I Completed The Race (And exceeded my expectations)!

Today was the day.  My first ever 5k race and the main challenge for my March Monthly goal.  And.... 

I did it!  I finished the race. 



Even better, I actually jogged the entire time with my dad.  I never stopped to walk.

And get this?  I finished FOURTH PLACE in my age category (30 - 34 years old).  Photo of my placement is pictured below:



Can you believe that?  I can't!  I mean, all I wanted to do was cross the finish line without being on a stretcher.  Then I was able to actually do the entire 3.1 miles without walking.  And to find out I received fourth place for my age group?  Well, that was like icing on the cake for me.  A real treat for all my hard work and training.

I couldn't have done it without the support and encouragement from family and friends, especially my parents and my husband.  My dad was like my coach the entire time pushing me to do better.  My husband opted not to run in the race and stood at the finish line to capture my moments on film.  My mom stayed at home to watch Vivian so we didn't have to worry about her during the chaos. 

When I arrived at home, my mom and Vivian had this sign taped to the door for me (see below).  Isn't that sweet?



I'm so lucky to have such wonderful family and loved ones in my life!

I'll admit, I was very nervous the whole way to the race.  I had the butterflies in my stomach the whole car ride there.  Then as we stood among the crowd, I felt very out of place.  Some of the participants were athletes, real athletes with toned, trim bodies and sporty running shoes.  I'm just your average person.  I began to doubt myself, I'm not going to lie.....



When the gun/siren went off, there were a lot of people -- like sardines in a can all trying to push their way out.  I really didn't like that part at all.... feeling like I was stuck in an elevator or an actor in an old Dial commercial.  But after a minute or two, the fast runners sprinted way ahead and the walkers/slower runners fell behind.  We were somewhere in the middle of them all, with a slow, steady pace the entire time.



The race actually went by quickly for me.  My dad talked and sang to me periodically.  I mostly stayed quiet and tried to remain focused on my breathing.  I wore my Zune player but kept my music on low so I could hear and take in my surroundings.  It was a gorgeous morning, sunny, clear and about 55 degrees.

This race had several hills and moderate inclines.  It was not flat but it was not real difficult either.  For my first route, I think I chose a good one when I picked the "Bayou Hills Run" of Pensacola.



As I knew we were about to cross the finish line, my dad and I sped up.  I could see Kirk smiling and taking my photo on the sidelines.

I did it!  I completed my first race and I actually exceeded my expectations by not walking and finishing in the top half for my age group.  Not bad Mandy~  Not bad at all! 

I'm proud of myself.  I trained and worked hard for this day. 

Now, I never did hit a runner's high like some talk about.  And I'm not signing up for another race.  (Not yet anyway.)   No, for me, it's about setting a goal for myself and meeting that goal.

I did what I said I would do.  And that is the best feeling of all. 

Now I have another week and three days of Jillian Michaels and my mission for March will be complete.

Bring it baby!  I'm ready! 

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Before the race began:



After we completed the race:




Let the beer drinking and dessert eating begin!~  :-)