~First Time For Everything~

There is a first time for everything and I've decided you are never to old to start something new.

~Today, I participated in my first 5K! ~

My Motto During This Has Been:
Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

I started the Couch Potato to 5K back in May but only half did it. Then we went to Ecuador and I didn't hit the pavement again until 3 weeks ago. But, Arkansas heat was too much for me to run outdoor and we finally joined a gym on Monday, July 26th. I got right to working out on the treadmill 5 days a week and only got 1 1/2 weeks of training in before today.

On Thursday, the 5th, I was able to run 3.1 miles on the treadmill in 43 minutes but that was in the air conditioning and on a treadmill not in the sun, heat and hard pavement with uphills and down on the course.

The 5K was called Avenue of Hope for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life and my husband's company was a bronze sponsor for this event. We went to Collierville, TN yesterday, stayed in a hotel and got some good rest before the race this morning.

Ryan, my bonus daughter and Mason, our grandson came to participate in the race with us. Mason stayed with one of the organizers that Roger knew and passed out fruit to the races while the 4 of us ran the race.

This race had a very special meaning for me personally...Daddy, this was for you! My daddy died of lymphoma (cancer) on 8/4/1989. 21 years ago my world was crushed when I lost my best friend so this race had an extra special meaning to me, besides participating in my 1st 5K. Daddy, I ♥ U and I miss you so much!!!

Roger kept telling me that we needed this race as a "practice" for the one we signed up to do with some friends to challenge ourselves to complete the workout...the next race is September 25th. He kept telling me that it would be different and harder than my leisurely running in our neighborhood or on the treadmill and boy, was he right!

Right from the start, my feet and legs felt like they were made of concrete and my mind was screaming..."you can't do this...just stop!" I kept pushing as far as I could, stopped walked to the count of 20 and started running again. Roger was within my sight but Tyler and Ryan left us in the dust! I finally sprinted to where Roger was and we started walking and running...pushing each other to go further than we thought we could.

Roger would have had a much better time if he had just left me and I tried to get him to go on ahead. He continually said "I'm not leaving my wing man" and he didn't.

When we rounded the corner at mile 3 and we could see the finish line...I took off in a full sprint...not as much to get a better time but to get it over with.

What is the best part? THE FINISH LINE!!! and the sense of accomplishment just knowing you started it and you finished it.

What did I learn today? I have a lot of work to do before the next race, I desperately need to lose this weight, I loved running in the 5K and will do more in the future!

Here are some pictures from our race today.



Team "W"

4 Racing "W"



Ty took 2nd place in his age division! Way to go, Ty!



Roger took 1st in his age division! That's my guy!



Us girls didn't place but we did a great job! A 1st for both of us!



My 3 handsome men!!! Roger, Ty & Mason



Uncle Ty and Mason...sweet boys!



Mother & Son...Ryan & Mason...amazing team!!!



I have the t-shirt to prove it too! lol
Jim's Tank Service on the back as Bronze Sponsor

Have a wonderfully blessed day!