Spring Cross Country Classic 5k

I PR'd!!!! That means 'Personal Record' for all of you non-runners. Fastest time on a 5k yet.

I have only done a few 5k's - I'm definitely not a fast runner. And, my focus has been on slow, long runs, not fast, short ones! But, there were no TTR runs this weekend, so I figured why not? Plus, it is a no-frills $7 race (t-shirt grab bag, potluck). Couldn't pass it up. I'm taking it easy this week after 3 weeks of going at it and next week's big TTR event...

Distance: 3.1 miles

Time: 25:00:22 (8:06 min/mile)

I placed 2nd in my age group (40-44)! Woohoo! I got a ribbon and 3 packs of Shot Blox, which pretty much paid for my entry!

I came in 22nd out of 108 women finishers (20th percentile). Yay for Renee!

This is a nice course at Lincoln Park, mostly dirt and sand, hilly, with the mountains and desert as a backdrop. It was a blast. Neat race - the guys have their race 1st at 7:30 and the gals start their race at 8:15. So, I spectated the guys race first, watching for all of my friends. My friend Steve rounding one of the last corners with the mountains in view:

I started out a bit fast and was pretty swept up in the excitement:

mile 1: 7:54

mile 2: 8:14

mile 3: 8:16

I slowed it down a bit after the 1st mile - I knew I couldn't keep that pace up!

I'm the pink shirt in the middle waving and smiling to my friends cheering me on:

I was hoping to break 25 minutes, and I was pretty close.

Got to hang out with some friends afterwards and watch the egg toss, which is a hoot.

Wayne, a very good long-time friend (1st in his age group! He is super fast and hasn't even been training):

Steve, who has made more than a few appearances on my blog over the years (good to see you, my friend, as always):

Some of the 'Slow Old Goats', Steve, Boone, and Joe (who runs with TTR a lot). Trust me, there is nothing slow about this crew of guys. They are a force to be reckoned with... :)

I also saw my friend Joel from TTR - he was not running, but is on the injured list. :(
I was a little tired after my effort today. I actually went home and took nap for over 2 hours!!

Life. Jeesh. Who knew it would look like it does today. One year ago, I was in so much emotional pain!! Fixing what was wrong with me on the inside had to happen first, and then I was able to take the actions that were necessary for me to move on with my life. Thank you God for your help with all of it. I couldn't have done it alone. I needed your power and love.

Spending time with friends today, I realized just how lucky I am. I am surrounded by so much love in my life!

'Took a chance looked inside
Didn't know who I'd find
Standing on the corner of hello and goodbye
All alone it's there I made up my mind
I'm one step closer
With my arms open wide...'
~ Bon Jovi