5k Fun and Then Some

Posted by Steph

I have a confession. I am a “want to be” runner; I want to like it, but I really don’t. I want to be good at it, but I’m not. I keep doing it only because one day I just might wake up and actually be one. In the mean time I continue to add to my resume, learning a few things along the way, and of course, having a few good stories to tell.

My resume, to date, contains three 5k races. And a 5k is a 5K, correct? WRONG. Just because you run one does not mean that the next will be anything similar. The only things they have in common are that you run from point A to point B (which in fact I found out doesn’t necessarily mean that you run 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles), and you receive a t-shirt as a token of thanks. Some people sleep or paint in theirs, but I proudly wear it as a symbol that I was victorious!

My first race, the Clinton 5k, gave me a false sense of what a 5k should be. It was a little disorganized in the beginning, with long lines, and lack of numbers, but the race itself was great; we were chipped to track our time, the course was mostly level, water stands along the way, and there was a time clock at the finish line. I just wish I would have been in better shape so I could have enjoyed it. Instead, I was passed by a tethered blind lady, came in second to last in my age division and thought I was going to die!

Thinking that all 5k were equal, I was determined to redeem myself in the Roy race. I thought I was somewhat prepared, that was, until the middle of the race when we were faced with a half mile stretch of major incline. All I was thinking was “What the ****! I have to walk and this is going to kill my time!” The time didn’t really matter anyway because they had no clock at the finish line, only a man with a stop watch, and a lady frantically writing down times.

I also learned that common sense isn’t so common. There are rules of the road, which means there are rules of a run. Simply stated: IF YOU ARE WALKING STAY TO THE SIDE! I, admittedly, am a slow runner, which means I am in the pack of participants which choose to run then walk, then run than walk, while I on the other had keep a slow, steady pace. I am constantly passing walkers who choose to stay right smack dab in the middle! All I can say is please, I beg you, get out of the way!

Last, but not least, was The West Point Elementary 5k. This happens to be my son's school, and their 150 year celebration! And what better way to celebrate than to talk some friends into running too!? Unfortunately for me the friends I picked were runners. Next time I'll pick friends that make me look good, not bad!

This race was well organized, had a time clock, and no blind ladies were present, so it looked to be my opportunity to really prove that all my hard work had paid off! I ran slow and steady ( I was passed my a pregnant lady and her dog), but I did not walk, even on the hills when I wanted to. I thought I would make better time than on my first and second 5k attempt, but when I rounded the corner to the finish line I was 3 minutes over my initial time. Discouragement set in.

Come to find out the course was actually 3.6 miles, which meant I ran a half a mile more!! I did improve my time and I ran the whole course!! I may have been slow, but I DID IT! Here we all are celebrating our success!