Getting There is Half the Fun

OK.  I did it.  I ran a 5K.  If you're a faithful reader, you'll know that a year ago I went on a mini-rant about runners/joggers/etc.  I don't want to become one of those people where it's ALL I TALK ABOUT, but I have to admit, I have succumbed to the joys of running.  It's pretty cool jogging outside on a cool, sunny day with music pumping in your ears.  I don't think I could ever become a year round runner, though.  I do not need to run in the rain.

Now, I still prefer my elliptical: I get to watch Smallville, not sweat as much, and I still get a good workout.  I did feel a sense of accomplishment when I passed through that finish line, though.  35:06 for a 5K is not great, but it's okay for a beginner. 

I want to give a shout out to the three main groups that got me there: S Club 7, John Mellencamp, and the Beastie Boys.  Without them, I probably would have still passed the finish line, but it might not have been until the 40th minute.  S Club's REACH came on, and I started to reach...LITERALLY.  I started to pump my arms out in front of me, reaching out for the end of the course. 

 John Mellencamp's SMALL TOWN got cranked up!  He got me running even faster, and even though I am not from a very small town, I'm still surrounded them and was picturing the likes of Hume and Newman through the end stretches. 

And, then, when I wanted to take a short walking break after Johnny Cougar, SABOTAGE kicked me into high gear.  How could I start walking then?  I had to get away from the po-po!  I pumped through the end, pushed myself, and ran through that finish line.

Thank you, oh great iPod shuffle god: you're the best! 

The funniest part of my first 5K (and, YES, it was my first, because I already signed up for the Illinois 5K) was when I was finishing my first loop of the course, and a guy in neon yellow ZOOMED past me to the finish line.  He was done in just over 16 minutes, when I was STARTING my second loop.  It was definitely not about winning, and I had to chuckle at the dude as he finished.  He was totes serious about best time, and I was just out for a run around the best public university in the country.  GO UIUC Earth, Wind, and Fire 5K!!!