Monday, May 26, 2008

Envision Yourself a Runner...

Imagine: It's a very cold Saturday, with the wind whipping up to 35 mph. Sounds like perfect weather to get outside and run your first 5k. That's what Tim thought too! In preparation for our big race Tim and I have been running 3-4 times a week. Now some of you may think this is not a big deal and to some it isn't, but to us it's a huge deal. Due to my recent c-section (to deliver Fib) I was unable to exercise for a good 12 weeks, which for me meant a good 10 lbs on my small 5'2" frame. This makes it very tough to get back into running. So I enlisted my partner Tim, who hates to run....errr hated to run until I got him out of his Nike high-top basketball shoes (that weigh a good 10 lbs) and put him in some Asic Gel Kayanos. Now we're talking Kenyan style.
I decided that since we've been running for six weeks it was time for us to do our first race. I jumped on trusty active.com to see what was scheduled for this past weekend and found a 5k fairly close to our house in South Jordan. We woke up that morning at 6:30 am and looked outside to a gray and windy day. But we were committed so we put on our running gear and drove to the start. We were the first ones there, even beating some of the workers, as the race didn't start until 9! We sat in our car for an hour and half, exiting with only enough time to hit the start line. Tim saw no need to warm up, he didn't want to run more than he had too (spoken like a true runner). The race was on.

For those of you who know me, you know that I get very competitive, especially when it comes to running. Well being out of shape made no difference. I ran with Tim for the first 10 yards, but then I saw two girls take off and my competitive nature kicked in. Tim looked at me and said "go get them. Run your own race!" That was all I needed to hear. I quickly kicked into gear and started picking up my pace. Thanks to my pacer on the bike (not sure who she is) I passed my competition by the half-way mark.
I was able to kick it in the end and come in as the first lady.
As for Tim, he ran a very strong race. He is the dark spec in the back of this picture.
But he too kicked it in the end and beat his nemesis "gray pants"
I am so proud of Tim and for his run. I am grateful that I now have a live-in running partner in life who will get up with me at 5:45 to run in the rain. Love you babe. Our coach below is who helped us kick it to the finish as he yelled "SPRINTTTTTTTTT" the last 100 yards.
Since it was our first race we decided to have our photographer come along to document it (thanks mom). we are grateful for the support.

And what do you think you get for winning a local 5k? The winner of the 14 and under won $100 cash, the winner of the 55 and over won $100 in cash, the overall male won $250 in cash. And the overall female winner...That's right a gift card to Costco! Apparently woman belong grocery shopping, not running.



And now that I won the Envision 5k where am I going? I'm going to Disneyland! Join us if you'd like August 31: