5K/10K Race

No pictures to post today, because we were so busy at the event! Today Craig walked/ran his first 5K!!! WHOOO HOOO! I have always wanted Craig to participate in the races that I do and we finally had the chance today. The YMCA had a 5K/10K race to raise money for their scholarships, so a great cause. We started at 8 and had a great time walking the hills in Bloomington. We ran a lot of the down-hills. I think Craig finally realizes how many hills are in Bloomington to run. As soon as we were at the bottom of the hill, we were soon going up the next. Craig didn't think it was as fun as he was expecting. He told me I talked too much! I thought he was a little hard to handle, but then I thought back to last summer and all the training that we did together for the marathon. Craig really put up with a lot from me. I was wasn't the nicest person to be around when was I hurting, especially during the last mile or two of the long runs. CONGRATULATIONS CRAIG!

We made it to the finish in time for me to go to the bathroom, rip off my long shirt and pants, and take off for the 10K at 9:00. I felt pretty strong on the up-hills. The guy that finished behind me came up to me after the race and thanked me for helping him on the last hill. (The main reason that I passed him was because he was spitting so much - GROSS!) We have been working on hills on Tuesday nights and I think I have finally seen some improvement in my ability on the hills. I don't know if my time was very good, but I felt like I had a good/smart race. I kept a consistent pace with a kick at the end.

So I am thinking and have been thinking since I started the endurance class (Labor Day) ....what is my goal?!? I keep going back and forth if I just want to work on improving my half marathon time or work on another marathon. Pros for doing a marathon: 1) I have a great base for a race in the spring. 2) I have the support of a great running group right now. 3) I have the time. 4) I have no buns in the oven. (Ha ha!) 5) I have a coach who is passionate about running who would be a great resource for achieving my goals. So hmm.... Cons: Time devoted to running, which would be through the busy holidays, snow, and cold! I don't like being cold!

I will submit a request for time off from work for a marathon in March! SO we will see! I have LOVED running this fall. It has been a great experience to run with a group and draw off the experience of my coach and others. My main goal has been the same: to have fun and improve!