My First 5K
On Saturday, 5 June 2010, I ran my first 5k – the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in DC. It was hard. It was fun. And it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
I ran the race with 5 other people. Actually, two people ran at their own pace – one was much faster than me and the other was slightly slower than me. One person decided to walk. And two people, Tazzee and Tisha, ran with me (literally) at my pace from beginning to the very end…well, kinda. LOL!
Tazzee flew in on Friday night and spent the entire weekend with me. Yay! The morning of the race, I woke up at 5:30am and I was a ball of nerves. I think I may have tweeted that I had a stomach full of knots. Had Tazzee not been with me, I probably would have cried and chickened out. But she talked to me about her 1st race nerves, we laughed, and kept it moving.
Around 6:30am, Tazzee, BG, and I hopped the metro and rode about an hour to the race site. The first person we met up with was The Fit Lounge, also known as BK Diva. After hugging as if we hadn’t seen each other just a few days ago, I listened intently as she gave me beginner’s runner advice. At some point during our conversation, I began to tear up. But in typical BK Diva fashion, she found a way to make me laugh. Celieeeeeeeeeeee! LOL
Shortly after, Tisha joined us, I found my other friend, called the two missing friends, and we walked over to the starting line. Man, you should have seen that crowd. It was riTHICKulous! I think they reported about 40,000 participants. Sheesh! Tazzee and Tisha knew I was nervous so they gave me pep talks, kept reminding me to relax and telling me this was MY race so they were going to stay with me. It took everything in me to keep from crying because I was overjoyed by their support. They started singing with the music, we did a few warm ups with the crowd, and at 8am…we were off.
I began the race and felt great. My friends were with me, my favorite music was playing, and despite my concerns about the weather, the rain held off and everything was perfect. Thank you Lord! I started as I normally do when running outdoors – took off too fast. I later learned from Tisha that I was running close to her normal pace – about a 10 min/mi. *shock* Needless to say, after about 1/2 to 3/4 mile, I had to take a short walk break. When I began running again, they said I took off too fast again. For some reason, I couldn’t seem to find a comfortable pace.
No matter how fast or slow I ran, whenever I was running, Tazzee and Tisha were running right behind me. Mind you, both of them are way faster than me, but they reminded me again…this was MY race and they were going to stay with me. When I slowed down, they slowed down with me. And when I wanted to walk, Tisha jogged while Tazzee danced and sung songs. It was hilarious. LOL This continued throughout the entire race.
After 1.5 miles, I was getting too hot. OMG, I mean like “want to pass out” hawt! I had never run in that kind of heat before and it was a bit much. This caused me to slow down more often than necessary, but I didn’t quit. I kept asking “where are the water stops?,” then thank God, we finally saw one shortly after the 2 mile mark! It was very unorganized because there were no volunteers passing out water cups. We had to stop and pour our own water so imagine a thirsty crowd of runners, everyone grabbing at cups, finding empty jugs of water, and/or finding jugs with a few ounces of warm water left. But I needed that little swallow to keep going. I think there was only 1 more water stop in the whole race.
After the water stop, Tazzee reminded me that we only had 1 mile left so I began running again. After another 1/4 mile, Tisha saw me slowing down and tried to motivate me to keep going. She said “Single Ma, don’t stop. You can do it! Remember, you earned an MBA while raising a daughter on your own. I know you can do THIS!” I heard her, but it didn’t phase me one bit, so I slowed down for another walk break. Then she jogged in front of me and pulled out the big guns. She said “Did you see that breast cancer survivor just pass you?! If she can do it, YOU can do it!”
I was getting mad at her, but she knew the right buttons to push. My competitive spirit kicked in and I began running again…as usual, I took off too fast. Immediately, Tazzee and Tisha yelled “slow down!” Tisha told me to ignore the bpm of my music and slow down just enough but maintain a slight bounce. Then she began to show me how to do what she was describing. I tried to jog at that pace but it felt funny. After a few minutes, I slowed all the way down to almost a walk again and both of them yelled “Nooooo! Keep running!” Then I heard Tazzee say, “we’re almost at the finish line as soon as we turn this corner.” When we turned the corner, I looked up, but I didn’t see the finish line. I disappointed. Although I tried to keep running, I felt my body losing steam.
This time, Tisha grabbed my hand and said “come on Single Ma, we’re almost there, you can do this.” I heard what she said, but I didn’t I believe what she said. Never in a million years would I ever say this out loud, but in my mind, I heard a voice say, “I can’t.” I was sooo tired and extremely hot. I felt like I was going to pass out. All I wanted to do was stop. By the grace of God and to all of our surprise, we approached a tented water sprinkler. For a split second, I thought to myself, “I can’t get my hair wet” (silly I know), but we all ran through and it felt good. The water was cool and refreshing – exactly what I needed to get going again.
