This is What Accomplishment Feels Like

Ok, I know, running a 5k is really not that big of a deal. To be honest, I run at least 3.1 miles every day at the gym, but there is something about the feeling of crossing a finish line that makes a proper 5k feel like so much more. It's the atmosphere at a race that is infectious. All of those people cheering you on, the slight smell of competition in the air and the need to push yourself further and faster than you thought you could.

I'd been a bit nervous about not performing as well as I thought I should and last night I was even more anxious given that it was Daylight Savings Time today. Needless to say, my clock sprung ahead at about 7pm and I had two alarms set. I didn't want to feel rushed getting to the race and wanted plenty of time to mentally prepare since I would be running "alone".

I arrived at Waterfront Park with plenty of time to check my things and try to keep myself warm while huddled together with the 7500 other runners. The starting temperature today was 34 but with all my endorphins rushing at full force I didn't notice the cold much. I decided my usual workout mix was not going to cut it today and opted instead to give the Black Eyed Peas a try. Under normal circumstances I am not at all a fan, but I had heard their latest album was great motivation so I bought it a few weeks ago when it was on sale on iTunes (and hadn't listened to it yet). And I will tell you what, it was worth every penny. Every song was like a mini anthem pushing me to run just that little bit faster, urging me to pass that lady in front of me, telling me this could be my personal best.

Unfortunately, I forgot my watch at home in my hurried haze to get to the park early so I am not entirely sure of my finishing time yet. They will be posted this evening and you can be assured that I will be logged into the website at 8:59, ready and waiting for the clock to strike 9. My estimate is somewhere around 28 minutes. The fastest I have done on the treadmill is 28:30, so I crossed the finish line feeling pretty amped and wishing I had signed up for the 8k because I'm sure I could have run the extra few miles with ease.

I'm hooked now. It didn't take much. I'm running the Run for the Roses 5k next month and I secretly signed up for the Foot Traffic Flat half marathon today. Shhhhhhhh. Now it's time to get serious.