Pre-race Photo


This is the end of my 6 month blog.

My goals were:
1. Run a 5k in 25:00.
2. Loose 20 lbs.

I achieved:
1. I ran a 5k in 25:06......(Hollis Apple Country Fast 5k)
2. I lost 15 lbs.

Race Report
Yesterday was my goal race. I was very nervous and I almost missed the start due to my own poor planning. Instead of reading the race info., I assumed that packet pick up would be near the start line. It was actually at the finish line 3+ miles away. Oops! It was good thing I came early. Luckily, they delayed the start by 10 minutes, which gave me exactly enough time to pick up my race # and warm up.

Pre-race: The audio is really bad, but that's ok because I was mostly rambling. (I was also standing in a swarm of little flies.)

I shimmied into the crowd where I thought 8 minute miler's should be. I asked the folks next to me what their pace would be....8:00 they replied. As it turns out, I was way too far back, and so were the folks I asked. It took about 5 seconds to get to the start line and cross it....no big deal. But then it took even longer to weave around the folks who were running at a more leisurely pace.



I ran hard, listening carefully to my legs...which were telling me my pace was right on. At mile 1 my watch said 7:37. Woohoo, I might do it! I chased a girl who told me she'd be running 8:00s, for as long as I could keep up with her. I hit mile 2 at 14:something. Then the course had a slight incline and I slowed a bit to stay strong. I just kept thinking, "Legs only Megan! Let everything else relax. Legs only, Megan!"

I saw a sign that said 1/4 mile to go, and my watch said 23:00! I can do a 2:00 400! Go Megan Go! I had almost nothing left, but I managed to dodge vomit puddles (thanking God they weren't mine) and race across the finish. The clock read 25:04.

Some proof: In the photo the clock reads 24:53. I'm wearing the white tank top, black shorts, with sandy blonde hair pinned up.


I was hoping my official time would actually be under 25:00 because it took at least 4 seconds to get to the start line....for my chip to start timing me. But, unfortunately, the official sheet said my time was 25:06, which I will gladly live with. I my eyes, I did it!


Before and After Photos
I'm greatly indebted to the "Who wants to get active?" Program for all the support and coaching. But, the beginning....the real beginning was 3 years ago, when I was WAY overweight after having my 3rd baby. It has been a long journey with many bumps in the road. But, honestly, it is the focus on health, fitness, and energy that kept me going. Focusing on weight would have been detrimental to my progress. Losing weight happens slowly, VERY slowly. Progress MUST be measured in other ways in order to stay motivated. Here are my before and afters (cringe):

Before: My brother's College graduation. Three weeks after giving birth. Baby #3 is just to the left, not shown.


After: Yesterday, at my race.


A Runner for Life I plan to continue on my current course. Run 4 days/wk and do track workouts with the Gate City Striders. As I have more time, with kids in school, I will increase my miles.

Long Term Goals:
2008: Keep running 4days/wk and get my kids involved
2009: The summer of the 10k
2010: The summer of the Half Marathon
2011: The year of the Marathon

Thankyou Dave Dunham (for believing I could do it, even when I didn't believe), Dave Camire, Belle, Joe Decker, Melissa Eisler, Active Toby, The Gate City Striders, the stay-at-home moms who contacted me, and my dear husband...for all your support and inpiring lives. You've created a runner for life.