Race For The Cure 2010: My First Race Report!

Hey everyone! It's been awhile. I'm sorry (again) for my absence. Lately, I've been feeling like writing on my blog is such a hassle. And that's stupid, because it's not a hassle. I really haven't had much to write about, except for this race report, which I've tucked away in the back of head for a little bit. Finally, my first race report. Are you ready? :)

Okay, so it's not a marathon or a half-marathon I'm writing about. It's just a 5k, settle down. But it's a step in the right direction for me! I'm on my way to a marathon (someday) and a 5k is a great start! The race was April 11th and I know, this is very late. I shall be more prompt on my race reports from this day forward!

My dad dropped my sister and I off a little ways from the race area. I had no idea the roads would be so crazy! They blocked everything off. This makes things very difficult to get where you need to be for your race, although the shuttles looked to be working fine. I should take the shuttle next time, and get the full experience. :) Joann and I met up with some of her high school friends and walked around looking at all of the booths. Now, I've been to one of Joann's marathons before and I understand the amount of people for that, but for a 5k? Really? I suppose because it's a shorter distance and more people can achieve that kind of distance. And cheaper. That's what pulled me in! :)

I brought a little gel thingy (I still don't know what to call them) and started eating it about 15 minutes before the race. Boy are those things gross. Joann said I only need them when I'm running longer distances because that when you need to refuel. I kept eating it anyways, even though it was awful and I prolly didn't need it. I wanted to be pumped and ready for this race! The mistake I made was not drinking enough water beforehand. I was too freaked out about having to pee while I was running. Bad idea, Jamie, bad idea.

We headed over to the start and squeezed our way to somewhere in the middle-ish. Again, there were sooo many people. A weird thing happened though, even with all those people, my best friend's little sister's best friend was right next to me! We chatted for a bit and I wished her good luck. Then a plane flew overhead and we were instructed to wave when it passed by. It was totally awesome to see everyone waving into the air! What a great feeling. It got even more exciting for me when the announcer started to get us pumped up and asking if we were ready and pretty much making me jump up and down. I was super excited to run, and he wasn't helping. I felt like an excited puppy or something. Ridiculous, I know. :)

Then we were off and Joann and I were passing people and chatting away for about 1 mile. We passed over a small hill and looked on the road in front of us and got a glimpse of just how many people were running at once. It was amazing! I'm in awe at how many people are running and being active. After that 1st mile, I began to feel the heat. I've usually been running at night and that may have been a mistake. The morning sun was scorching! It was getting so hot and I wasn't used to it. At about 1.5 miles, I fell behind Joann. I didn't expect her to stay with me. I know she's a more experienced runner, I just wanted to keep up with her. That was one of my goals. My other goal was to make it under 30 minutes, which I didn't expect to make at that point.

I walked a little, I'll admit it. I didn't walk for very long, just too long in my opinion. Getting passed that much really brings down your hope. I kept pushing myself and pushing myself until the end. I saw the finish line and I bolted. I came in sprinting, which made me feel better. :)

Finishing Time- 32:56

Not under 30 minuted like I wanted, but for my first 5k, It's pretty damn good. My new training will involve running in the morning.

Overall, I came in 799 place. In the Woman's Division, I came in 386th place.

Some of these photos came from a video, so they are not the best quality.

Overall, I had a blast! I can't wait for my next race! :)
Cheers!