Run Katy Run! My First 5k

Good afternoon everyone! As many of you know today was my school’s 5k Fun Run race! There were a whopping 250+ people who registered!  It is so important for schools to promote a healthy lifestyle and stress the importance of exercise. I was so happy to see all the  families that turned out to have fun and exercise together.

***Before I go into today’s race, I just want to take a moment to acknowledge the fact that today is MAY 20!  Where have I been all month? I feel like we just changed the calendar.

So this morning I was up bright and early and honestly a little skeptical about today’s race. It was my first, so I had no idea what to expect of myself. Lately I have been doing pretty well and averaging a 11-12 minute consecutive mile on the treadmill but it has been quite some time since I have hit the actual pavement. Also, spending the day before a race at a food festival is hardly a good way to get your body ready to move! It is safe to say I was ready to bring on the excuses if I bailed after mile 1.

This morning I took everyone’s advice (thanks you all so much BTW)) and kept to a normal routine. I had my typical workout snack

I omitted my morning coffee because I had a feeling it wouldn’t have sat right with my pre-race jitters.

When I first got there, everyone was so excited and I couldn’t help but be optimistic.

My friend was playing DJ and MC for the event and she had everyone movin’ and gettin’ loose!

I went inside, checked in, and got my number and a bag of free goodies!

The next thing I knew it was time to start! I had my sunglasses and awesome playlist ready. I also had about 10 of my students around me talking smack which was a nice boost of adrenaline. And we were off!

The race actually took place around my neighborhood so at around mile 1, I passed my house and saw a familiar face out taking some action shots for me! (Thanks Nolan <3)

I ran the first mile and then walked for about 1-2 minutes before I started up again. It was so great having my staff and students around me because anytime I thought about walking someone would yell “Keep going Ms. LeBlanc!” That was all the motivation I needed 🙂 The last mile was a lot of run/walk but it was certainly more run than walk so I was content. It is so hard to pace yourself without a little machine telling you the incline and speed haha.

OH side note- it is 80 degrees today!!!!!

I didn’t have a watch on or anything so I had no idea what my time was. I was absolutely SHOCKED when I hit the last stretch and saw the clock at the finish line reading 31 minutes! My final time was 31 minutes and 23 seconds!
That absolutely blows my 40 minute goal out of the water. I placed 63 out of around 250+ runners I could not be any more proud! I have never ever ran a 10 minute mile before 🙂

(Post race photo- very sun burnt and oxygen deprived)

At the finish line there were many volunteers handing out water, Gatorade, orange slices, and some high carb- snacks.

I grabbed some fruit and a ham and cheese sandwich.  I stuck around for awhile to cheer everyone on and watch the 1/2 mile race they held for the younger kids.

When I got home and showered I finally had a chance to peek inside my bag of free goodies!

This thing was jam packed with stuff! There’s a water bottle, key chain, lip balm, and tons of coupons to local stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sports Authority. My personal favorite is the sweet new t-shirt!

Overall I would give my first race 2 big thumbs up! Even though it was unbelievably hot outside, I had a blast and finished the race with a great time and a smile. This will certainly not be my last race that’s for sure 🙂