Chronicles in Running - Part 3: My First 5k and more

It was the anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings. And we were going to run our first 5k here in Cuyahoga Falls. I realized for the first time that I was now joining the "running" community. I realized the amount of training each Marathoner goes through, the mental transformation, physical, emotional... until race day, and beyond. Race day is amazing because there are a 1000 other people who have been training just like you. And we all run along these roads together, whether it's a full marathon or a 5k. We have to start somewhere.

Imagine then all these amazing people who've trained for a few months to a year if not more for a marathon, all together in one place. Their amazing enthusiasm, energy, focus, optimism, or sheer excitement to have FUN  in one place: It's awesome like a party, without alcohol... and everyone is invited. The energy is contagious. The energy helps you run, and carries you further than ever!

And then terror and tragedy strikes. 

It is so unfortunate.

I prayed and sent positive energy to the survivors and victims of the tragedy this past week. They all have amazing spirits!

In the light of their spirit and light, I ran on Saturday, my first ever 5k. It was great, warmer than what I've been used to training in. It was an amazing experience, and worth the many hours of preparation. The last maybe .25 miles of the race I sprinted with whatever was left of me, and I felt like my heart was going to burst. Lesson learned: sprint from a little closer next time!

Ryan, my wonderful boyfriend, had come out to cheer for me. It was so amazing to see him at different places of the track. It made me so happy! Like I felt like I needed to do my best and make not only myself, but him proud too! He was there supporting me, and I needed to do well! I came in 21st in my division, but that was ok, it was my first race!

After the race my parents showed up, they got lost, and they were late. We went for breakfast and ate, and then went home and lay in the sun for hours.

There's a lot to learn from running. I learned that I need to learn how to slowly incorporate drinking water in with my running. I realized Gu is gross! I learned that sunscreen is important for all exposed parts of the body (I forgot my neck and legs- worst tan lines ever!). I learned that young kids who are in the ROTC (Reserved officers training thingy) are so badass! They have to run in uniform, single file, with a pacer, the whole time singing a freaking song! So inspiring. I learned that people who come out and cheer and show support are winners too, for they give so much love.

Running is tough, it requires discipline and dedication. It's requires patience and understanding. There are so many other important things to learn for and from running. Most of all that you have to love running to run. It's difficult at first, but then you love it. (Running in a group really helps  ;-) ).