Running! Running! Just as fast as we can!

Welcome to the first non-kidcentric post.

On January 16th, 2011, Dennis completed his first half-marathon (13.1 miles) and I completed my very first official 5K (3.1 miles). It was cold, wet and windy but we managed to finish!

The race was slated to start at 7:00 am for the half-marathon and 7:15 am for the 5K and we were told to be there at 5 am to be get situated for the race. We decided to catch a ride with Janette and Khiem. Khiem was also running in the half, but this was just a walk in the park for him because he had just run 20 miles the previous week (Side Note: he was prepping for the Houston Full Marathon 2 weeks after, which he finished and now is working towards doing some tri's). We didn't up getting to the start line until about 6:45 am but it didn't matter because the race was delayed until 7:45 am due to the rain. That gave us plenty of time to wait in line to use the Porty-potties before the run. Janette went to park the car about 1.5 miles away from the start line, so she got to stay cozy warm in the car!

Dennis and Khiem lined up to start the race and they were off. If you look real close you can see Dennis getting ready to take off.

Shortly after they started, the 5Ker's were told to line up. I put myself towards the back because I didn't want to mowed over by faster runners! I tried pacing myself with a girl that looked like she was my level, she ended up leaving me in her dust after the first 1.5 miles. I just took it slow and steady. When I looped around heading towards where we had started, I hoped with all my heart that 5Ker's were suppose to make the left turn towards the start line (knowing if that were the case, then I'd be done soon). When I saw people starting to veer off to the left, I knew that I was going to make it to the end and I did. After doing the Couch to 5K program (a 9 week running program) for 5.5 months, I finally ran a full 5K. I was pysched! My goals for this 5K were:

• Run the full 5K - DONE
• Don't let any half marathoner beat me to the finish line - DONE
• Don't be the last one to finish the 5K - 108 out of 238

Janette hadn't made her way to the finish line yet (since I was so fast), so she didn't capture my stellar finish (37 minutes and 1 second). She got this shot of me after I finished, filled up on after race goodies and found a discarded poncho to cover me from the non-stop drizzle (which also kept me surprisingly warm).

We spent some time in the after race goodies area, mainly to take cover from the wind and rain under a tent. After about 2 hours from when the race started, we made our way to the finish line to cheer for our soon to be finished hubbies.

While we watched, we decided this would be the worst ever full marathon to run in. Not only was it a 2 loop course, but if you were running the full marathon you ran towards the finish line then about 20 feet before you would cross the finish line you u-turned and ran the same 13.1 mile loop you just finished. Horrendous if you ask me!

As expected, Khiem came crossing the finish line strong and fast. He collected his medal and got some yummy food. It was obviously a walk in the park for him.

Then we waited, waited and waited for Dennis to cross the finish line (chilled to the bone and just willing Dennis to show up). Finally we saw him coming down the stretch! I was so proud of him for finishing! He finished in 2 hours and 26 minutes, and placed 509 out of 1,240. He wasn't too happy with his finish since he began a run/walk regime at mile 11. Next time there will be no walking he says.

I'm just proud of us for doing and finishing what we set out to do. Way to go us!!!

After race update

Since the race, I've only run the 3 miles once, trying to get there on the treadmill is just harder. Dennis has not run one step but once he signs himself up for a marathon he vows to train better than he did for this one.