My First Solo Race - The Fast & the Furriest 5K

Yesterday I ran the Fast and the Furriest 5k for the Gulf Coast Humane Society. The race was open to runners, walkers, and pets. I was nervous about this particular race for multiple reasons. For one thing, what if I tripped over a leash and caused some kind of crazy domino-effect of toppling animals and people? For another, and more realistically, what if my drive and motivation ebbed and left me limping to the finish line?

You see, while this was only a 5k and I am completely capable of running 3.1 miles without stopping, this was my first solo race. K is, at this point, 6+ months pregnant, and earlier in the week when we ran together she needed to take a walk break after our first lap. I decided to sign up knowing I'd have to run it alone, and immediately began to feel that wary, niggling sensation that accompanies an undertaking I'm unfamiliar with. M would be at the finish line to greet me, but how would I motivate myself? Who would say, "Just one mile to go!" and urge me on? Who would keep me on-pace?

Running alone can be rewarding for its own reasons, although I usually prefer to run with K. Racing alone, however, was a new and daunting experience.

The crowd gathering for the start line.

I sought advice from some more seasoned runners who told me to keep my sights on someone ahead of me and stick with them. A kind of unknowing surrogate buddy. I found this both enlightening and kind of creepy. I was going to secretly partner myself with a stranger.

To further prepare myself, I updated and reorganized my playlist so I'd have all my favorite running songs to listen to.

The morning of the race dawned perfect and bright. I wore K's and my usual race outfit to give myself a mental boost. I bumped into a couple of students of mine and an old colleague. The race was relatively small (compared to the others I've run, including the Komen 5k), so I was up near the starting line. The dogs were well-controlled (if not a little noisy) and the route was familiar (the same as the Komen 5k, putting me at quite the advantage).

Soon my fears were alleviated. By the first quarter mile I'd found a tall blond with a unique stride (she bounced on her tiptoes rather than using her heel to push off) to run behind, and kept with her for the first 1.5 miles or so. Then, however, she began to slacken her pace and I found myself in a clump of five people. I pushed through and ahead, and then kept pace with a woman and her pitbull. During this leg of the race, I found I was annoyed that I had programmed my Nike+ for a 5k because it kept giving me my pace in kilometers. Ah well, little problems, I figured. I'll just keep doing what I'm doing.

I loved watching the dogs running by. A huge great dane overtook me, his owner sprinting to keep up. Eventually my pitbull-buddy proved to be a little swift for my pace, so I found another oblivious partner to stare at. Eventually, though, I overtook her, too.

Almost there!

As I rounded the corner to the end of the race, I saw the giant countdown clock and was surprised to see 29:00 on the board. I hadn't been able to monitor my pace as I'm used to, in miles, so I was completely unprepared for that. Given a second wind by the simple idea of beating 30:00, I sprinted to the end, finishing in 29:31 and placing 7 of 17 in my age group.

My first solo race experience was nerve-wracking because races give me butterflies anyway. This was the best I could have asked for in getting used to racing alone: the distance was right, the number of participants was perfect - enough to blend in with but not enough to get lost among, I had run the exact same route just three weeks before, and there were plenty of animals to distract me.

Made it!

I finished the race feeling strong, accomplished, and proud. This was a huge milestone in my running career and showed me that I truly am a runner in my own right. I took the initiative to run a race alone. And I plan to do it again.

Another great thing about this race was that M recorded my finishing sprint. This is the first time I've seen live-action footage of myself in motion, so I was able to see how my strides have changed and improved, and I also saw where improvements can be made. I lean forward too much when sprinting, but otherwise my form doesn't look too terrible!

Upcoming races:

• African Aid 5k on April 21 (raising money for World Vision to benefit children affected by AIDS in Africa)
• Race for Grace 10k on May 26 (raising money to support Teen Challenge Women's Home for women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction)

I haven't run a 10k before so I'm a little nervous about this one, but I figure if I keep doing what I'm doing and start adding some mileage to my weekly runs, I'll be able to run six miles without too much fear!

ABK

Why We Run

Over spring break, I had the awesome opportunity to reconnect with some of my best friends from grad school. These ladies went through the learning-to-teach ringer with me, and we always have a good time catching up. One of these women started a weight-loss journey about a year ago, and not only took on Weight Watchers as her guide, but began running. On top of that, she completed a half marathon this winter. I was super excited to see her and discuss all things running!

