Walsh 5K

Just about two weeks ago, my son and I ran in my our local middle school 5K. Before I tell you how I did, a story.

On Thanksgiving Day 2009, my husband, kids and sister ran in our town's Thanksgiving Day race. I went, but because I was very out of shape, I took pictures at the start and then drove around taking pictures in different spots. While I was part of the day, in all honesty, it was not satisfying. I felt like a loser. And when I saw many women my age running with their families or friends, I wanted to trade in my camera for a number.

The next year, 2010, I wasn't ready to run. But, instead of taking pictures, my son and I walked the 5K course. It felt much better than watching from the sidelines, but I still wasn't quite where I wanted to be.

This past Thanksgiving, I ran the race! Fast forward six months (and having run several 5Ks in between), I signed up for the 5K and my son decided to do it too. How fun that we have an activity that is rewarding for both of us -- my son is speedy and loves to race. And how great to have my kids see me meet a goal that seemed unattainable.

Pre-race, I again wrote down my goals. They were:

Finish strong. My friend Claudia was with me at the finish of the Ramble and we agreed that I had too much left at the end. So, the goal was to leave it all or at least more of it on the course.

Less smiling, more speed. While running the Ramble, I was conscious of smiling and looking at spectators. This time, my goal was to focus on the running.

Beat 39:52.7, my best 5K time.

I also had a stretch goal: 38:00 or less.

Here's an except of my entry after the race:

Time 36:13!!!

Hot and sunny during the race. . . Definitely stayed focused on the run and gave it my all. Pushed at the end up Brook even though I was hot and tired.

My family was at the end and cheered when they saw me come in -- truth be told, they almost missed me because they were looking down the road where they thought I was when I zoomed by them at the finish!