Run in 2012

I ran in the annual "Run in 2012" 5K hosted by the Jackson County Recreation & Parks Department yesterday.  I didn't realize when I signed up that it was on Sunday and I hated to skip out on it because it would've been the thing to do, because I knew I wouldn't have the willpower to go run after church.  So I ran in it anyways. 

When I got up yesterday morning, it was raining/sprinkling.  I was not excited.  Last year when I participated, it was raining as well.  By the time I crossed the finish line, there was not a dry spot on me.  My shoes and socks had already been drenched, I had blisters, it was a horrible experience nonetheless, but I completed it and that is all that mattered.  So when I saw the rain I had a horrible flashback of my experience from last year.  Thankfully, as I was leaving the house, the rain had stopped and the sun was trying to peek through.  By the start of the race, the sun was out in full force.  It was wonderful.

I had a goal that I wanted to beat (35 minutes) before I started and knew i might be pushing it to reach it.  As I made my way down Hwy 107 towards Cullowhee Valley School I was so tired.  I still had a little less than half to go.  I had to walk in a couple of places but for no longer than minute as I knew I had my time to beat.  As I rounded the last corner near the finish line, I saw the time:  34:35.  I was stressed.  I was already past the exhausted point but knew I had to dig deep in order to make my goal time.  I crossed the finish line at 34:55.  I beat my goal!!!  I was pumped and still am. 

Last year, I crossed the finish line at 52:11.  In time comparisons, I was able to shave off 17:56 from my time!   YA-HOO!!!!! 

Now, to only add 10 more miles so that I can finish a half-marathon come April.......oh boy.