It's only 3.1 miles

That's what I kept saying to folks who asked me what my upcoming plans were. "I'm running a 5k. It's only 3 miles".  Not far, right? Depends...

So Sunday was my first ever race: The Women's Fitness Festival. No I wasn't challenged or pranked into it. I balked at my friends who suggested that I sign-up for one as a goal...a reason to continue C25K. I'm not a runner, I said.  I'm still not.  Runners run because they love it.  I ran because...

Well, frankly because there were too many women in my way.

The original plan with my partner was to walk the 3 miles. We then decided to switch it up to a 2min walk/1min run.  I still waffled back to just walking since I was still nursing a strained calf and it was predicted to be raining.  It wasn't, but the road was wet.

We lined up around 8:06am. Women of all shapes, colors, and ages; some with strollers, some with with their young daughters. It was a sight to see.

As the gun shot off, we stood still - the wave to walkers was thick.  I have a long stride as it is so I became frustrated getting stuck.  Moving to the sidewalk put me in the path of runners who didn't make the 10min average cut off for the runner's wave. Finally, I couldn't take the slow pace any longer and bid adieu to my walking partner - vowing to meet her at the finish line (plus, I drove to the race so I couldn't leave without her).  Next thing I know, I'm jogging.  I did slow to a walk 4 times.

Crossing the finish line, I noted the race clock was 48:58. I was happy.  I came home to check the chip time. That was 38.0.5! Sweet. My average pace was 12.5min.  Even on the treadmill, my pace was around 13.5min/mile.  Sadly, I was beaten by an 11 year old!! Her time was 38.0.4.

All in all, Sunday was fun.  The race, sponsored by Fleet Feet-Sacramento, benefited a local women's shelter. There were over 4,000 registrants, tons of information from Kaiser Hospital along with blood pressure screening, body composition, PT, massage, breast health and information on how to escape domestic violence. Blue Diamond gave out free almonds, Whole Foods provided post-race breakfast and coconut water and Raw Bars (yum). Lara bar gave out samples, as well.

So Kim asked me if I've been bitten by the race bug.  Not too sure, but I'm thinking of running the 4th of July Fun Run and NOCCs Run to Break the Silence (benefiting ovarian cancer).