Breakfast with a Side of Jalapeno

The Jalapeno 100 this past weekend was my first 5k race. I had two goals for this race - run the whole thing, something I had never done before (even in my triathlon days) and to get a sub 30 min for the race. It was fairly chilly out, but feeling slightly nervous, I didn't really notice.

The starting line was packed as people jostled each other to get as close to the start as possible.  I was not quite as eager. Let them fight it out, I thought, I have no desire to be a ping pong ball. I started my little metronome app (my coach has me run at 180 bpm as an endurance base), and waited for the countdown. And...we're off!

Coach had told me that under NO circumstances was I to run the first mile under 9:40.  After that, if I felt good, I could increase my pace.  My Garmin became my new best friend.  Every ten to fifteen seconds, I would glance at it. The first few looks went something like this:

9:13....

10:04....

9:21...well, you get the idea.

Obviously, pacing was something I needed to work on. After the first half mile, I finally got it under control.

Shortly after the turn around point, I started passing more people. I waved as I passed my boss - he just laughed and waved me on. I had increased my pace for the second mile, and when I hit the third, I felt I could push it more.

Seeing that finish line, I began to feel a little giddy. I know that there are runners out there who go much farther than 5K in their warm up, but for me, in that moment, a victory was achieved.  I went from the girl who couldn't run a quarter mile six months ago, to the one who finished her first 5K.

My running group, iRun, was out in full force to run or support.  As I crossed the finish line, there were hugs and congratulations. It was then I realized that running is not a solitary sport.  Having the support of my group made the race that much sweeter.

Nora told me that I came in 12th for the women. Wow, I thought, 12th, and I had really held back that first mile. I had figured I would wind up in the middle of the pack. Had it not been totally inappropriate, I would have done my happy dance.

In the end, I went a minute faster than my coach had estimated I would go, and I got my sub 30 - 28:31. The Jalapeno 100 won't be my last race, but it will always be special - surrounded by the well wishes of my new friends, I made my first baby step to my ultimate goal.

If the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step, then my Ironman journey began with a 5K on a cold Sunday morning.