My first 5k run
By Eloisa- Labadan- Anton
About 3 months ago, I decided to join a running clinic. WHY? I know you must be asking. Well, I decided that I wanted to be able to run properly, on the beautiful seawall near my home, without injury. So for 10 weeks, I had a clinic run (with 12 other learners, on Mondays and Wednesdays). I did solo runs on Fridays. Of course I missed a few Fridays, but on week three there was this 5 km race, which I foolishly signed up for. When my running instructor Vicky found out, she said “Good for you! So do you have your family and friends coming/joining with you?” I said “No.” I realized then that I had to convince someone to go with me, drive there, cheer me on and take pictures of course.
To make a long story short, by race day, August 14th, I had three friends with me -- all about 20 years younger -- and my neighbor Barb, who thankfully took all the pictures of the group. Barb is an experienced runner. She joined the Boston marathon 10 years ago. She kindly ran with me a week before the race, to see my pacing. By race time she was beside me all the way. I finished
5 km in 41 minutes, 24 seconds, ranking 71st overall (don't ask how many runners there are!) and 48th of the first 50 women. I guess finishing the race is good enough for me.
I signed up for another running clinic -- we are on week 4 -- but of course I, I sprained my ankle, not by running, but by tripping on the stairs. I missed the last step. I iced my ankle for a whole day and I am taking it easy for now.
I will continue to run, so as to enjoy the view on the seawall. I still need motivation to do it. Some runners I know say it is addictive; I am not there yet. I am trying at least to attend the clinics and perhaps find running buddies to go with after my clinic is finished. TRY being the operative word.
To make a long story short, by race day, August 14th, I had three friends with me -- all about 20 years younger -- and my neighbor Barb, who thankfully took all the pictures of the group. Barb is an experienced runner. She joined the Boston marathon 10 years ago. She kindly ran with me a week before the race, to see my pacing. By race time she was beside me all the way. I finished
5 km in 41 minutes, 24 seconds, ranking 71st overall (don't ask how many runners there are!) and 48th of the first 50 women. I guess finishing the race is good enough for me.
I signed up for another running clinic -- we are on week 4 -- but of course I, I sprained my ankle, not by running, but by tripping on the stairs. I missed the last step. I iced my ankle for a whole day and I am taking it easy for now.
I will continue to run, so as to enjoy the view on the seawall. I still need motivation to do it. Some runners I know say it is addictive; I am not there yet. I am trying at least to attend the clinics and perhaps find running buddies to go with after my clinic is finished. TRY being the operative word.
