I mentioned in a previous post that I followed a Couch-to-5K program to begin my running journey. I chose this type of program because at the time, my end goal was to be able to run a 5K; more specifically, I wanted to run the Baltimore Running Festival 5K, a local (and quite large) race that I had seen advertised at my gym. So I committed to this goal by signing up for the race, penciling my run/walks into the calendar for every week leading up the race, and embarking on my transformation from couch potato to real runner.
The training weeks flew by and before I knew it, the 5K was right around the corner. The Friday before the race, I picked up my shirt and bib at the race expo, which was an experience in and of itself. By the time I made my way through the various vendor booths, I was super pumped and excited for my race the next day!
The morning of the race I got up extra early to dress, pack a small bag, and eat a light breakfast. I had decided when I first signed up for the race that I would take the light rail into the city so I wouldn't have to worry about finding parking. This ended up working out well; parking was plentiful at the station and it was only a few blocks walk from the stop to the start line.
When I got to the start line, I got nervous - there were SO many people there! The Running Festival 5K had a participant limit of a few thousand and the race had almost (if not completely) sold out. Nothing like waiting for a race to begin with a few thousand of your closest friends! ;) I turned on my iPod and danced around a bit as I waited for the start gun.
After what seemed like forever and a day, the announcer was finally counting down to the start of the race...and we were off! I started off at a fast pace (probably a little too fast in retrospect), but it was hard not to get caught up in the excitement of the start. I was swept along the course, fed by the energy from the participants, the cheers from the crowds, and the beauty of the sun breaking over the pretty downtown Baltimore skyline. The first mile and a half flew by.
I took a brief walking break at the first water stop to down a cup of water. I was so excited and proud of myself. I was actually doing this! I was halfway through! I was a real runner now.
The second half of the race was a bit of a blur. The initial high from the start of the race had worn off, the crowd had thinned, and my energy had started to wan a bit. Luckily, the last half mile seemed to be more downhill and my energy picked up when I saw that I was almost to the finish line.
As I ran over the cobblestone streets during the final stretch of the race, the cheering from the spectators lined on either side of the course and the sight of the finish line was enough to give me an extra energy boost. I sprinted my way down the course and crossed the finish line. I did it! I had completed my first 5K!
Here's a picture of me as I crossed the finish line. I didn't look super happy on the outside, but inside I was elated that I had met my goal
I'd like the say that I felt awesome and that I basked in the glow of my success for the rest of the day, but that's not the entirely the case. After the race was over, I did feel pretty awesome, but I also felt a little shaky. I chalked it up to nerves and after grabbing my post-race banana and water, I rode the light rail back home. I showered, changed, and headed up to my parent's house to celebrate my sister's birthday, which was that weekend.
As I drove, my shakiness started to morph into something more unpleasant. I felt my heart racing, my palms sweating, and my chest squeezing. I seriously thought that I had pushed myself too hard and was having a heart attack. By the time I made it to my parent's house, I was feeling a little better physically, but mentally I was pretty upset. I didn't know what had happened or why it had happened.
I made a doctor's appointment for the following Monday morning. After an examination and some tests, my doctor informed me that I was very anemic, which had greatly contributed to my post-race experience. I was relieved to have discovered the cause and immediately started on an iron supplement regime to restore and maintain my iron levels. But although I had addressed the physical aspect of my symptoms, I still had some lingering fear about running. It was a scary ordeal and part of me wanted to avoid running ever again in case there was ever the possibility of a repeat experience.
In the end, I had to make the choice to move past my fear. I knew what caused my physical symptoms and I had fixed the problem; the only thing holding me back now was me. So I swallowed my fear and after checking back with my doctor, started to run once again. I decided that the physical and mental benefits I gained from running were too great to allow my fear to paralyze me and prevent me from ever strapping on my shoes again.
So that's the story of my first 5K. The morals of my story are ALWAYS get checked out by your doctor before you embark on a new exercise routine and don't let your setbacks cause you to give up on yourself or something you enjoy.
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