my first 5k

In January I weighed in at 260 pounds and was not feeling very good about any thing. I decided to do something about it and after trying all kinds of diets that didn't really work I decided to give MFP a try. I also decided I had to move more and that the one thing I hadn't ever given a shot at was running. I am into my 30th year of doing tile and carpet work for a living. Needless to say my knees aren't the best and I had all kind of foot pain from being so heavy. I downloaded runkeeper along with MFP and got to work. I did the run for fat loss program on runkeeper then started the train for a 5k program next. I started to gain some stamina and could actually run 1 1/2 miles without stopping. I decided to bump up my schedule by a few weeks so I could do the autism race last weekend.

I had a goal of under 35 minutes which I thought was respectable for some one who has NEVER run in his life before. I didn't think it was possible but had to have a number to shoot for. I ran the first mile and then my iPod screwed up so I walked a bit to get it back going but then found myself walking about every quarter mile after that for about 25 yards or so. I wasn't on pace to make it in my goal if I kept this up so I stretched the running out a bit and shortened the walk distance.

The last 1/2 mile I was hurting a bit but as I made the last turn with about 50 yards to the finish line I saw the clock and stared sprinting cuz I knew I was going to make my time.

I crossed the line at 34:13!

I grabbed a water and kept walking to cool down. Then I realized how hard I had worked for this moment and emotion took over. Lets just say I'm glad this tough dad had sunglasses on and had dumped water over my head. What a feeling of accomplishment to set a goal and reach it.