Become a Runner. Check.
8:43 AM Edit This 25 Comments »
I did it, internet! I ran a 5K. And it was one of the most exhilarating things I've done in my life. On Saturday morning, we went to pick up our race packets. Is that joy in my face or what? There might have been a bit of squealing. I got a NUMBER!
And Sunday morning, there we were. How exciting is that?
This is the reason I started running club to begin with. Cricket. She's much faster than me, so she earned the name. We didn't plan the matchy, matchy bottoms. We wore our runner's club shirts, but matching orange bottoms? Awesomeness. And I swore that if I ever started running, I was doing it in a skirt. And I do. That might be the reason that I won the "Best Dressed" award for runner's club. I have to match. And I have to be in a skirt. And I wore LIPSTICK to the race. Because if I'm going to get sweaty, I'm going to look cute doing it.
And then we were off. There was only one point where I wanted to just walk. It's a slight incline right before the halfway mark. I've run that course before and it's the same spot I didn't like last time. Part of it is that it goes over the freeway and that kind of squicks me a little, but once I got on top and could see the runners streaming down the final stretch, I picked it up a bit. One foot. The other foot. I was DOING IT! And weirdly, it seemed like I was running alone. Surrounded by all these people, doing the same thing I was, but alone. In my own world. My own place. And it felt good.
This is seconds before the finish. Our trainer had come back along the route after she finished and was running in with each of us as she got us in sight. She was yelling, "Go Kate! You can do it! Pick it up! Go! Go! Go! Harder!" And then scrambling to keep up with my long legs. It was the strongest finish of my short running career. She was awesome. And I got my first PR. 36:55. It's the best time I've EVER had - even while training. And as I crossed the finish line and wobbled to the end of the chute where Cricket handed me a bottle of water, there were tears of joy, accomplishment and this strange thing I am unfamiliar with. Pride. I did it. I signed up. I followed through week after week. And I did it. I looked at Cricket and said, "I would never have done this if you hadn't gotten sober." And she burst into tears and said, "I know! I was thinking the same thing as I crossed the finish line." Because I never would have met her if she hadn't. If I hadn't. See how it all comes full circle?
And last but not least. My fan club. My cheering section. The people who saved my life almost four years ago now. And the people who celebrate every little milestone along this New Life of mine. I kept saying, "I can't believe you're all here!" And each one of them responded with, "Wouldn't have missed it for the world."
Neither would I. Neither would I.
And Sunday morning, there we were. How exciting is that?
This is the reason I started running club to begin with. Cricket. She's much faster than me, so she earned the name. We didn't plan the matchy, matchy bottoms. We wore our runner's club shirts, but matching orange bottoms? Awesomeness. And I swore that if I ever started running, I was doing it in a skirt. And I do. That might be the reason that I won the "Best Dressed" award for runner's club. I have to match. And I have to be in a skirt. And I wore LIPSTICK to the race. Because if I'm going to get sweaty, I'm going to look cute doing it.
And then we were off. There was only one point where I wanted to just walk. It's a slight incline right before the halfway mark. I've run that course before and it's the same spot I didn't like last time. Part of it is that it goes over the freeway and that kind of squicks me a little, but once I got on top and could see the runners streaming down the final stretch, I picked it up a bit. One foot. The other foot. I was DOING IT! And weirdly, it seemed like I was running alone. Surrounded by all these people, doing the same thing I was, but alone. In my own world. My own place. And it felt good.This is seconds before the finish. Our trainer had come back along the route after she finished and was running in with each of us as she got us in sight. She was yelling, "Go Kate! You can do it! Pick it up! Go! Go! Go! Harder!" And then scrambling to keep up with my long legs. It was the strongest finish of my short running career. She was awesome. And I got my first PR. 36:55. It's the best time I've EVER had - even while training. And as I crossed the finish line and wobbled to the end of the chute where Cricket handed me a bottle of water, there were tears of joy, accomplishment and this strange thing I am unfamiliar with. Pride. I did it. I signed up. I followed through week after week. And I did it. I looked at Cricket and said, "I would never have done this if you hadn't gotten sober." And she burst into tears and said, "I know! I was thinking the same thing as I crossed the finish line." Because I never would have met her if she hadn't. If I hadn't. See how it all comes full circle?
And last but not least. My fan club. My cheering section. The people who saved my life almost four years ago now. And the people who celebrate every little milestone along this New Life of mine. I kept saying, "I can't believe you're all here!" And each one of them responded with, "Wouldn't have missed it for the world."
Neither would I. Neither would I.
25 comments:
oh, this made me cry! I'm so proud of you! this is such an accomplishment...what great pictures, what a great running skirt, and what a great day!
Oooh! Happy Happy! I'm so glad that you did it and that you had fun!
I SO needed some inspiration today and I think that this was just the ticket!
Congratulations Runner 1546! This is awesome! So impressive!
Teary eyed over here. You've had a lifetime of accomplishments so far, Kate, and yet, you've got a lifetime ahead of you to live. Outstanding and very worthy of CONGRATULATIONS!
Awesome, Kate! Like Nilsa, I'm getting a little teary-eyed over here.
You rock, and now I have to go get a running skirt.
Wonderfully done! This post is just a stellar spot in my day. Thank you.
I'm so proud of you, Kate! You did it!!! I, too, have tears in my eyes after reading this post. You are just so freaking awesome!!!
Oh, and I love the outfit - totally agree with you...looking good is fun, and you looked great!
I'm so proud of you!! I went on a run yesterday and thought of you as I was running. I'm so glad it went so well!
So when is the next race? :-)
Awesome! I knew you could. Without a doubt.
Awesomeness! And I love that you run in a skirt. An orange skirt, no less.
I'm all teary eye while I read this... you did it! I am so proud of you, you have no idea how much. Really. Very, very proud! :)
HOORAY, KATE!! Way to go!! I'm so proud of you and you look fantastic and happy!!
Wish I could have been there to see you cross the finish line. Congratulations, Kate.
Next challenge...marathon?
(sorry if this posted twice - I got an error the first time)
Totally awestruck! Congrats!
Congrats! I love you. And your skirt. And the fact you wore lipstick. I'm just so damned pleased about the entire thing!!
Go Kate! This had me in tears too. I'm so damn proud of you! Your 5k is inspiring!! :)
Congrats!
This is my absolute favorite Kate posts! Love, love it! Congratulations!
I. Am. So. Proud. Of. You!!!!
Isn't it wonderful? Isn't it incredible? Did you feel insanely happy for the rest of the day?
How lucky are you to have a cheering section? That is awesome.
And the skirt? Woo-hoo!!!
I feel like a new mama - I'm just so dang happy and proud for you!!!
Yaaaaaaaaay!
*tear of joy*
Congratulations! You should be proud of yourself!!
You are AWESOME!
Yay! Congrats on your first 5K! You did amazing! And look amazing! :)
Love the pic of you and your #. What a great smile!
Stopping over from Nilsa's blog. Congratulatons to you for running your first race!
huge accomplishment! congrats. i remember my first 5k, so happy when i was done. i haven't run much for nearly 2 years, i need to get back to it.
Post a Comment