CrossOver Challenge 5k

My friend Leila has really encouraged me to be a runner.  I am not a runner y'all.  Far from it actually.  I'm amazed that people actually enjoy it.  What is this "runner's high" that they speak of?  I have yet to experience it.  When I'm done running, all I want to do it set up on the couch and stuff my face with something amazing, like moose tracks ice cream.  Someone once told me that when you're done with one race, you need to immediately sign up for another.  This way, you'll still have to run and exercise to train for your next race.  So after the Monument Ave 10k, I signed up for the CrossOver Challenge 5k through Cross Over Ministry.  I was a little anxious because I didn't know anyone else running in it, so my friend CJ drove me there and cheered me on.  (I told her I would buy her brunch afterwards).  This 5k was nothing like the Monument Ave 10k.  I have no idea why I was worried about finding parking.  There was hardly any runners there!  We got there early, so CJ snapped a few photos of me.

Ready to Run!

I told CJ that my goal was to finish the 5k in 30 minutes.  CJ waited in her car (watched some Downton Abbey), and as it was close to the 30 minute time, she jumped out of her car to cheer me on.  As I was approaching her, I could see her smiling with a camera.  I felt like such a goob.  But I loved it. 

 Here I am!

My body is so pale, it's glowing!

(Does anyone else find this picture hilarious?!?)

I thought the race was really hard because it was so sunny and bright outside and there was absolutely no wind.  It just felt muggy and hot.  But my time proved otherwise which was exciting :)  I finished in under 28 minutes which put me at a little less than a 9 minute mile.  This blew my mind!  It was really, really encouraging.  This goes to show that even if you're not a runner, with practice, patience, and persistence, anything is possible! 

After the race, I treated CJ to a delicious brunch at Weezie's Kitchen.  Mimosas had to be ordered.  

Cheers!

My next race is in two weeks... and I haven't ran since the CrossOver Challenge 5k.  Whoopsie!

xo,

A