Ok, heres how I did
I went into my 5K pretty optimistic. Ive been doing a LOT more walking, and can even run a little now. I felt I was much more prepared this time than last time (Oct 06). I wasnt as scared this time, had an idea of what to expect when I got there, just felt pretty good about it. HA! I got to registration early, I was pre-registered so I just had to check in, get my number (and my free gloves) and was good to go! Of course, I stood in the waiting-to-register line for awhile before realizing I was in the wrong line, and had to get in the right line, and, well, I got through it. Lots more runners in this race compared to my last one, kids too this time, but I wasnt going to be intimidated. We lined up, I was sort of in the middle of the pack, being a mostly walker I didnt want to hold up the runners, but didnt want to be the last to take off either. Couldnt hear much, even though there was a loudspeaker, we were just making too much noise. The women behind me were talking about a hill, but I didnt realize it was for THIS race (and Im glad I didnt know then
) Everyone starts moving, figured they must have said GO but didnt hear it. I started off running (cause it was moving slow, and I can do slow
) and ran for quite a bit, very proud of myself! Slowed to a walk, figured I was more towards the end now, but not last. The course was a gradual downhill for the first mile and a half or so, then leveled out. Not sure of my exact times, but I was moving along pretty well (for me), no issues, feeling pretty good! A few people passed me, but there was still a crowd behind me. Got to a turn, can see people making a sharp right, no biggie, I just keep going...at about 2 miles now, and hit the water stop. Also happens to be changing to a dirt road, and its very muddy. Asked if it was dirt the rest of the way, and it was. I stick to tar, tracks, or treadmill, so am now a bit nervous, with the mud and the gravel, but very quickly realized that was not my biggest concern. Turns out the last mile or so is all UPHILL. This hill went on FOREVER (ok, it went for a mile, but it seemed like forever..)! I started slowing right down, I dont do so well on hills, and this was a killer! About halfway up, I was barely moving. My feet were still moving, but they were barely moving. I was breathing so hard, it hurt to take each breath. People are now passing me pretty regularly.
Funny thing : There was a man & his puppy playing in his yard, the puppy came out to see all of us. I asked the man who followed it if I was almost to the top, I could just see it on his face that I was not even close, so before he could answer me, I blurted out just say YES
he laughed, said I was getting there AARGGH!
I kept going, no way was I quitting, not concerned about my times anymore, I just need to finish. I had my WISH shirt on, and had gotten lots of comments, there was just NO WAY I wouldnt finish. I may have been going slow, but I was still going! So, I see a reporter ahead, and remember to smile, just in case, Im sure it came out as more of a grimace, but also figure a reporter is probably not too far from the finish, and thats good news! A runner goes running past me, bad news, but I didnt find out til the end, he was the race winner, and had gone around a second time, and STILL passed me. Oh well. Sure enough, it FINALLY levels out, and I can hear people up ahead, got my breath back, and my feet started moving faster. I can see my DD jumping up and down, and hear people calling out encouragement. Finally crossed the finish line, 56:09, worse than my first race so Im kinda bummed about my time, but thrilled that I finished. AND, this time I was not the last one in (ok, second to last, but still) Headed inside to hear the winners and raffles, had a cold drink (snacks were all gone), and headed out. Heard a lot of the elite runners (or masters, as they were being called) talking about the hill, many said it was rough, so I felt a little better that I was not the only one that struggled with it. Saturday night, my legs started tightening up, cramping and achy, but Sunday morning was even worse. I could barely stand up (my feet were fine, but my legs all the way up to my butt were SO sore!) Today they are much better, hopefully by tomorrow they will be back to normal!
Congrats to all of you with GREAT times, maybe someday I'll be one of you, for now, you are my motivation!
Then at the marathon, he did the race without any problems. We are hoping that this trend continues since he has done one race since then and seemed to have fun.
I really feel your pain as I was not trained for hills during my race & had an awful time. You did awesome and finished. And really, that is all that matters!
e! 