The conversation got me wondering something. You see, KH is a real runner. She gets up at 4:45 to run 4 miles before work twice a week, and runs on weekends as well. (Anyone waking up before dawn in order to run is a "real runner" in my book!) But while I was gushing about my love of running, she had one of those half-smiles on her face. One of those smiles that says, "Eh."

You see, she likes running, but she's open to looking for other kinds of workouts as well. She's thinking of taking up biking, she said. In short, or what I gathered at least, was that running isn't her love.

So here I sit wondering: why do we run? There are surely dozens of answers. Some people run for the weight-loss, the health benefits, the joy of being outside, the freedom of movement, to prove they can, for over-all mental well-being...But if you're looking to lose weight, why choose running in the first place? It's strenuous and can be tedious and boring. It's not very expensive and doesn't require a gym, so there's that.

But...why run? Really?

I discovered something about myself through that conversation. I am not a runner because I seek competition or feel the need to force my body to look a certain way/function at a certain level. I originally made the resolution to learn to run because I wanted some form of exercise that would take me outdoors, but it has progressed beyond that. Now, I think I'd feel safe saying I'm the kooky lady whose eyes glaze and who salivates at the chance to extol the many virtues of my weekly runs. (Not necessarily how awesome I am, but how amazing the run was.)

Basically, I've fallen in love with running. Why do I run? Because I need it. I love it. I crave it. Even on the days when I wish I didn't "have" to, I go and feel blessedly, blissfully happy for doing so. Without running, my mood dips. I feel lethargic. I'm cranky and easily annoyed. The endorphins running releases are only part of it! The knowledge that I am taking time for myself and doing something wholly good for my body and mental health gives me a high I simply cannot relate to anything else. I'm addicted.

We runners have many different reasons for running, and no reason is more valid than any other. Running for weight-loss and physical health is a perfect reason to put on your sneakers. But I'm beginning to notice that there are different categories of runners, and we experience our relationship to running in different ways.

Perhaps running is a challenge, or something to be conquered, or something to improve upon. Perhaps it's a best friend, a quiet and reflective moment, or a stress reliever. Perhaps it is a tool.

For me, running is it. I don't see myself trading it in for biking or swimming. It's not just about exercise in general; for me, it's about the experience of running specifically.

So that's the bottom line, then. I've come to a place, finally, where I define myself as a runner and feel incomplete when I'm not running consistently. I enjoy it even when I hate it. It's not even really about the multitude of benefits beyond the simply stated: When I don't run, I don't feel good.

Tell me, readers...why do you run? Why did you first choose running as your sport, and why do you continue it? How do you define your relationship with your runs?

ABK

Some Q&A About Motivation

Last week I only fit in that one run, despite best intentions. I'm pleased, though, because even making an effort to get a run in shows huge strides.

Short run tonight with K. Easy breezy. Spring Break is over and today wiped my energy, but I knew if I didn't go I'd regret it. Less than a mile is better than none!

Here are a couple questions I've gotten regarding motivation (which maybe shows that my resolution to be a more consistent runner is working!):

---
Question from KS:
"what kind of music do you listen to on your runs?

ive been lacking serious motivation lately. :( i was sick & now i cant seem to get back into it!"

Answer:
I have such a wide and crazy selection of music. When running alone, I really prefer "angry" music. My favorites are "Closer to the Edge" by 30 Seconds to Mars and "The Way I Am" by Eminem. (Hilarious, right?)

I also like certain Florence & The Machine songs for running, as well as The Bravery ("Hatef*ck" is my power song), Lit, 3Oh!3, Chevelle, some of the newer Matchbox Twenty ("How Far We've Come" is a good one), and Mary J. Blige (particularly "Work That").

Here are some links to good playlists, too:

Fitness Magazine

Jog.fm

---
Question from KT:
"i have been so unmotivated this past week... ran 3 miles last tuesday and just under 1 mile on saturday... been trying to run 3-4 days a week but have been in a massive rut these past 6 days... any tips on motivation?"

Answer:
When I'm in a rut, I try to change my route. If you're running the same path, you can get really bored and it makes it hard to get motivated. Set yourself a low goal, like 3 miles, and map out a nice 1.5 mile loop to run twice this week. You should have a couple different paths to run of all different lengths so you can mix it up. Adding new or well-loved music to your running playlist helps. Also, finding a race to sign up for can be a great motivator.

---
What motivates us is very personal. Some people are motivated by the numbers of a scale, the fit of their favorite jeans, or the extra burst of energy running provides. So, readers, let's hear it! What motivates you? Share in the comments! Or, if you have a question, feel free to ask. I'm not an expert, but I'm full of opinions, and maybe something I say will click for you!

ABK