This past Saturday I ran in my first 5K. This has been a goal of mine that I started back in Puerto Rico over a year ago. My sister Renee has been diagnosed with MS and this was the 20th annual 5K for MS in Salt Lake City. My whole family participated and even my best friend Collette and her husband Jared.
There were over 3500 participants. At the start there was such a mob of people that we were kinda forced into walking until we could break out. All of a sudden I see my brother in law Ryan just take off (he later ended up finishing 4th place!) Then it was evident that all runners were passing me up. I run VERY SLOW but my goal was just to keep running the whole time. I kept my turtle pace and was cruising along even with some unexpected hills. When I reached the top of one hill I saw volunteers with waters and snacks and I thought to myself "I made it and it wasnt too bad!"
Well it wasn't too bad because it was only the freaking halfway point!!!!
After I got over the initial shock and kept going only to see more hills. I was determined and kept going. Finally I was on the last downhill to the gateway center and I was looking around and I was all by myself. I thought that I had taken a wrong turn but figured out that the runners were way ahead of me and most walkers were still behind me. Anyways I turned the corner and there were volunteers lined up on either side of the finish line cheering and applauding and I just burst into tears. It was nice and embarrassing and I am sure everyone wondered what was going on. I was just really overwhelmed with emotion. #1 It really hit home the whole reason that we were there and that my sister and best friend Renee really has MS. Then #2 I had finally finished my goal to run in a 5K! It was an awesome feeling that even though I was super slow, that I hadn't stopped running (never been able to do that before!). Incredible feeling!
So next year I invite everyone to participate- it is a great cause. Now I think I've caught the fever and I am looking forward to my next 5K here in Fruita next month.
12 comments:
That's so awesome! We were in S.L. this weekend. Good Job.cor
Woot Woot! Good work Carolyn!!!
Wish I could have been there!!
I am so impressed, and jealous! I would love to do one someday. Good for you - you should be very proud of yourself!!
That is so awesome! How mpressive. Miss you huys. Let us know if you're ever in town!
That is great! Really Great! You Go GIrl!
WOW! I am so impressed! Good for you! =)
Way to go Carolyn! I'll have to tell my dad. He'll be so proud of you! It's amazing what you can do when your motivation is for someone you love. Yes, we are going to Lake Powell on the 17th and 18th and then heading to Utah for 2 weeks. Will you be there? We'll be heading home July 4th weekend. I would love to see you again. I always tell my kids about my best friend growing up and I'd love for them to meet you. More though....I'd love to see you again.
It was so fun! You did so good! We'll have to do it again next year for sure!
Congratulations, Carolyn!!! I need to join you in the running.
That is so awesome! Once you catch the running fever you can't stop! Thats a big milestone, Congrats!!
Lina, I am SO PROUD of you! Thank you for you support.
Good job girl. That is a great accomplishment-and to look pretty doing it too-amazing!
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