Step Six: 5K

Well, I completed my first 5K today! Though I didn't get the time I wanted, I had a blast and PR'ed :) This week was a little rocky: by Friday my workouts had lost their intensity and I was beginning to worry I would feel out of shape come race day. Then on Saturday night, in typical Lauren fashion, I fell off, or rather FLUNG myself off my bed in the midst of a bad dream and landed on my tailbone. Laying on my floor, crying and in pain, I was sure I would be unable to participate in the run on Sunday. I was finally able to hoist myself back on my bed where I hoped that I would feel better after I caught a little more sleep. Sunday morning I woke up and my lower back was still feeling pretty sore. I decided not to work out that day, which got me feeling anxious that I would be totally unprepared for the following day. On top of that I have made it a habit to work out or be active in some way every day, and my laziness had me feeling down. I used my day instead to run errands and do laundry and work on stretching out my back. By the evening I was feeling a little more confident and did a little experiment. I used to the short walk to the laundry room to jog a little, and I was unable to take two steps before sharp pains began to shoot up my back. I was absolutely crushed. I was sure I would be unable to participate, and I felt that all my hard work would amount to nothing. I continued to take it easy the rest of the night and put myself to bed a little earlier than usual, praying that I would wake up feeling better. My excitement and anxiety for the day woke me up before my alarm could. I slowly peeled myself out of the confines of my covers and took a few hesitant steps around my apartment. My back was still a little sore, but overall I felt MUCH better. Too make sure, I put on my sneakers and did a few laps around my parking lot to see if I was going to be able to push myself through the race. Though there was a little pain, I made the decision that I would run. I also knew I probably wouldn't reach my goal of 24 minutes, but it was still worth the effort.

Thankfully the event took place on campus, so I was able to walk over to the registration tent. I signed in, picked up my number, and went back to my apartment to fuel up. When I returned, the mood had slightly changed. Suddenly, there were people sprinting in the parking lot, running in the grass, getting amped and definitely getting my nerves going. I had made the decision that I wanted to go to the event alone and I was suddenly wishing I had let Alex and friends come to keep me company before the race. Finally we were allowed to line up at the starting line. I've never participated in an event like this so I was a little unsure where to put myself. When I settled on a spot, I turned up the tunes and tried to relax. Only to have to endure 20 minutes of announcements and thanks. After the fifth announcer the runners began laughing... How much longer can this last! We want to GO! I danced to some Grace Potter at the starting line to keep me warmed up and laughed along with the people around me.

And then we were off!

I set a steady 8 minute pace and the adrenaline and excitement begin to melt the pain coming from my back. I learned a lot about pacing myself today and not freaking out when people pass me. I also crossed the paths of quite a few characters on my route. A girl I had been pacing myself with lost her sneaker, and kept on running! I felt so bad for her! Then I passed a father and daughter duo, and I swear she could not have been more than 8. She was so tiny and working so hard to keep up with her dad, I couldn’t help but smile as I passed them. I found my own niche amongst the masses and it wasn't until the last half mile that I was feeling the pressure from two older men I had been running with for awhile. The three of us played and awful game of I-pass-you, you-pass-me when finally I was able to take the lead. Or so I thought. The last .10 of a mile, the old guy passed my again! There was a cheerleading squad and photographers at the finish line who were able to witness this epic defeat and I have to admit I was feeling a little annoyed. But I had to hand it to him, he knew how to pace himself better than I did and I guess I would just have to give this one to him. I clocked in at 26 minutes and though I was pretty bummed I missed my goal, I'm happy to have a time to beat for my next race...

Which just happens to be Thanksgiving! I've upped the ante and registered for my first 10k last night :)

                                                             My new Lucky Number!

Dinner before the big event:

Spinach salad with                                                    Roasted Red Bliss potatoes with

Goat Cheese                                                            Olive Oil

Toasted Walnuts                                                      2 cloves of Garlic

Beets                                                                       Thyme

Red Onions                                                              Touch of paramasean cheese

Ken's light balsamic dressing                                     (Bake for 45 minutes)

Race Day Breakfast:

1/3 Cup of Almond Vanilla Granola from Nature's Path

1/2 Cup of Cabot Low-fat Vanilla Greek Yogurt

Lot's of Blueberries

Lot's of Water

Post Race snack:

1 scrambled egg

Zico's mango coconut water