As many of you know, I’ve been fighting a knee issue on and off for a few months. I waited until the last minute to decide if I would be able to run the Pink Ribbon 5K, and decided I could do it! So my sweet husband got up early with me this morning and we drove 30 minutes to the next little town up from ours. I was expecting a big crowd of people like we used to have in Florida, but NO! There were only about 40 or so. And 90% of them looked like serious runners.
You know the type. They are jumping up and down, doing little sprints across the parking lot, stretching, and wearing fancy watches. I started to get nervous. Then I got even more nervous when the woman at the registration table told me the route and mentioned several big hills. Where we live there are just a couple of hills, and none near me, so I didn’t train for hills. (Oops.)
We started out (with me almost in the back) and immediately went down a hill, and then up a huge hill that went on forever. I persevered through the whole race and finished in 32:08 seconds. Definitely slower than I normally do a 5K. I guess I learned my lesson about not training for the hills!
I also learned that thin does not mean fit. There was this beautiful young girl, who was thin and fit looking. She started off running at a good clip, and promptly stopped and began walking. Later, I saw her finishing up the course as John and I were driving away. I think it’s great that she finished, but I learned not to judge a book by its cover. The lady who finished right in front of me was about my age, but was only about 5′2″ and probably outweighed me by 50 pounds. But she and I kept pace together, and finished together. If I saw that woman in the mall, I’d never think she could run a 5K at all.
Running little races like this makes me appreciate how far I’ve come, and keeps me committed to maintaining a healthy weight. When I weighed 300 pounds, I couldn’t have walked this course, but now, I can run it – albeit slowly. Yet another reason to stay commited to your plan – you can run races, help a good cause, and get some really cute t-shirts!
As I was writing this post I was wondering if any of you have done a race like this? If not, it’s a great goal to set for yourself. Look online for races in your area, and commit to doing one. You will be glad that you did! And me? Before I do my next 5K in two weeks, I will head to the one hill in my town and practice! Diane
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Congratulations Diane! And that is a fine time for a 5K. I couldn’t have done that.
Maybe I will sign up for a race, it would be a good way to keep on track.
I was wondering if you were going to do it! You made good time. I would have been nervous if there weren’t very many people too! Where were the walkers?
Congrats! Good job on the hills!
@Sara – I think you should. It’s a wonderful way to have a firm fitness goal in mind!
@Monica – There was only one walker. The rest were real runners, and then a couple of super slow joggers like me.
@tj – Thank you so much, and I’m so glad I won your giveaway!
the one that I just worked (not ran) I swear some of the serious runners – jogged the whole 5K to warm up before they ran it – next time I will ask them if that is what they did – when we went to our assigned corners (to direct traffic) several of them passed us on their way BACK to the start line.
Congrats – and I didn’t know you were having knee trouble – temporary problem? or something you have been dealing with long term?
vickie´s last blog ..Maximum Benefit – it only takes 4 minutes
I didn’t even know about this race! I keep hearing about races after the fact. What race are you doing in two weeks? I am thinking about doing the Race for the Cure in Memphis at the end of the month.
erin´s last blog ..Facing the Giants
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!! You are awesome! Hope that knee survived too! Diane, I am so proud of you!!!!! Love the pic too!
5K races were one of the things I did in my late 20’s. I actually placed in some & won a couple for my age group. Yes, they were small, but heck, who cares! I also did some of the larger ones for cause as well. I started to have knee issues so I stopped doing races as I get to competitive in them. I want to do well so I push myself way too hard! Now I jog for me & do HIIT in the gym. Maybe I will start up these again at some point when I know I will not try to push.
Right now, I am still trying to get that one wide grip pull-up… not looking good but still trying! That is my challenge right now! :-O
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@vickie – The knee thing has bothered me off and on for a few years now. My doc gave me a cortisone shot last week and the pain is gone. The first runners in the race I did passed us (as they were finishing) while we were struggling up the first hill.
@erin – I emailed you about it!
@Jody – It is hard to push, especially for someone who is so fit as you are! I just wanted to run the whole way and not quit!
That’s great, Diane!! I was thinking about starting the Couch to 5K running set, but I’m a bit nervous. I’m thinking of making that something I start in January for a New Year’s resolution, because then I’ll be farther down in my weight and I’m hoping it will be a bit easier. hhmm…. not sure.
