Race Day!!

Yesterday was my first race EVER! It was a local 5k and I loved it!

The course ran us through a beautiful neighborhood. My friend, Melissa, and I found a great pace for us and even made a new running friend. This was my first time to actually see the "running community" in action. LOVED IT! Right off the bat I could tell who the "professional runners" were. It became even more obvious as they totally lapped us! :) I chose to remember that I am at the beginning of my training and to compare myself would be training suicide.

My husband and kids (my biggest fans!) were there cheering me on. It was awesome to glance over and see my supportive family on the curb yelling and snapping pictures. I realized on the drive home that this was the first time my husband got to actively support me in something that is just "mine". Running has nothing to do with him or our children. Sure, they benefit from having a healthy wife and mom, but I am finally doing something for ME!! :)

It was awesome to run into friends and acquaintances from church that I had no idea were runners. We hung out before the race started and caught up afterward to download. One of my new friends, Cindy, totally killed it! As I came up the back stretch to the finish line, I saw her on the curb. As soon as she saw me and Melissa, she cheered and yelled encouragement for us to finish strong. I couldn't have sprinted that last bit without her!

Overall it was a great experience. I met some personal goals and even shaved a little time off. I left feeling relieved that the race was over, confident in finishing something I never thought I could do and expectant of what comes next.

- Kelly