I did it! I ran my first 5K yesterday at the Mushroom Festival, and I accomplished all of my goals:
- Keep running the entire time.
- Do not trip.
- Do not get passed by any of the walkers.
That morning, my walk to the registration table was a nice warm-up, and the cool air was inviting. The day before, there were strong winds and buckets of rain, so the calm, clear weather was a favorable omen.
I picked up my number and t-shirt and claimed some driveway space to stretch as I surveyed the other runners. There were all types here, from kids with their parents to wiry old guys with sweatbands. I tried not to appear too novice as I struggled to pin on my number, but part of me wished I had gone through with making a puff-painted “Be nice to me — this is my first 5K!” t-shirt, if only to solicit support.
Presently, JG joined me on the blacktop to relieve me of my backpack and man the camera, and I followed the call to the start line with the rest of the herd. All of a sudden, I was supremely anxious. I had never run around other people before, and the sheer mass of bodies was unnerving. I nervously watched the fluorescent digital display count down to zero, and we were off!
I started off slowly, letting others pass me so that I could pretend I was running by myself. I knew to be careful not to be sucked into the vortex of someone else’s pace, and I kept my eyes up for the course landmarks. We ran along a flat straightaway, right past my street, and then turned by a mushroom farm, appropriately, into a wooded, sparsely populated area. At the 1-mile point, marked in chalk in the road, I checked my time: nine and half minutes — excellent.
All along the course, red-shirted festival volunteers blocked intersections and clapped for us. “Way to go!” they shouted. “Nice job, nice job!” As cheesy as it was, I felt little boosts of energy from their cheers. Yes, I am doing a nice job, thank you!
We turned around in a little development at the halfway mark, and just after that point, an older man came jogging up next to me. “You have a very steady pace,” he said. “I can tell if I’m speeding up or slowing down next to you.”
I chose to take that as a compliment (right?), and sure enough, at the 2-mile mark, my watch showed nineteen minutes. The two of us barreled through the course’s two hills together, and then my cohort let out a wheeze and said, “I’m going to walk for a pinch. See you at the end!”
Well, that was quite nice, wasn’t it?
For the rest of the course, I concentrated on keeping my pace steady and my weight forward, and those peppy volunteers helped bolster me to the end. As I passed through the last intersection and saw JG with the camera, I pumped my arms to pass one more guy and scuttled to a halt at the finish line. I finished! In about thirty minutes! My legs were tired, and I was dripping with sweat, but my breath was surprisingly light. I felt great.
I wolfed down a bagel and cream cheese from the snack table, and then JG and I walked to the festival to wander around. The morning was still cool, and it was really lovely to enjoy downtown Kennett Square before the crowds came in for the lunch hour. Vendors displayed their hot sauce, wooden model cars, tacky ties, license plate art, and sundry mushroom-themed items. JG bought garlic seasoning for his popcorn and homemade dog treats for Ted, and we ended our time there sitting on the sidewalk with our annual breaded mushrooms.
I always love the Mushroom Festival, but this year is special to me. I ran in the first-ever Mushroom Festival 5K, I did not die, and I got a t-shirt! That’s pretty good for a Sunday morning, I’d say.
18 comments
way to go! finishing without walking is awesome, and your time was great.
when we left joe’s 10k we saw *so* many people walking right at the finish line. and, mmm…those mushrooms look so good!!
Congrats! I’m not sure that I’d make it through a 5K. I love the idea of a mushroom festival. I’ll have to see if we have any of those around Chicago.
Awesome job! That is a GREAT time for your first 5k and you were so lucky not to have run in the rain on Saturday (like I did). Way to go! Also, glad you got to run with a nice gentlemen for most of the race and that the cheering volunteers were encouraging. I love that encouragement too!
Way to go! 30:30 is a very good time for your first time! Actually, it’s a pretty good time no matter what. I’m so glad that dude was nice to you — see, runners are nice! (for the most part!)
Awesome! that’s a great time!!
Congrats gal!
WOW! You did it! Congratulations! This gives me even more motivation to start this program.
Congrats! I’m so impressed with anyone who can run. I would pass out just running around the block!
Congrats RA!
You are awesome, my dear! Way to go!
Congrats on your first 5k! Woohoo! (I’m still trying to find one to sign up for.) You’re an inspiration! Sounds like you did a great time, too.
RA: Expert Runner! I am having business cards made up for you right now.
That is SO awesome! Go you!
Congrats!!! What a feat!
YEA!!! Congrats!
I love the pictures!
That is an awesome, impressive accomplishment. From couch to 5K indeed! Congratulations!
RA, I want to thank you for inspiring me to start the couch to 5K. I started it last night and only hope I can be a successful with it as you have been.
I knew you could do it! Way to go. Your time was awesome and you are way faster than my 11 min mile self could ever run. WAY TO GO!!! Now its time to sign up for another and set your next training goal. BTW - how did your dad do?
Not only am I proud of you for finishing your first 5K, I’m in awe that you actually walked around the festival afterward and ate stuffed mushrooms. I think I would have been puffing and wheezing and telling Mr. J. ‘Take me home to now, please. I will rise from my bed in one week!’
Great job, RA!
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