When I first thought about writing a "30 things before 30" blog, I commended myself on such a unique blog topic. 'Nobody has ever thought of this idea,' I said to myself. Imagine my surprise when a quick Google search found the idea was as unique as a celebrity going to rehab. Whatever. Clicking on a few blogs, I found a common goal was running a 5K. Why is completing a 5K such a common trend? Before I started my list, I thought people should only run if they were chasing someone or being chased. Running challenges you mentally and physically, which is why I think people choose this as a goal. It's something that non-runners find unattainable.
I've run on and off for about a few years. Usually when I was feeling fat, but only lasting a couple of weeks because it was just so hard. And a little boring. So training for a run that's distance was more than a couple of blocks, was a little daunting. Making it all the more difficult was the sadistic hills that are an unavoidable feature of Grand Rapids streets. But eventually, after many hits and misses, I made to 2.75 miles a week before the race. I couldn't believe it. That right there was an accomplishment in itself. The day of the race, my dad, mom, step-dad accompanied me to the starting line at Rosa Parks Circle. As you can see from the pictures posted, the color of the race was neon green. I looked like Oscar the Grouch. But, even though it was early in the morning I felt anything but grouchy. I was excited. I was nervous. I was ready.
Positioning myself with the other 5K racers, I waited for the okay to go. When it finally came, I started my way to the starting line and took off. At my own pace, of course. I had trained by myself, so having other people around me, easily passing me, was quite a shock. Was I really that slow of a runner? Yes. But I wasn't competing with anyone. I just wanted to finish. The saving grace of the whole race was that it was completely flat, save one laughable hill. So, while other runners sounded like they were near death, I just ran on, barely breathing hard at all. Not that it was all easy going. The last quarter mile I got a side cramp that was just really annoying. But I was not about to stop and walk. My pride would not let that happen.
Rounding the last corner of the race course, I saw the glorious finish line banner. Something inside convinced me to quicken my pace and finish the race like a champion. And I almost burned out before I reached to end because of it. But I finished! 3.1 miles completed and I could feel the endorphins pumping through my body. I could also feel the urgent need to pee, but that's a little TMI. I saw my mom first and saw that her eyes were a little dewy. I felt a little emotional myself. I had attained the unattainable.
That fact that I completed the 5K makes me believe that I can do anything I put my mind to. That may sound corny and trite, but who cares? I think that people, and I'm including myself here, limit themselves in what they can do. They put themselves in a self-imposed box. The key to life is not playing it safe. Don't limit yourself. Do things that frighten you because that's what makes you stronger. I'm not saying this race has completely changed me, but it was a great starting off point. On to the next...
