Best of part of finishing

I ran a 5K this morning, along with 7,999 other people, in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon extravaganza. For those of you who know me well, running is a new part of my life – I’ve always enjoyed working out, and trying to stay relatively fit (that includes eating donuts and chips, right?), but it’s only in the past several months that I’ve felt strong enough to be able to run any amount of distance.

 

It was a bit of daunting task – the race started at the other end of the city at 8am, which meant being out of the house before I’m usually even out of bed in the morning (6:45am. yikes). With all the excitement, I barely slept (fear of sleeping too late I guess), and my stomach was unsettled. I had to gobble down a toasted freezer waffle and a yogurt when my stomach wanted nothing to do with either of them. 

 

I ran with a friend. It was hard – running along the roads downtown, many with a bit of an incline. No pretty scenery to look at, only a handful of spectators cheering us on. It felt great, though. We barely stopped (once to get a sip of water, once to fix my shoe) and I even had the energy to sprint the last 100 metres. We finished in about 35 minutes, which is pretty awesome for two 30-something women new to the running circuit.

After the race I felt energized, strong and definitely proud of myself (and my friend). We can do more – next spring my personal challenge is to finish a 10K and I know that I can do it.

 

as you can see, my medal has already been appropriated

I have been on a high for hours, and don’t even feel tired – but I wasn’t prepared for the absolutely best part of finishing this race: coming home and seeing the looks of pride and admiration on the faces of my two little guys “Did you have a good race, mommy?” My heart definitely swelled and I feel so blessed to have such sweet, caring little men (and husband) to come home to.