My First 10k-Cajun Cup 2012

Good morning lovers! Well, good afternoon to those of you in a different time zone. You knew this post was coming. I’m sure all of you have seen half of these pictures already on Instagram, I just couldn’t resist.

This weekend was my very first 10k. First off, thanks to all you girls who sent good luck vibes across the internets. And thank you to LeighAnn for the freak of nature, you’d-swear-it-was-Christmas-morning excitement! I think it might’ve even rubbed off on me. Go over to her page and congratulate that girl on finishing in ONE HOUR. I don’t know how she does it, but it’s freakin amazing. If you’ve read her post, you know it was hot as balls on race morning. Well, that’s an exaggeration. It was hot for the runners, but we passed tons of bundled up, jumping up and down to keep warm, spectators. All the girls in our running group were in tank tops and shorts. Speaking of, did you see our hilarious team shirts?

Can’t wait to see what we come up with for the half marathon in February. That’s right, kiddos, I am officially crazy. We are starting half training in two weeks. I will take you through my mental state all throughout (and before) the race, and hopefully you’ll see why I lost my mind.

I really wasn’t ready for this 10k. Mentally or physically. I hadn’t followed the schedule to a T because of work and weddings interfering. I missed two LONG runs, and a few shorter runs. The longest I had run consecutively prior to the race was 4.5 miles. The 5.5 mile run was hindered because I was really weak from not fueling up properly, so I wasn’t even sure how I’d do over 6. I was quite frankly, terrified. I still haven’t gotten over my fear of finishing last, so that was a major concern. I hoped there would be walkers so atleast I’d finish before someone. I know I should just be concerned about finishing, but let’s be real, people. I don’t want to be that person.

The morning of the race, I was excited but still scared. There was no turning back now, though.  I started off by stretching REALLY well, and making sure I wouldn’t get shin splints super early on.  By the time my little area started, I wasn’t even sure it was time to start. I expected a gun shot, but there was nothing. I got in the "over 60:00 finish" group. I am not sure why, but every long run starts off rough. I think to myself, “oh my God, it’s not even a mile yet. How am I gonna do this?” It burns and it sucks and I start feeling like I will never make it. It always gets easier though, somewhere around mile 2.5. I start getting into a groove. It doesn’t get easy, by any means, but I feel better about it.

I will admit I started off thinking “No way in hell am I even thinking about a half marathon in February.” I can’t run a full 5k yet. But you know what, I am still a runner. I can run the majority of a 5k and the majority of a 10k. There is no rule that says you can’t walk at some points. Yes, I’d love be able to run it all the way through, I’m just not there yet. And that’s okay. The longer I ran, the more I started thinking, “Bring on the half! I can do this!” It was very empowering. About 5 miles in, my body was exhausted and my feet hurt. I wanted to stop and lay down on the side of the road for a while. Of course I couldn’t.

 

 When I realized I just had a mile left, I just focused on the finish. I knew the majority of my running group would be there waiting for me. Whether I finished in 45 minutes or 3 hours, they would’ve waited. Those ladies are awesome. I couldn’t let them down and walk to the finish, so I just kept running. When I finally turned the corner where the finish line was, I felt euphoric. I was about to finish a 10k. I had only run a 5k before this. When I started, I couldn’t run a full minute without stopping, and here I was, finishing 6 miles.

Thank you Leigh Ann for this awesome picture!

 

 

I love races. The training isn’t so fun, but the race day is so exciting! I love reading the signs and seeing the “cheerleaders”. My favorite sign said “Run Forrest Paw Paw Run!” It made me laugh out loud. The whole morale of the day was just awesome. I can’t imagine what the half will be like.

Thankfully, my husband will be able to make it to the half, so I know I will have my cheerleader there. My mom even said she might come along to cheer me on, if she can take off work. I am so excited!

 

I got super sexy swollen for this race, so I guess I learned I need to lose the ring for the half. It doesn't look that bad in this picture, but I couldn't even take that bad boy off for an hour!

 

I also wore my heart rate monitor which burned the crap outta me. The chest strap was a killer. For the half, I'm not wearing it because I know I'll burn a ton of calories, but that's not really what it's about. I just wanted some kind of measure. I burned 1226 calories running the 10k! My time wasn't great, but I have plenty of time to improve. My goal was just to finish, and not be last. And I did, and I wasn't! Anyone have any speed interval info or advice? I want to get faster!

 

I have to agree with Leigh Ann about this being one of the top moments in my life. The sense of accomplishment can be compared to walking across the stage at graduation. It's like, All this work paid off. I did it..Completely in awe, still. After I showered after the race, I put on my Cajun Cup shirt and did some grocery shopping. I heard a man tell his wife, "Look babe, she ran the Cajun Cup." I wanted so badly to say, "YES I DID!!!!!!" lol..I refrained, but I'm sure the stupid grin across my face was pretty obvious.