on the street announcing 1 mile. Wow! I hadn't been able to jog a mile since Marion and I first started dating. I stopped at the water station for a second and then ran on. I had been slightly ahead of Nik and Marion for most of the way, but soon I heard the slapping of Nik's tiny shoes running up behind me. Marion, Nik and I ran together for the next mile or so, and yes, I was still running.
In our third mile, on the way back to the finish line, we had more uphill running. Nik and Marion slowly pulled away from me and I was running alone. They ended up finishing about 150 yards ahead of me, but finish I did! Brodie had run by himself the whole way ahead of us and he finished about 1 minute before Nik and Marion. Brodie's time earned him the 3rd place award for 10 and under boys and he got a medal. Nik's finish was captured by a photographer from the Ventura Star and appeared in Sunday's newspaper. You can view the article by clicking here:http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/26/ventura-family-ymca-holds-fun-and-fitness-5k-run/
So, how was I able to run 3 miles? I've been training with a personal trainer 5 days a week for the last 3 weeks. They work me so hard that sometimes I don't know if I am going to pass-out or puke, and both are a possibility. During the 3 weeks I have seen my stamina increasing, and I guess this run shows that it's made a difference. That being said, I am sooooo sore today, as is my whole family. You know it's bad when your 5 year old complains about muscle soreness. Never-the-less, I am proud of my whole family for running together and finishing strong.
