The First of Many

Today I completed the St. Patrick's Day 5k here in Highlands Ranch.   I have been training for this race for the past two-ish months and my training paid off.  Using the Couch to 5k program (which I am not done with yet) has been great and taking the time to workout 3-4 days a week has given me that time to just be with myself and my thoughts.  Well, mostly by myself.  Cora takes her little naps while I push her in the stroller around the track or neighborhood.

My goal is to complete at least one 5k per month until my ultimate goal of the Girlfriend's Half Marathon in October of this year.  I've already signed up for one 5k in April, may sign up for another and I've already registered for the Half Marathon!

I had my first Stroller Strides class on Friday (GREAT class and GREAT women) and met up with them for the race this morning.  I was fortunate enough to have our awesome friends, Misty and Bob watch my kids while I ran and I think my time benefited from not having to push the stroller!

The best part of the run was passing our friend's house and seeing them all out cheering me on with signs, smiles and encouragement.  I'll admit it, I cried.  Then, as I passed them and reached the top of the hill one of our friends, Dave met me.  He had already finished but ran back to run with me to the finish.  I am so grateful for such great supportive friends.  A close second was reaching mile 1 and feeling great.  At that point, I knew I wasn't going to regret starting or wonder how I was going to finish.  I was enjoying myself and again my time alone.  I didn't run the whole race but quite a bit more than I thought I would.

All this is geared toward not being the fat girl anymore.  Losing weight, building my confidence and leading by example with my kids by leading an active life.

So, here's to many more pictures like this.....

UPDATE:  Checked my official time.  I crossed the finish line after 42 minutes 41 seconds on the course!