Yesterday was a lot of fun. Not only did I get to run in the 5K, but I also got to meet Lybi and James, who are both wonderful people. James was extremely helpful getting me ready for the race, and Lybi was a total rockstar, both before the race coaching me, and during the race. (I think anyone who runs barefoot when everyone else is looking at her like she is crazy is awesome.) So, here is my run down of the race:
First, I have to admit, I was extremely late. I'm so happy I got there before the gun went off. I can't believe how late I was. Brandon, Melanie and I jumped into the car about 10 mins later than we planned on, with a map in hand, but unfortunately the map didn't account for road closures. :o(. Thank you James for giving us quick directions when we were close to the race. We appreciated it! I felt so guilty being late while Lybi was waiting for me. So embarrassing. Lybi, I PROMISE I will be on time next race.
Before the race, Lybi and I went for a run to warm up. I appreciated the warm up run because I had an awful pain in my right leg when I woke (to the extent that I was limping while getting ready in the morning) and I think the warm up run helped it. While warming up, Lybi asked me what my goal was. My only goal at that point was to finish faster than 29:30 (and beat out my last race). I told her my husband's goal for me (25 min... ha ha ha). And she said that she thought I could do it in 27. She told me to run as hard as I could at the start, and then when I got to mile 2, run faster. I've never had anyone coach me (ever) for a race, so I really appreciated it. (I told you she was a rockstar!).
When the gun went off, unfortunately, my music didn't start. I started running hard, pacing myself with Lybi, but it was hard without any music. (There is this nasty voice in my head that tells me I can't do it, or to slow down... I have to drown that voice out with music). I tried to hum my own music, but it didn't work very well. I slowed down and tried to fidget with my music to get it to work, with no luck. At that point, I paced myself with a woman that was running next to me.
At the 2 mile mark, my music finally clicked on. (Thank goodness), but at that point, I wasn't running as fast as I could have (sorry Lybi, I didn't follow your advice). I was being passed by everyone (even some girl that was using an inhaler). I just had to stop paying attention to everyone else and get past that finish line.
When I passed the finish line, I could hear Lybi screaming for me. That was awesome. I had to pass the finish line like I was the winner, with my arms in the air. Made me feel special.
I haven't had a chance to download my photos from the race, so if you want to see a before and after picture, you'll have to check out Lybi's blog (http://lybi.fastrunningblog.com). All in all, I finished in 27:23 (based on the chip). I'm very happy with my time, and I think I may be able to beat it in the future. We shall see.
Edited to add a picture! 
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