The Giant Race

A little over a week ago, I ran my first 5k.  I have done 5ks before, but never with the intention of running them. 

I signed up for the Giant Race (sponsored by the SF Giants and benefiting Project Open Hand) in March of 2012.  Unlike in the past, this time I actually trained for the race with the intention of running all 3.1 miles.

I worked with my trainer on strengthening my legs - think squats, lunges, and stairs ... lots of stairs.  But he also had me running - on the treadmill, on the track, and on the concrete.  The most I ever ran during my training was 2.25 miles, so I was a little nervous about running nearly a mile more than that on the actual day, but I figured the adrenaline would help.  I trained at about at 12 minute mile pace.

Three days before the race, I woke up with a terrible sore throat.  I slept most of the day and started to feel better, but I knew I was not 100%, even come race day morning.  But I had worked so hard, I was determined to run this race.

Adam and I got to the ballpark a little after 7, parked and warmed up a bit.  Then we waited with the thousands of other people to do the race.  The first 1/2 mile was very congested so we were weaving in and out of people; then it lightened up as people found their pace and a little space to run.  The first mile was hell - it was cold so I was just warming up, and it was super crowded.  The second mile was amazing - I felt good and it flew by.  The third mile was ok - nothing special here.

 Thousands of people at the starting line.





I intended to run the entire thing, but unfortunately had to slow to a walk twice for about a minute each time.  I wasn't out of breath - I actually felt great.  My legs did not hurts, they were still going strong.  I even managed to ignore the soreness in my throat.  Unfortunately I could not ignore the pain in my right shoulder.  I tweaked something the way I was holding it up and had to slow to rub it out.  (Looks like we will be doing more upper body work soon :( ugh!)

But, despite the 2 short slow downs, I managed to finish the race in 37 minutes and 29 seconds which is a 12:05 mile pace!  We ended the race on the field at AT&T Park which was very, very cool.  We also got medals, t-shirts, and a Matt Cain bobblehead.  It was a very fun morning, and as soon as I was done I was ready to sign up for another one.

All finished and ready for more!

I am thrilled with my time and the fact that I did not fully stop during the race, but I am looking forward to making improvements the next time around.

Say yes to 5ks!