The Dam Race

I did it! I ran and finished my first 5k today with the Dam to Dam 5k in Des Moines! I met both of the goals I had for the race. I wanted to run every step and finish within 35 minutes. I ran the whole way and finished with a time of 33:48.

It was pretty emotional for me when I finished. The thought of where I was a year ago to being a 5k race finisher is overwhelming to me. Not even a year ago; just seven months ago.

I remember when I began the C25K training and the first day I was dying during a one minute jogging interval. I'm rarely ever proud of myself but I am proud of what I've done.

I was pretty nervous going into the race. I kept trying to keep focused on the fact that it was just like any other 3.1 miles I've ran around my neighborhood. The only differences were the number of people and the location. I waited for the race with my mom and my dad. I was glad they could both come and support me.

I probably started out going too hard but I caught myself after a couple minutes and made myself pull back on the reigns a bit. I feel like I kept a pretty steady pace the rest of the way.

I was surprised how quickly the first two miles went. It did not seem like I had been running that long. I felt fine. Unfortunately, when I saw that "1 Mile To Go" sign, it got harder for me. It was probably all a mental thing but I was pretty sore after I saw that sign and realized I had 2.1 miles behind me. I kept wanting to pull over and walk or slow down but I wouldn't let myself. One mile is nothing. I could push through it.

When the finish line was in sight, I picked up my pace a bit. At the 200 meters sign, I pressed on the gas pedal and sped up. When I hit the 100 meters sign, I started sprinting. I would have liked to finish on a sprint but it was so crowded from all the other runners finishing, the line was clogged up and I had to pretty much walk across the finish line.

After I crossed the line, I walked to go find water. I enjoyed seeing my friends Dani and Nathan along with one of my coaches, Zach, on the sidelines. It was awesome having their support. After chatting with them and another friend/race participant, Timmy, I went to go find my parents.

I stood for a few minutes waiting for my time to be posted. I kind of kept an eye on the timer as I was crossing the finish line but I wasn't sure when exactly it counted me crossing. I thought I saw a few seconds over 35 minutes. I would have been happy with that but I really wanted under so I waited for the results to be posted to be sure. Then, it was tough getting through the crowd and trying to find my name.

I could have lept out of my skin when I saw 33:48. I was very excited that I met both of my goals. I could hardly believe it.

I hope to keep going. As I said in my last post, this is merely a mile marker on this road and certainly not an exit ramp. I'm proud of what I did today and what I've done the past six months but I'm hungry and motivated to go even further now.

I'm trying to look towards my next possible race. I don't know when or where or how far the next one will be but there will be a next one. I asked my coach, Stephanie, to draw me up a 10k training program. She seemed excited to get that going and so am I.

Thanks to Dani, Nathan, Zach, Dad, and Mom for coming out and supporting me. Thanks to everyone who kept me in their thoughts and prayers. Thanks to everyone who offered up encouraging words and support. I appreciate everyone.

Possibly the Dam to Dam 20k next year? Who knows.