The race!

I have done about two training sessions since my last post and this morning I did the run! I did it! And I ran the whole way!!

I completed the 5K in 36 minutes and I am completely proud of myself.

The training I did in my last session really did cause my knees to suffer. We went away the weekend following that and due to the pain I didn't run at all. We did a few very long walks, though, which I felt was adequate enough exercise as it was gentle on my legs and well over 4 miles of walking.

In the last week I took the advice of more experienced runners and did one more long session of 30 minutes (15 minutes running, one minute walking, 15 minutes running) which I did with ease. I did that on Tuesday and then didn't do any more running until today. I did walk (I started walking to and from work on Thursday and Friday) which is about 3 miles in total.

But the big day blew me away!! Firstly, it was incredibly well organized and although there were about 17 000 other ladies running, I really didn't notice it that much at all. The best advice I was given for the race was to keep to my own pace. This is hard at the beginning as so many people start off quite fast and I felt like I was being over taken by all 17 000 runners, but I kept telling myself that if I want to run the entire distance I need to go slowly and at my own pace. I also had my IPOD with me playing music that keeps me going.

The nicest thing about the race was all the cheering. It really makes a difference when there are people on the side-lines encouraging you on. It also helped that there were sign posts marking every kilometre. I averaged about 7 minutes per kilometre (which impressed me) and I kept a very steady pace through out. The route itself was on gravel and very flat compared to the runs I do at home. I think the flatness of the route, the cheering on the side of the road and the energy of all the other runners around me really helped to keep me going. I'm incredibly proud to have achieved this and I am looking forward to the next one because now I know that I can do it!

As a beginner, this is my advice:

• follow the training guides. Even if it seems like you are doing too little, don't add more. The people who planned those guides really do know what they are talking about.
• Stretch. Before and after. Especially if you have previous injuries.
• Don't increase your running the week before the race. Slow it down. Even if it doesn't seem logical, it works. My body was able to do more than it has ever done today and I think it's because it had time to build up strength before the race.
• If your legs or knees hurt, don't run. Let them recover properly.
• Sign up for a 5K! It's the most amazing feeling to complete it and I think it has been a total inspiration for me to continue.
• Get support. My husband has rubbed calves, taken photos, listened to me moan, moan moan......and still encouraged me to keep going. Encouragement helps.

My only disappointment through this was that I have lost absolutely no weight (The two kilos I lost at the beginning hurried right back on). I think I do need to start eating better to help lose the weight I need to lose. I may also not have been running solidly enough to lose anything. Hopefully as I continue I'll start losing the weight I need to lose.