Another Race

This was my fourth 5k (my first was in June - with a time of 35:02). I was hoping to break my record of 32:10, I really wanted a 10 minute mile. It always seems I take off faster than I should at a race because Everyone else takes off fast. Then I have to stop or slow down to catch my breath. When I got to the 1st mile mark someone was giving us the time. The person read off 8 1/2 minutes. I knew I was going way to fast. Especially when I was hoping for a 10 minute mile. So I slowed down a little so I wouldn't be to tired at the end. The turn around was at the 1 1/2 mile mark (approximately). I had been watching for my niece S and didn't see her until the turn around. I was surprised to see her just a little ahead of me, maybe she was tired. I kept going. I was actually catching up with S. I caught up with her around the 2 mile mark. I told her "You aren't going to let your Aunt beat you are you?". She took off and started going faster, I knew I couldn't keep up so I just kept back. I was really hoping to cross the finish under 30 minutes. I figured it would be hard since the last race I did I did it 32:10 and that was my best time. So if I was going to have to cut two minutes off my time, which is really hard. Well I kept watching S running just a little bit ahead of me. I tried to pick up my pace at the end - I usually can a little but I was just so tired I just couldn't go any faster. I could hear someone telling the runners the time and was just open jawed when I was hearing 27 minutes. I crossed the finish at 28:38. I was just amazed. S was 28:07 (I think). So she only beat me by 30 seconds. She better watch out next time!

Friends

I missed my girlfriend S today, when I wanted to go out for lunch but didn't have anyone to go with. Where would I be without my friends? I know I have M to run with at least a couple times a week and of course D would go anytime also. I have T that I know I can give her a call and talk for a minimum of 30 minutes. How do our friends shape our lives? I bought a pack of breathsavers the other day and thought of someone I used to talk to all the time. I was at the hardware store the other day when a girl new who I was but I was clueless. It turned out to be the little sister of a good friend of mine from high school - remind you that was over 24 years ago. I was just amazed she recognized me. I just read an article yesterday (in my spare time!) that said if you have more than two friends you visit with/or see, you will live longer. So keep in touch, even when you have NO-SPARE-TIME!

Setting Goals

Do you always have to make your Goals? I have set a goal of hitting a 10 minute mile. That doesn't mean 10:42, or 10:31... it means 10:00 or less. I am running in the Willow Bay race on Saturday and hope to hit that goal. Do I have to make a new goal if I hit this one?

I am now debating on going to Fleet Feet this afternoon to get our race packet (my neice S is running in the race with me, a team!). They said Fleet Feet will have something extra for us. I would really really like a pair of running sunglasses from Fleet Feet. I would be happy with a pair of socks. I am sure it won't be either of these things but I am still temped to go just to see - hey it's something free. It is amazing what we will do for something free.

This year has been a big a many first for me. First I started running. Second I am blogging. Never thought I would do either. I am hooked on the running, upto 5 miles, lets see how I do on blogging. What will be next?