I guess by now everyone knows our 5K was not quite. I was a bit disappointed because I really wanted this to be my baseline for the many runs I plan for my future. I finished the not-quite-5K in 36:18 which was pretty much on pace for me. The good news is that I came in 2nd in the old ladies 50+ group. And the even better news is that the person who beat me by 7 seconds was a year younger than me. So, I'm not embarrassed. Although I don't have an honest baseline, I have a sense of where I stand in relation to the other women my age, and I have a new goal. I figure if I can do an entire 5K in 36:18 that would be awesome!

Unlike Jewyl who was able to run the entire course, I walked some. Especially in the first mile - it takes me a while to settle in. By the second mile, I was pretty well in a groove and then - oops - it was over. My daughter, Erica, ran with me the whole time which was really nice of her - unfortunately this put her near the bottom of her age group. Thanks for sacrificing yourself, Erica! You kept me moving. And Mike, with that %^#&# video camera - every time I wanted to stop and walk you were there filming. You kept me moving, too!

I really enjoyed this, and I still can't believe I'm running. I always thought running was dumb, but now I've learned to like it. I think as you get a little better at doing something, you tend to like it more and that's where I am with running. I do think I will continue - I may even sign up for a local 5 mile run next month. I know I'll walk A LOT for that one, but it really doesn't matter. It's the fun of getting out and doing it that counts. And I feel so cool crossing that finish line, no matter what the clock says

Thanks to everyone at Active for making me do this and keeping me on track. It was so much fun to meet the people who I've met via email over the past few months. Thanks to Dave and Nancy for your insight and encouragement. Thanks to Giselle, Melissa and Emily for coordinating this team, helping me when I couldn't figure out the website and for leaving some fun comments on my blog. Thanks for the wonderful goody bag - I look forward to using the spa gift certificate soon, but I really treasure my framed picture from Active. I'm putting that up so I can see it every morning for motivation!

Jewyl, keep running or swimming or whatever - and best of luck to you and Mike. Giselle, good luck with your marathon. Erica, get another car key!!!