I Survived!!

This past Saturday, I ran my first 5K race!... And Survived!!

A few weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to run in the Brookhaven Run. But due to some crazy things going on with my joints, I was only able to train 3 times for it... Yes, I said THREE times! I have hardly been able to run in the past 6 months (well, really the past year plus with being pregnant, having a newborn and then my health stuff), so with only training a few times, I was not sure how I would do in the race and if I could even finish it!

The day before the race, I went to pick up my packet that included my race number (to attach to my shirt), my magnetic band (to attach to my shoe that monitors only my race time), and my souvenir shirt.

When I arrived to pick up my packet, I said, "I'm here to pick up my packet for the marathon." And the girl looked at me like I was crazy and said, "We don't have anything for a marathon. But we do have packets for the 5K." I said, "Ohhh my bad! It's a marathon to me okay Miss Running a 5K is like walking to my car?!"... Okay, that was in my head, but still. :)

That night my friend, Lisa, (that was also running the next morning) and I talked about how nervous we were and tried to force ourselves to go to bed at a decent time.

I set my alarm for 6:15, but woke up at 5:15 wide awake with butterflies in my belly! I didn't need to leave my house until a little after 7, so I piddled around a bit. Christian woke the kids up early so they could all head across town so they could get their cheering spot at Lisa's house with her husband and kids... which happened to be right in line with the course route!

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I got some sweet lovin' from my babies before I left the house. Mason gave me big hugs and kisses for good luck.

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He laid one on me!!

Sis was still wondering why in the world we were up so early!

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Christian got a couple snapshots before I rushed off.

I may look calm and collected, but inside I was about to jump out of my britches with excitement!

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The kids got to all play together for a while before they went outside to watch their mommies run by.

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When I got there, I met up with my friends, Lisa and Amanda, and we did some warming up as we talked about how nervous we were. Amanda has done 5Ks and a half marathon before, so she was the pro of the trio.

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Once I saw the starting line, I got really anxious!

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Everyone started to line up in order of their predicted set pace.

We lined up in the 10 minute mile category.

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Our friend, Bryan, was running as well.

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The announcer did a count down, I cranked up my music and I took off!

As I ran, I was so excited to run past our cheering section! And once they were in eye sight, I couldn't help but smile really big as I passed them!!

Bryan and I gave them a little woot woot as we ran by!

Bryan and I stuck together the whole time. Every time I felt like I needed to take a break, he would encourage me to run just a little further. There were 2 water stations, so we would grab a cup as we kept chugging along. We didn't take very many breaks, and when we did, they were only like 15-30 seconds long. He was a great, encouraging running partner! And since I'm in the worst shape (endurance wise) I've ever been in, I needed it!!

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While we were all running our little hearts out, our fan club hopped in the car and took off toward the finish line to meet us!

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Christian and Sam earned Daddy and Husband of the Year with this one! There was chaos, but they made it!

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I could see the finish line, but it seemed sooo far away that last quarter mile!

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My sweet Mason was adorable leaning over watching for me!

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What's almost as good as an actual picture of a finish?? A re-enactment, right Lisa?!! :)

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Lisa whooped that 5K's booty!! She did great!! I was so proud of her!!

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Almost there!!

We made it!! High Fives!!!!

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I was so glad I did it, but even more glad that it was over! :)

My race time was 34 minutes and 27 seconds! I was SO proud of myself considering I was not able to hardly train! I wasn't sure my body was capable of running that 3 miles with the way it had been feeling, but I sure am glad I did it!!

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I walked some and then plopped down with my water.

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Sweaty, Tired and Proud!!

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Another great accomplishment together!

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My sweet boy met me with a bouquet of hot pink roses! He was so excited to give them to me!

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Then he started telling me all about how he was watching me run, how I ran really really fast, and how I won the race.

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I love my support group!!

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My husband was so proud of me. It was adorable!

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Lisa and her cheering squad.

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Bryan with 2 out of his 3!

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Miss Priss loved the flowers... She is all girl, is all I have to say about that!

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Then we wrapped it up and headed back to the Talley's for some breakfast that Sam cooked up and some R&R!!

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Once I got in that floaty, I crashed. It was a short lived catnap, but it was much needed!

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A perfect way to pamper ourselves after the race!

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I felt just a little bit sore that next day, but the second day I was REALLY sore! But luckily, that soreness only lasted that day.

The fastest time was 14 minutes and 42 seconds, and the longest time was 56 minutes and 17 seconds, which I think they must have walked it. Out of the 889 participants, I was definitely proud of my 34 minutes and 27 seconds though!

I have always wanted to do some sort of race. This was the least perfect time for me to do one, but I'm glad I went for it anyway! I'm looking forward to my next 5K, and this time hopefully actually training for it!!