The slowest 5K ever was probably the best 5K ever

Back in 2008 was when I began running again. Three kids and 100 lbs later I was a hot mess in the even hotter mess state of Florida. You can simply jog slowly in Florida and be in  incredible shape for running anywhere else in the continental U.S. I remember how I would take to the local track for speed work and remember as clear as a silver spring, coming home one late afternoon, skipping through the kitchen, regaling anyone who would listen with a story about how I ran my first 12 minute mile. I sit here and smile as I write this. I was training for a 5K and I was getting down to business!

It was about a week later on race day and of course it was 200% humidity with a 100% chance of sunburn when we all gathered at the starting line. I sized up the competition because it was obvious that I wasn't part of it. Women in bikini running gear, men in brightly colored track shoes. Me? I was in a beat up, stained, Reebok cotton shirt. Nonetheless, I was beginning MY journey. I think it's strange sometimes how I've forgotten half of what I've seen in half-marathons and marathons but yet I vividly remember almost every step I took in that 5K.

It took me 41 minutes and 36 seconds to make it to the finish line. I was exhausted and I don't ever think I stopped to walk. I went home and checked the computer for the results immediately! You know how we do it! Just keep checking back compulsively. I'm not sure why I was so interested but when the results were in I had beaten 2 people in my age group. And that was good enough for me. I had tried so hard and that's all that mattered.

Not until I went on my open water swim the other day did I have that same feeling come back to me. Of knowing that I have this incredible person inside of me that has the potential to be ANYTHING and achieve ANYTHING! I probably won't be first and I might be closer to last this weekend in my Olympic tri BUT there's so much room to dream big and improve in the middle.

I probably won't blog again till I come back from the Memphis in May triathlon this weekend so wish me luck. It's a really big deal. It's just like running my first half-marathon all over again. Lots of nerves but I know I'll be fine. The weather is suppose to be a chilled 90 degrees so my goal is to not pass out or soil my pants...err, I mean tri suit.

Love you guys and thanks for all the comments! You make me laugh and smile!