We got there early and stretched, trying to keep ourselves warm by walking up and down the 'boardwalk' by the lake. There were over 2,000 people who participated in the Turkey Trot, and it was incredible feeling the adrenaline in the air. I think that's what helped push me because I didn't stop running once. Every kind of emotion ran through me when I ran through the finish line from joy to pride to unbelievable inspiration, it was so overwhelming that I had tears in my eyes. Sal and I didn't run together because I didn't want to hold him back, I wanted him to run it as fast as he could, and I knew I would be preoccupied trying to keep up with him. So I went at my own pace and I was only 2-3 minutes behind him. He saw me cross the finish line and ran to find me. That feeling I will never forget. We were happy, smiling - proud of each other.
We quickly ate the bagels and orange slices, and sucked down a bottle of water after the race. Waiting for the results had us both anxious... we just wanted to know our times! In the end we were shocked and a little upset by the results that were posted, but not after we found out that the results posted were the gun times, and we didn't cross the start line until roughly 2-3 minutes into the race. Thankfully our chip times started as soon as we crossed the start line and stopped when we crossed the finish line.
My gun time was 28:25, which I was happy with to an extent. I went into the race knowing that I wanted to get under 30 minutes. Sal's gun time was 24:50, and he wasn't too please with that time either.
My chip time, however, ended up being 26:59, and I was ecstatic! I came in 65th place in my age group, which wasn't too bad, considering it was my first 5K and there were A LOT of people. Sal's chip time was actually 23:24, which was amazing! I couldn't believe it and I was so proud of him, especially because he gave it his all. He came in 62nd place in his age group, which was fantastic!
Now we plan on continuing the C25K app to decrease our time and to help us keep running before our next 5K, because there will definitely be more in our future.
We made it home and spent Thanksgiving with our families, separately. I finished making the appetizers, while my mom worked on the main course. It was incredible, and it felt so good to eat food after having gotten up bright and early and running. From turkey to sweet potatoes and rolls to green bean casserole, I was in heaven. I enjoyed a nice glass of wine or two with dinner, and we spent the afternoon talking, eating, and watching the football game. We shared a lot of great laughs and I could not have asked for a better Thanksgiving spent with those I love. I brought out the dessert, and although everyone was still full, they tried them, and loved them. For the appetizer and dessert recipes, check out my other blog - Kay's Sweet Obsessions.
If you get the chance, sign up for a 5K! Let me know which one you signed up for or have done in the past! I'm signing up for a Color Run in March, but I'm looking for more to do before then!
