Little Red Runs Stonebridge

Yours truly completed her first race on Monday--The Stonebridge Memorial 5/10k--and let me tell y'all, if one year ago, you had told me that I'd be training for a marathon (still in shock) and running races--and actually finishing them, I would have laughed in your face. Just goes to show what a year can do!

I was really nervous on Sunday night, after having been sick all weekend, I just wanted to run the race and run it well, but was petrified of getting sick, or not finishing. I had a terrible triathlon experience 4 years ago and I haven't touched my bike since (not kidding), and my poor husband was so worried that I'd have another bad race experience--so we went looking for fuel belts at 9PM on Sunday night because the race route had no mention of water--I realize this is ridiculous and that of course there was water, but, all the other races I have signed up for specifically said "water at mile 3" or whatever, so, I went into panic mode. And we got me the fuel belt and felt better about the whole situation.

We got the race site in plenty of time--although no one was thrilled about the 6 AM wake up on a holiday! The place was packed with an array of runners--hardcore marathoners, soccer moms, cross country high schoolers, it was intense for little ol' me.

I hung out by this pair of hardcore runners--I mean, they were in awesome shape--the one lady just had guns--she was awesome. I figured she'd totally smoke everyone, but, I managed to keep her in my sight the entire race--which was a great feeling.

My husband gently reminded me not to get discouraged if I got passed, and I agreed. Until I was out on the course and realized that "hey, I can run a little faster here". Which is an awesome feeling.

The course was challenging for sure! It was through neighborhoods and I live in the land of flat, so going up lots of hills was not cool--especially when it was hill---plateau--hill--plateau--downhill--uphill--ugh! I loved it though, my legs felt like they'd really worked by the end (which is of course, after all, the goal here).

I finished and was really pleased with myself because I wanted to come in under 70 minutes (I run a 10k in a little under 70 on the treadmill) and was really excited to see myself come in under that. Although, when they adjusted the times, I was actually at 1:01:52 and wished I'd taken a stop watch with me because I would have been able to crack the one hour mark! But, it was my first race and my goal was to finish strong, so, I'm happy regardless. (hey kids, I never said I was fast or anything)

I'm joining a running club this week and will begin their marathon training in July--they train for a December marathon that I am not running, but they require a November half, which is a little daunting considering my marathon is at the end of November, but, their half is November 1st, so, I hope it will be OK. And yes, I realize I could just run the marathon in December, but, my goal is to run it before my birthday, so, Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma, here I come!

Do you want to see pictures? Of course you do!

Pre-race innocence... awww... (see that chick in the purple?--she was my inspiration) (and omg, look at how whitey white I am! I believe there is a spray tanning session in my future)

I do not have a good side profile, and I'm not sure what's going on with my pregnant looking belly... Whatevs--this was me panicking about "when the crap do we run?"

Finishing! How come my husband took a better picture than the race photographers? I'm just askin'...

Literally just took off my timing chip and the husband says "smile!". Yikes. Also, note to race volunteers--I love y'all, but, offer a girl a little support when assisting in the chip removal--don't just have me stop dead in my tracks. I will fall over. And yes, I did run in my Chanel sunglasses.

Post-race self photo with my biggest fan. We were about to go home when I heard our former next door neighbor's name being announced for placing in the 5k, so my husband asks if I want to go look at results. I said no because I didn't think I'd even see my name (they only list the top 5 at the race)--then he told me that only like 8 or 9 women came in ahead of me. I scurried over to the results and saw that by George! I did place--I came in 3rd--medal and all!!! So, of course, we had to stay so I could get my medal.

SP and her medal. It's not a tiara, but, whatever. It's shiny. And I sported that thing all morning. Including at the drive through at McDonalds where my husband got himself a post race watching egg mcmuffin, and I whined while sipping away on a large Diet Coke. And chopping some Luna Moons. Not the most exciting post race meal, but, you know, I'm saving the Hostess cupcakes (and subsequent nausea and illness) for the 15k in July. I plan my stomach pain.

Next up: Independence 5/10k on July 4th with my running club! And of course, the Too Hot To Handle 15k on July 18th.

Yahoo!!!

PS. Check out my brand new running blog: Little Red Runner where you can hear about my rambles and running--in case you wanted to hear more from me.

And a big shout out to my niece Bailey who got accepted into the BYU Ballet Summer Program and will be attending a kick butt two week dance workshop this summer. So proud of you Bay! I love you!