A few seconds later, I heard Tazzee and Tisha say, “look Single Ma, there’s the finish line!” When I looked up and saw that black & pink banner, my adrenaline kicked in something fierce. A fire ignited from deep down inside of me and I took off. Tazzee said to Tisha, “Look at her!” Later, I was told they both started running and tried to catch up with me but couldn’t. I find that pretty funny and hard to believe. But they said I was beasting it. LOL! Before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line and heard someone screaming my name.
My faster friend was already at the finish line and gave me a double high five as soon as I crossed. Tazzee and Tisha gave me hugs when they crossed. Then I searched the crowd looking for the one person who means the world to me – my BabyGirl. When I saw her coming towards me, I rushed to meet her half way, we embraced, and the tears flowed. If that one moment could be frozen in time, I would be the happiest woman on earth. But it gets better.
She made a little sign for me that said…
“NOT ONLY THE BEST MOM BUT ALSO THE BIGGEST WINNER”
My tear ducts flooded and the dam broke. BG and I embraced again and held each other tight. Through my watery eyes, I noticed my other friends approaching, smiling, and congratulating me. That was the greatest moment ever! I couldn’t have asked for a better first 5k experience.
Based on the race results, I finished in 42:13 at a pace of 13:36 minute/mile. My friends and I didn’t cross the finish line holding hands as they had planned, but in my heart, WE finished…TOGETHER. I couldn’t have done it without you ladies! To both of you – Tazzee and Tisha – THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!
I think it’s ironic that the main two people who made my first 5k experience so amazingly special are the exact same two people who inspired me to begin running just 5 months ago and improve my overall health & fitness for life. I need to also mention that both of them went out of their way and traveled from another state to support me. *sniff* Because of their unwavering support from Training Day 1 to the finish line of My First 5K, I am honored and humbled to call them my two newest “friends” forever! :-D
I’d also like to thank The Fit Lounge for coming out to support and sharing your wisdom, thank you to everyone who donated (my team raised over $1,500 for Susan G. Komen), and a big thank you to everyone on the blog and twitter who leave words of encouragement for me everyday.
We did it! Woot!
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51 comments:
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Your story actually made me tear up! I read your blog all the time, but never post, and I wanted to let you know that you’ve really inspired me to take on running. I’m really new at it but I know I can do “with” you. Awesome job at the race! (and I’m in the DC area too, and it was crazy hot on Saturday!)
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Thank you for reading and finally commenting. It’s appreciated! Good luck with running. It’s hard but worth it.
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*sitting here with a big, cheezy smile and a watery eyes* What a gift to share this with you, if only a little. Thank you.
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
I wish you could have been there too.
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You know this made me almost cry. I’m at work right now so I couldn’t let them flow like I want, but I may read it again tonight so I can get a good cry in, LOL.
I was more than honored to run your first race with you and can’t wait until we share our next one. And yes, I had visions of us crossing the finish line together… and that’s the last time I’m going to tease you about your sprint at the end *I think*
BTW, all my singing and dancing was to make the experience better for you. I could see in your eyes that the heat was getting to you – shoot, it was killing me too. So I tried to distract you as much as possible. I hope it worked because I had fun doing it.
AND I am not WAY faster than you. Hugs to you friend.
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
{{hugs}} What you did for me this weekend means so much to me!
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I am so VERY proud of you! I’ve been tearing up for you since I woke up on Saturday morning and saw news coverage of the race on CNN. I had a professional certification exam that I had to take that day but my mind kept praying for you throughout the test. I knew you could do it, and you did it fabulously!!!
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Thank you for your support! And a super big thank you for your prayers. :-)
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So proud of you! You did it and what wonderful friends you have! Once again you are inspiring us all to get rid of the excuses and get to work. Whether it’s our finances or our fitness you’re a great role model. Keep up the great work! What’s next a 10K? ;-)
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
God has blessed me with a great support system.
No excuses, let’s get it!
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Aww this was so sweet! What a great first race experience to be surrounded by so much love and support. Awesome job and in the heat too. That heat can really affect your running game (and boy do I know!). They sometimes start summer races earlier than 8AM for that very reason. I’m shocked that a race with 40K people running had such poor organization at the water stops. Crazy!
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
That heat was a beast man! We plan to do this race as an annual tradition, but it will always be my last until October/November.
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Congrats SM!! I am so proud of you and your accomplishment!!!
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Thank you!
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What a great story. Congrats!
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Thanks!
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Congrats! I am so happy for you! The weather this weekend was nasty! I am in the DC area too and I thought I was going to melt yesterday when I went for a run.
So any thoughts on your next fitness goal? Another race in your future? I am currently hunting for another local 5k for sometime this summer, and I signed up for my first 10k (eep!) this fall.
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Weight loss is my primary goal, 18 lbs to go. I plan to run another 5k in October. Summer months are OUT for me.
