The One with the "5K"

I feel rather accomplished. 

I successfully ran the 5K path around Somerset this morning. 

The route is mapped out for our annual Somerset Stampede-5K and Marathon in August. 

I have yet to participate in any kind of organized run

though I have been doing the 5K thing regularly since college. 

I never ever in a million trillion years thought I would be a "runner."

I don't have an athletic bone in my body.

Or at least I never thought I did. 

But seriously, the mere contemplation of running was almost nauseating to me. 

I couldn't imagine running. 

For longer than 5 seconds.

For "fun."

And I still don't think of myself as a runner. 

But here I am. 

Running. 

And I've even seen improvement over the years.

Well, I didn't know I had improved until Kevin went running with me this winter.

It had been a couple years since he ran with me.

And he was shocked at how much faster I was running. 

I had no clue I was speeding up.

But it was nice to know.

I'm still only at an 8 minute mile 

(slower out on the hills around camp.)

But I'm proud of myself.

And after last week's impromptu trip to Walmart, 

I feel rather stylish out there.

I have awesome running/workout clothes. 

And for GREAT prices.

There really is something to be said about feeling good when you're working out.

It's motivating. 

All that to say, I ran the official 5K.

Which means I know I can run the race in August. 

Last week I tried to find the path into the woods and around the lake, 

but I totally failed. 

Today I was prepared though. 

I knew what I was looking for.

Approximately. 

"In this general area right here."

I had to jump a fence.

And run lots of hills.

And plow through deep, wet grass. 

And muddy trails.

And spider webs.

And I battled the bugs.

But I made it.

And in three minutes less than I anticipated.

Go, me! :)