My first Race!

just before I started the 5K race

Today, I raced. Since I first participated in the Race for the Cure in 2007, I have had the goal to run the next one that came around. For the past 2 years, I've wanted to race in the 5K run, and not done it. Even though I'm in week 8 of my half marathon training, and completed a 10 mile run on Friday, this race was a huge goal met for me, even though the mileage wasn't as high as what I've been running in my weekly training runs. But this 3 miles was a big deal for me.

The crowd waiting to start the 5K walk

After a night of POURING down Pacific NW weather, this morning was perfect for a run! Dry, even a few peaks of sun. THOUSANDS of people racing to celebrate, remember, and support one cause.

Portland's Race for the Cure (breast cancer research fundraiser) is the 3rd largest in the world, and the largest per capita Race for the Cure...I heard there were over 30,000 in attendance! just crazy.

my new garmin! (yay!)

I ran the chip timed 5K, which was my first "official" race ever. Outloud I said I wanted to finish in under 30 minutes. In my head, I fantasized about finishing in 27 minutes, which would be 9 minute miles (never run that). I finished at 27:39! I was very happy with that finish...an average of 9:10 per mile.

My splits were:
1-8:56 (YAHOO! Loved seeing my time start with an 8!)
2-9:10
3-9:25
(plus....the little bonus .02 miles, 6.something seconds)

One of my weaknesses that I'm trying to reign in is starting out too fast. I told myself I wanted to pace myself between 9:25 and 9:45...and of course out of the chute, I was pacing around 8:40). The energy of the crowd was so enthusiastic...I just couldn't hold myself back! I did slow down, knowing I couldn't keep an 8something pace for the whole race.My typical pattern followed, first mile fastest, gradually slowing with each mile.  I settled in in mile one behind a lady in a survivor shirt who was keeping a steady pace that I felt good about. So, I chased her for most of the race. I was greeted by my mom at the finish, telling me how proud she was of me, which was the perfect finish! Thanks, mom!

Mom and I

My eyes were brimming with tears off and on, as I read the names, and saw the photos on the backs of racers. When I finished, I stood to the side watching for some friends to finish, and cried some more as I watched Survivors come through the pink survivor lane finish. Women who looked way to young to be wearing those pink bibs and survivor tshirts. Mom's my age, walking with thier kiddos, my kiddos ages, sporting bald heads proudly. I just cried watching the looks of joy, pride, and fight as they crossed the line in victory. I watched women cross the line holding hands, celebrating life, and remembering loved ones lost.

survivors lane (runner unknown)

friends celebrating together as they cross finish (unknown runners)

I raced to honor my sweet friend Christy's mom, Carol King, who lost her battle to breast cancer several years ago. I also raced to celebrate my mom, Denise, and our dear friend Jackie, who fought and won battles with cancer, even thought it wasn't breast cancer. I ran to honor  a few gals from church, Rosemary and Carol, who've fought and won the battle with Breast Cancer. It was an emotional day.

I didn't think my hubby and kids would make it, since we were expecting dumping buckets of rain, but my hubby surprised me by bringing all 3 kids and met us at the finish. Nothing like your kids telling you "good job, mommy!" to make your day :)

Mom, Me and Jackie

On a fun side note, I scored a used Garmin yesterday on craigslist! I am feeling really blessed by my sweet husband and his support of my running. I found this Garmin, in excellent condition, for $75! I was feeling a little guilty for even wanting it, I rarely spend that kind of money on anything for myself. I am a clearance, sale, thrift store, craigslist shopper. Even though $75 was a great deal, it's still just a chunk of change to splurge on myself. But the night before, my hubby was giving me some sweet supportive compliments about running and the good he sees in me from it. After that, I felt like it was worth the investment. Thanks, Honey, for supporting me and loving me. You are the best!