Thanks for sharing your venture!
Congratulations!!! That is so awesome! I’m too old and abused my knees too much to even consider running a 5K. Dancing is my game. LOL
I’M SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Congrats! Thats an awesome feat! I’m kinda the opposite though, I ran three races when I was in the 280 range, 5k, 10k and 10 miler. Hated them all…so I haven’t run at all since I’ve started losing…I just don’t like it. But of course, I may like it more when I get into the 100s…
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@Leah – Thank you! I started running when I got below 200 pounds. That was the arbitrary goal I set in my head. The C25K program is wonderful.
@Sunny – Dancing works for me!! Thanks for the nice words.
@MackAttack – I’m so impressed that you ran those long distances, no matter what the weight. I wonder if you would like it once you get into the 100’s? You just might!
Diane, that is awesome!!!!! So excited for you!!!
I got a little nervous about my 5K (oct.17) as I was reading your recap! Yikes!!!! Serious runners??? Oh no!!!! I hope there are tons and tons of people at my race and that I’ll fall between the cracks of the ones who finish fast and the last of the pack! LOL!
I love your observations – I can be bad about judging peeps at the gym and assuming things based on their appearances.
CONGRATS on the race – i’ve never run one before (or participated at all). I might make that a goal for November!
fittingbackin´s last blog ..My 13th Month: September 2009 Monthly Assessment
I’ve participated in the 401K at my work. Does that count?
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@Marisa – I hope there are tons of runners/walkers/strollers at your race too. I was really intimidated. You will do great and no matter where you are, the main thing is that you are there!
@fittingbackin – I think a race for November is a great goal. I’m bad about judging people by their appearance too.
@Jack – No – that does not count!
I am so impressed and so inspired!
Joanna Sutter´s last blog ..Drink Pink
Wauw great result Diane! I’m proud of you!
I’ve signed up for a few race in November, January, April and May and maybe some more if I find them. It makes that I keep on training because after every race there’s another one coming. It keeps me motivated.
Your time is great! I finished mine in 36 something in June.
Fran´s last blog ..A day in my life: Friday October 2nd 2009
Great job on your 5k, that is a very respectable time with those hills, and I think running is just inspiring. I know when I choose to do a 5k down the road it is going to be a huge personal victory for me
Taryl´s last blog ..Fall to Winter!
@Joanna – Thank you – you inspire me as well.
@Fran – Wow! I’m so impressed by all the running you do. I really enjoy the quiet of it all, and it does keep me motivated to go faster and farther.
@Taryl – Please let me know when you do. I’ll be so excited for you!
I have never done one but always wanted to. Great job!
LAF´s last blog ..Turn Up the Heat!
Wow, I am SO glad I stumbled across your blog!!! I too am a mom of 7 and currently weigh 320lbs, wanting to lose at least 150, probably more. You are a huge inspiration to me and with many similarities I know that if you could do it I can too.
Great job on your 5K. I look forward to running one someday. I did walk a 5k in January (nothing organized just around the school track) and it took me a little over an hour. Thanks for your wonderful site and the amazing tools and knowledge you share with all!
WOW!! Congrats. Tomorrow, I will be “running” (attempting to run) my very first 5k (CIBC Run for the Cure – for breast cancer awareness). You’re an inspiration to me so I will certainly have you in mind tomorrow. Congrats again!!
@LAF – You can do whatever you set your mind on! Thank you.
@Kiki – I’m glad you found my blog too. I’m going to pop over and check out your blog in just a few minutes. I think walking a 5K in a little over an hour is a great accomplishment.
@Joania – I wish you the best as you run for the Cure this morning! I’ll visit your blog and see how it went!
That’s wonderful – congratulations on completing the fun!!!
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Congrat, Diane! It doesn’t matter how fast you go, it’s that you DID it that counts, but then, I’m preaching to the choir! LOL I hope your knee issues are a thing of the past.
Lynn Haraldson-Bering´s last blog ..Good Love Is Like a Good Roasting Pan
Bravo, bravo, bravo!
