Runnin' Like a Fool!

Today, I raced in the Run Like a Fool 5K!  

Me, post-race

It was two flat laps around beautiful Capital Lake, here in Olympia.   

About to complete my first lap with some exciting hair.

My last 5K (August 2014) race time was 27:42.  I'm considerably stronger and about 15 pounds lighter than I was then, but I've never been a very speedy runner and I wasn't sure what time I could reasonably expect.  Also, my legs are still sore from a couple of hard workouts I did earlier in the week, and I wondered how that would affect my time.  So, my goal for the race today was anything under 27 minutes, but I always secretly hope that I can crush my goal.  And I did!  My time was right around 25:40 (I'm still waiting on the official results)!  

Celebrating my time!

Half-way done!

My gorgeous, supportive cheerleaders!  Tyler and Tess were there, too, but were warming up in the car at this point.  It was around 38 degrees and the wind was blowing.  It was SO COLD.  

I was able to convince my new friend, Sharon, to run today's race, too!  She's getting back into running and I'm so impressed that she just jumped right in and gave it her all.  Her husband and two of her kids also raced.  Well done, Harris Family!  

To add icing to my time-goal cake, I won first place in my age division for the women!  Wow!  It was a very pleasant surprise.  I'm not sure how many women were even IN my division, but we're going to say a lot.  Tons.  :)  

Me and my sweet Maia with my award: a ribbon and a water bottle with two Gu packets inside.  

I enjoyed this race, but it reinforced, for me, that I am a long-distance runner.  It hurts to run that fast!  Usually, my best, happiest running happens after I hit about the eight-mile mark.  But I think running shorter races is good mental and physical training.  And it IS nice to have the pain be over so quickly. 

Relaxing at home in my race t-shirt.  It's a comfy one!