Between Camp Sessions Reeds Lake 5K Run

I was nervous about the week between Boot Camp sessions but this morning, I was provided an opportunity to run the Reed's Lake 5K. A friend saw on my Facebook page that I was looking for someone to work out with today. He invited me at about 9:00 last night, I didn't take the time to think about how little preparation time I had or to reconsider because of my non-love of running. I just said "yes" quickly, found out the details and showed up this morning at 6:30 to register.

I've only done one other 5K and walked about half of it, but I did finish so I was ready for a new challenge. I needed to beat that time from last fall and I wanted to run the whole way.

I was a little apprehensive about getting there, parking and getting signed up alone but it went fine. I just needed a little help with my shoe tag.

When I got done registering, I realized I had over an hour before the start of the race.

I walked around East Grand Rapids slowly taking in the local sights. It's a great little "town" within our town. I'll definitely be planning a trip back soon when I can stay a little bit longer.

When we had about a half hour til the race start, I made my way down to the lake and took time to stretch. The sunshine peeked over the trees, sparkled off the water and smiled down on me. I took time to appreciate this beautiful day provided to help me face the challenge that awaited me.

I could hear the rumbles of the excited racers getting louder so I made my way up the hill and to the end of the starting line crowd. My heart began to race and my nerves started to kick in when I heard the Star Spangled Banner. I knew it wouldn't be long now. Before I knew it, we were off. There was no Ready or Set, Just GO, and it was time.

With music blaring loudly in my ears, I made my way through the first mile without many issues. It didn't seem too hot by the lake when I was stretching but the sun sizzled every time we ran though a non-shaded area. I made it through the first mile running at a good pace with no major issues.

About 1/4 mile into Mile #2, I started to feel my heart pounding harder and harder and my side began to burn a little bit. I made it though one more song, almost to the start of Mile 3 without walking. I tried and tried but at that point, I decided that I would not be running this whole race, I'd have to walk a bit. I was disappointed and felt a little let down but I knew that I had to focus on getting to the finish line and just do MY best. Up ahead, I saw a running sprinkler, on the course we were running. My walk turned to a run and before I knew it, I felt the cool relief of refreshing water on my skin.

I alternated between walking and running (and sprinkling) for the rest of the race. I did make a mental note to myself that the next time I run one of these, I need to walk the course a day or two ahead of time so I'll know where I'm at on the course.

Once I saw the finish line, I was relieved but a little in disbelief. I was confused about the course and thought there was a "loop" that I couldn't see. I asked the woman next to me if that was really it. She said "yep" and my heart started beating harder again.

I picked up my pace a bit and focused my eyes on that finish line. After a minute or so, I realized that it was further away than I thought and my pace slowed again. The adrenaline was flowing hard now but my body was fatigued and I felt like I couldn't run anymore. Just as I started to slow to walking again, I heard "Come on, Wendy". I had to look twice because I had planned on doing this race alone but I was so happy to see my family cheering me on and even though I felt a few tears welling up in my eyes, I knew I was almost there so I had to keep going and not look back. I could read the clock now and knew that I had beaten my last score. Yes!!! Just a few more steps...and a few more...and a few more...heart pounding, throat sore from the dry breaths that I was struggling to push in and out of my aching lungs...and I was done. Whew, I DID IT!!! I felt happy, accomplished, still a little bit disappointed that I had to walk some and a bit sick from the heat, but I DID it.

My time from last fall was
38:22

Today, my time was
33:38

So I beat my last time by almost 5 minutes. I succeeded in part of my goal and I'm happy about that. I will do more 5K's and I do hope to someday run the whole way but I have to focus on the fact that I did do better today and I did finish. I am getting stronger on this journey and the most important thing is that I keep it up. And I will!!!!