It’s so true that you can’t judge a book by its cover. I try really hard not to be intimidated at races by those I think are athletes. It usually is the ones you aren’t suspecting that blow by you!
Hills are tough. I do hill training and it is really hard, but worth it on race day.
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@Shelly – Thank you so much.
@Lynn – I hope they are a thing of the past too! Thank you for the reminder that it’s not about speed, but about the doing!
@Lori – I’m going to get going with a more formal training progrm so that I can be more prepared next time.
Bravo, Diane! Great job! And very interesting points about judging books by their covers.
I don’t run, so I don’t do races, but have done walks for the Great Strides for CF. (My son has that disease so it’s a cause close to our hearts.) When we were in Texas, the Great Strides was held at Sea World several times.
MamaBearJune´s last blog ..Tilt table test done
GREAT job! i am very proud of you and wish I was more like you!
Lisa´s last blog ..Baby Shower pics
Diane, were you talking to me on this post? j/k I really need to just find a 5k to sign up for and do it.
South Beach Steve´s last blog ..Friday Blog Spotlight
@MamaBear – I didn’t realize that your son has CF. I think it’s wonderful that all these organizations have fund raising opportunities that challenge us individually, and make us aware of different diseases and causes.
@Lisa – You are just like me – and you can achieve all your goals too!! You can.
@Steve – I was talking to you. In fact I was up in your neck of the woods on Friday and thought about you. It’s much prettier up there!
Hi Diane, Congratulations! You are definitely an inspiration. I am getting closer to thinking about signing up for a run… Hope you are having a nice weekend.
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That is awesome. Congrats! Whenever I am running a hill I think of all the people who are supporting and cheering me on with there hands on my back pushing me up it.
I ran a 12km race this year with no training that had huge hills in it. I just thought to myself..yes you can..and yes you are.
I never stopped running.
~M
@Kat – I’m so glad that you are starting to think about signing up. They are a lot of fun, and a great feeling of accomplishment. I hope you have a nice weekend.
@Michelle – I love that visual picture of people supporting you on the hils. A 12K race with no training? My hat is off to you.
That is awesome…one day I hope to be able to run…I have such weak ankles from spraining them so many times…:)
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Diane, you rock!! So glad you did it! My dream is to get to where I can do the MS walk/jog. I want to help raise money so they can find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis and my Dad can walk again.
Tammy´s last blog ..Satisfied…..Almost
I’m signed up for one on Thanksgiving day! It’s more of a family event. It is a walk/run with dogs and bay strollers allowed.
Your pic is cute-something about getting an event t-shirt is inspiring!
Good job!
I did have a laugh with Jacks comment!
Congrats!!!
Jo´s last blog ..Friday
Wow, Diane! Congrats! Look at that happy smile! I couldn’t help smiling really wide as I read this positive post…Thanks!
I def agree that thin is NOT equals fit. Actually, I lived in Singapore, where a LOT of girls are really thin…and usually they are way less fit than the normal-sized girls, or even the slightly heavier girls.
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@Sharla – I’m going to do the Thanksgiving Day run here too. That one is always a lot of fun. Very relaxed.
@Jo – Thanks!!
@Sophia – Thank you. I had never really thought about fit and thin not always being synomous, but they really aren’t. I hope college is going well still!
Congrats!! I have my first 5K (running) on October 17th. I am so nervous!
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way to go diane! you setting such a great example for your kids!
my kashi diet´s last blog ..my first week update…The Hot 100 – Going out with a BANG!!!
So proud of you for doing the race! You are a real inspiration, Diane!
266´s last blog ..Weigh-In For Week 8
@Melissa – Don’t be nervous – it’s going to go great. They really are fun.
@kashi – That’s always my goal. To set a good example for my family. I never want them to have to struggle like I did.
@266 – Thank you so much. I hope your weekend is going well!
I got excited reading your post Diane! High Fives! I want to walk a 5K. I was going to register for one in Michigan this summer but I hurt my achilles tendon and couldn’t. It’s all better now and I’m back in Florida for 7-8 months….I think you’ve given me the inspiration to find one, enter it, and most importantly, train for it!
Debby´s last blog ..I need a nap
That’s a great time for a 5K, especially one with hills!
