resolution run 5k.

This morning was the first race of 2013 for me.  It was cold and rainy last night, so I wasn't sure it would still take place, but it did.  Truth be told, I was hoping it wouldn't because I wanted to stay in bed and be lazy!  Shame.  As the boyfriend and I pulled up, the first thing I noticed was the small crowd.  It wasn't crowded like they normally are, but this one hadn't been advertised very well, and it was sooo cold!  As you can see below, the crowd was pretty small.  Of course there are more people crammed in there and off to the side than the picture shows, but you get the idea.

I didn't realize it would be when looking at the map, but this was the hardest 5k course I've ever run!  I felt much better when a lady that runs marathons was talking to me after the race about the course being tough.  I wasn't just being a wuss!  This was the hill around .5 of a mile into the race:

I understand it doesn't look like much, but trust me, that thing is steep!!!  Not to mention the fact that just about the entire course was a gradual uphill climb.  There were also several puddles and muddy areas thanks to last night's rain.  Ugh!   I was in my new PureFlow 2s, and they need to stay pretty!  Haha.

Here I come to the finish!  I was smiling because a) there were cameras around, and b) I was so proud of myself for making it through a tough course on a cold, cold morning.  Last night I debated not going at all, but I knew I'd be disappointed in myself if I didn't.  I haven't been running like I should (BAD!), so I was happy that I made it through in one piece!

I'll be the first to admit I'm not in my best shape, but it was a tough course regardless.  I actually got my slowest time in quite a while, but I'm still proud of it!  The course measured long as well.  My actual 5k time was 32:?, but here's the picture of my Garmin, and side note, I loved the new Garmin!!!

I will definitely take a 10:28 / mile on that course!

Now here's where things get crazy.  Absolutely nuts!

WHAT WHAT!  Yes, I am wearing a medal!!!  And yes, I did place second in the 30 - 39 age group!!!!!  Normally it's split 30 - 34 and 35 - 39, so the fact that it's 30 - 39 makes me extra proud!  It's funny that I place for the very first time with one of my crappiest times.  I couldn't believe it when I saw the listing!  I even made the boyfriend double check.  Just goes to show the turnout wasn't all that great, but we'll ignore that little bit of info.  I'm trying hard not to take away any of my own excitement just because it wasn't a packed race.  I was there, and I won second place.  I need to be proud of that!  Chances are it will be the only time, so I need to enjoy it now!

So what's next?  Oh, just a little thing called a half marathon!  I am running the 3M half marathon in Austin next weekend.  I'm undertrained, but I know I'll make it to the finish.  Thanks for always cheering me on!