5k Race Recap - Corporate Challenge - First Running Race EVER

I was up *bright and early* for my first running race!!

Pre-Race Game Face:

Mike's Pre Race Swagger:

{Dear Lord WhydidIletthiscrazygirltalkmeintothisrace???}

Most Importantly --> I  WE COMPLETED THE ENTIRE 5K RACE WITHOUT WALKING!!!

Let's start back with the training for this race...

It wasn't too formal, I really didn't want to psych myself out -- I reminded myself it was just a 5k.  I ran 2 miles several times, and ran 2 5k's inside on the treadmill with ~10min average miles, but up until two weeks before the race I was slightly unsure I could complete my 5k outside.  Texas heat had been scorching lately with 110+ degree highs leaving me little practice on outside runs.  Luckily, a week and a half before the race, we got a slight break in extreme temperatures and had an evening at a cool 93 deg F.

Yes.. that was cool to me!! And there was even a nice breeze to go along with it! 

So Mike and I got all geared up to complete our first outside 5k...

"Let's Do This Thing!!!!"

We finished out outside 5k in 29 minutes - yipee!!!!

Although, I have to say, by the end of that I was huffing and puffing like The Little Engine That Could!

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Accomplishing this 'Test Race' really helped me calm my nerves and have confidence going into the race that it was possible and that I could do it.  The week before the race I completed one smaller run and tried to eat a healthy diet of proteins/carbs/veggies including a protein shake each morning.

The day of the race Mike and I had our new favorite version of our favorite protein shake!!

Banana Split Shake

1 - 1 1/2 frozen bananas

1 TBSP Natural Peanut Butter

1 Serving Chocolate Syrup (yum!)

1 Scoop Low Carb Whey Chocolate Protein Powder

1/4 cup Vanilla Maple Arctic Zero

1 - 1 1/2 cups Vanilla Almond Milk (unsweetened)

1 pinch Guar Gum for thickening

*optional - add one Truvia packet*

We also brought a granola bar to the race as well as water bottles -- just in case the hunger monster crept in!

Oh yes, and I added my secret weapon to the shake...

iced coffee.

{Click Keep Reading for more of my Race Recap!}

 

The Race Course looked like this:

I just mapped it on Map My Run -- it was an even 3.2 miles.

Just as I'd expected - the entire second half was uphill!!!

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Race Day was already 80 degrees by 8am and 88% humidity which made it incredibly hard to breathe.  And it was crowded! I just kept reminding myself to keep pace and not to burn out which was hella good advice since the first half flew downhill leaving the epic uphill struggle for the very end!  RUDE.

I just remember at the end wondering if I was going to make it.  I don't care if that sounds dramatic it was the hardest finish to a run I'd ever had. 

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Honestly I felt that way, but Mike ran beside me the whole time which was really encouraging.

Remind me to check the elevation of my race course before attempting to run it next time.

What was really cool is that a coworker who finished ahead of us ran back a little ways to cheer on teammates as we headed towards the finish line.  He yelled out "Keep going, it's just around the corner!"  and I thought "Hey, I can make it just around the corner!"

..

He may have exaggerated a little bit, but it kept me going!!

Mike and I finished in 28:58.

That put me at 354 out of 759 timed runners.

I was 7th female for my company :)  and it was a PR so all in all good results!!

After the race they had donuts and water bottles... I snatched a water bottle and tried not to VOM.  I have no idea how people were snacking on the donuts -- I gave the race everything I had and could barely walk straight afterwards ::stupid humidity::.  Don't worry though, I still celebrated later with a CELEBRATORY BROWNIE SUNDAE!!!!

{From On the Border}

Overall - Accomplishing my first 5k Race gave me a lot of confidence in myself.  I can do anything if I set my mind to it.

Work Place Fashion Post

a.k.a. a chance for me to post a picture of myself like anyone cares...

Dress:  BCBG Outlet

Shoes:  UrbanOg.com

Headband: Target

Terrible Flourescent Lighting:  Thank you workplace bathroom.

Questions for the Day:

What was your first race?  How did you do?

Are you a big fan of munching down immediately after a race?  What's your favorite way to celebrate?

Do you prefer hills at the beginning or end of your run? Or not at all?