I love to run hills! Which means absolutely nothing in comparison to 5K hills. You did great. ;D
Yum Yucky´s last blog ..Prove Your LOVE, Baby! (please?)
@Debby – I hope you will do one now that you are in Florida. Great time of year for it right now.
@cindy – Thank you for saying that. I felt really, really slow. Even slower than usual!
@Yum Yucky – You are too funny! I voted for you by the way.
Congratulations Diane ! It is an awesome thing to accomplish those mini goals that we think we will never be able to do ! I am not a runner myself as i injured my knee several years back( torn meniscus) , and arthritis has set in. I have been instructed not to run or jump rope to prevent further damage, so I look for other ways to push myself.Some days with the arthritis just walking down the hall is a marathon, and it will get better as my weight goes down.
Diane´s last blog ..A days break
Congrats Diane!!!!
I used to run races but stopped due to IT band issues. That was one of the best part of races: seeing someone who didn’t fit the stereo-typical “body” of a runner and seeing them kick-butt! Always so inspiring to me!
Congratulations on running this race! What a great and inspiring post. Although I am starting to run, I haven’t gotten far enough in my thinking to even consider a real 5k…but now you’ve tempted me.
Oh, and I keep forgetting to mention that I’d love to be added to your blogroll! Fighting the fight, of course.
Sarah´s last blog ..Oh Meals Oh My
@Diane – Thank you. I agree on the importance of mini goals. In the past this is something I never even would have considered, much less attempted. You bring up a good point about pushing yourself in all different ways being important. It’s not just about running or jumping.
@michelle – I agree. Once I realized that the woman I described was in every bit as good a shape as I was, I had to once again remind myself not to judge!
@Sarah – I’ll for sure add you. I hope that you will start thinking about signing up for a run or a walk soon. It’s a lot of fun, especially the big ones!
Yay!!! Good for you & congratulations!! It’s a wonderful cause and you did awesome with your knee problems! My kids will be older next year so i’m going to do this one next year!!
~Carla~´s last blog ..Well… it’s settled..
Awesome job Diane! I think this is great! I try to run at least a couple each year – and really just love the race environment. So fun to be at – whether there’s 40 people or 2000 people. Getting out there and moving! So good! And good luck on the next one you have coming up!!! Rock on!!
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Congratulations! I really do want to run a 5k. It’s the training I seem to be having problems with.
@Carla – Thanks so much! I hope you will do one, because in spite of all my complaining, it was a lot of fun!
@Lance – I’m glad you like to run a few a year too. It helps keep me on the training regime, and not get complacent about my fitness training. Good luck to you too!
@Cammy – The training does seem to get in the way sometimes. You can do it whenever you set your mind to it!
Congratulations, Diane! I just signed up for my first 5k race. I’m super nervous! But I love reading about other bloggers’ experiences…thanks for sharing yours!
Hope you’ve had a great weekend.
Menden @ Skinny Menny´s last blog ..A Lovely Fall Day
Great job, Diane!
I have only done one 5k. When I trained for my second one, I was way to competitive and didn’t listen to my body and my weak ankle that I have injured many times over the years. I ended up doing some real damage. So I haven’t even thought about another race since. But I think it may be about time…
Also, I love your reminder that thin does not equal fit…
Hi Diane, congratulations on your race – that is an excellent time, especially with hills! Signing up for races is how I kept myself motivated to run in the beginning. I will never forget how I felt the first time I crossed a finish line – amazed that I did it, and so proud. And yes, I have been in one of those races where everyone is practically a professional runner, and I nearly came in last, which was a bit unnerving. But I always run just for myself, and try to do my best on the day. I think my next race will be on Halloween with my mom and sister in Dallas – can’t wait!
Amy´s last blog ..Sluggish Saturday
GO YOU!!!!
Im late to the soiree to join in and congratulate you—but better lateISH than neverish
MizFit´s last blog ..MizFit PINK Monday Facetime (video/giveaway post).
Late to the party too, but CONGRATULATONS Diane
Shauna´s last blog ..Elie Chain Walk
Congrats Diane! I find the feeling of crossing the finish line at a race might become addictive for me! But, I figure there are way worse things I could be addicted to…. potato chips, for example!! LOL. Good Job on your race, and that’s a great time for a hilly course!
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