Cross "Run a 5k" Off My Bucket List

We ran our first EVER 5k on Saturday morning, and guess what? I didn't hate it! I actually loved it! I'm not a runner. Never have been. I've always enjoyed sports, but you see, I like to play sports where there is little to no running involved (softball and volleyball). I remember in high school always wondering why someone would choose  to participate in track & field. "Why would someone do that to themselves," I thought. Softball was fun  for me, could someone truly have fun  doing something as miserable as running?

I wouldn't say that I all of a sudden love running, but I've definitely enjoyed it more over the last few years than I have during any other part of my life. I used to love going to the gym and doing work out videos in high school and my early college years, and although I still enjoy those things, I kinda sorta think I maybe like running just a bit more (crazy!). There's just something about the mental push it takes to do it. That really is my biggest obstacle with running: The mental game. It's so easy to just stop (trust me, I would know), but it feels oooohhh so good when you don't stop, when you can push through and keep going. Well, it feels good once your done at least....

Before the run

We felt a little fat and slow out of place with all the super in shape, skinny minny, spandex/leopard print bra wearing runners around us (you know, the ones who ran the 5k twice without breathing while we were panting and cramping at the finish line). Luckily, there were quite a few other not-crazy-runners around as well (after all, it was just  a 5k).

You know what my favorite part was? Running with Darin! We used to run all the time together that first year of marriage, and were somehow disciplined enough even while I was pregnant to go to campus early and run before class (well, let's be honest, the real reason we went early was to get a parking spot, so we were disciplined enough to use that time to run rather than curling up on a couch in the Tanner building and sleeping...well...sometimes we did that too. Anyways...). But then after having Shae we haven't run together at all. The stroller just adds so much to the run (wishing we had gotten a running stroller), so we just take turns.

 We ran together for the first two miles and then Darin's long legs needed some freedom and he booked it off ahead of me. My goal was to not walk. I know what you're thinking, "That was your goal?" I know, I know, it's only 3 miles, but people, 3 miles is like an ETERNITY to me. I was proud of myself when I crossed the finish line having jogged the entire thing. My nongoal was to run 30 minutes or under which didn't happen. My time was 31:50, but hey, that just gives me something to work on for the next one right?

While running, Darin said something to the effect of, "Next we need to do a 10k, and then a half-marathon, and by the time we're 40 I want to have done a marathon." What the? Who is this man?

Right after the run. Still alive and strong :).

                          

What a fun way to start the weekend. And thank you BYU for winning that crazy game so that we could continue to enjoy our weekend.

In other news, Darin's boss offered Shae his first beer at the work barbecue. Of course we've taught Shae not to drink so he passed it right up but made sure to leave his banana prints all over the bottle for some added flavor. He's so thoughtful.