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Way to GO!!! I knew you’d do! How proud I am of you. To watch you transform yourself!! Awesome!
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Thank you! :-)
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*lee puts down ***Run SiNGleMA Run*** banner, cries into crying towel, wringing it out, and crying some more*
That was awesome! You are some storyteller. Felt like I was right there, waiting to see what would happen next.
I think you were pondering friendship on twitter yesterday, and I know you understand now fully how wonderful it can be… In addition to your friends you have more history with, here are ladies that came in and stood in the gap and went the distance, literally and figuratively, with you. I mean, it’s like it’s been fully cemented in your heart: “These are my FRIENDS, they are down for ME.”
THAT’S what friendship is about. And I love witnessing that, and I fully respect it.
And then here come BG with the bootleg signage. OH LAWD HELP ME. *Lee crying into crying towel some more.*
Congrats on that run, SingleMa. I knew you could do it. **RUN SINGLEMA RUN**
Now what in the world will you do next!? *SINGLEMA FOR PRESIDENT*
LOL.
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
This experience, along with some other things I’ve observed, made me ponder the meaning of friendship. Thanks for your feedback.
LOL @ bootleg signage. Leave my baby alone! HA HA
Thank you!
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I ran this same race on Saturday, too. It was my 2nd 5K (ran the first one on May 2) and, yes, it was hot and HUMID. Congratulations to you on your first…there will be many more. Keep running as if you are training for another race. Kudos on the weight loss, too!
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Whoo weeeeeee! Congrats!
I plan to continue running at least 2x/week. Now I need to increase my cardio intensity and weight training to remove these last few lbs.
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I have tears!! Nice work. Of course you could do it! Are you hooked? Do you have your sights on another race? :)
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Not hooked, running is hard. But yes, I plan to run another 5k in October.
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You’re an inspiration! Now my only question is when is the next 5k??? Keep it going!
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Thanks! October.
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Face all wet with tears. You ain’t right all early Monday morning. Beautiful account of your race surrounded by friends and BG. We all encouraged you via twitter. I knew you would do it and with a bang. Can’t wait to read about the next race, maybe even marathon.
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Yes, you all encourage me everyday via twitter. Thank you!
I have no aspirations to run a full marathon.
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*sniff, sniff* this has been such a great journey to watch unfold! Congrats on your first 5k!!
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Thank you!!
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I’m going to need you to post a warning the next time you plan to make me cry.
I am so happy for you! You did it!!!!
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Single Ma Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Yes, I did it. :-)
Thank you!
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YAY! So proud of you! Another goal in the bag! :) Admittedly i wanted to ask, “Whatcha gonna do next?” But I think it’s good to just bask in the blessing of meeting your goal for awhile! Great Job for yourself AND for breast cancer!
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You continue to inspire me in everything that you do. Congratulations!!!
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As a long time reader (but never a commenter) I just wanted to send along a sincere CONGRATULATIONS!!! I really enjoy reading your blog and following your story every day. Though I don’t know you in ‘real life’ I just wanted to say that your life and your perseverance to always reach the goals that you’re striving for is very inspiring. Congrats on finishing your race and I’m wishing you continued success in all that you do!!!!
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You rock, what a great story. Congratulations and here’s to your NEXT race going even better!
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Single Ma,
I totally cried when I read that post. CONGRATS! I am super-envious and excited to do a 5k as well. I am on Week 3 of C25k and actually enjoying it. I wasn’t a runner…but I am getting there! :) My 5k is in August.
I am a long-time lurker, but first time commenter. I was a single mom for 2 years to a perfect little girl. I am now super-happily married, but still strongly identify with single moms (I KNOW what it’s like!).
Once again, congrats and thank you for being an inspiration!
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Congrats! I am soo happy for you!
Friends are the best…I don’t know what I would do without mine either!
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Congratulations! I know exactly how you feel – I just finished my first half-marathon this weekend, the culmination of many many weeks of hard work. It was scary, fun, hard, and worth every moment. I’m so happy for you!
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Congratulations! I’m in about to start week 3 of c25k, thanks to you.
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You did it SingleMa!!! Congratulations!!!!! You are such an inspiration!
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Congratulations!!!!!!******Hugs****** BG is soooo sweet!!!
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Its to early in the morting to be crying but I am lol
Congrats on your first race and A big congrats on all your friends that supported you. The world as well as myself need more friends like them.
You are so Fabulous!
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Forgot to add I love the poster BG made.
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Netttttiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :)
You did it Ma.. and I’m so happy for ya!!!
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Awww, I read this when I was on the train to work Monday am ’cause that’s when you promised it and couldn’t comment but CONGRATULATIONS again!!
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simply amazing! I’m inspired!
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That is quite an accomplishment! Congratulations!
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Congrats!! Your description of your emotions (and tiredness!) during the run was exactlyyy what I felt on my first 5K ever last month. Great job :)
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