My First 10K

I braved the wind, rain, and snow (just kidding, no snow) in order to run my first 10k in Redondo Beach.  It was fun despite not turning out the way I had it planned out in my head.  Here's the best part: I ran my best time ever, 1 hour and 1 minute.  I felt good about it and I was very happy that I was not even close to the last one to come in!  Here's the parts I was not planning on.  Both boys were sick.  Kevin had already had something, but we thought he was getting better.  Then Zach woke up in the middle of the night with a fever and threw up.  So, I was up and down with him several times throughout the night.  When my alarm went off at 5:45 I was not wanting to drive down by myself...and then on top of it all it was raining!  But I was excited about this being my first race I'd ever signed up for.  My choice was to stay home and take care of the sickos, I mean kiddos, or get up, get ready, and go.  

Obviously my choice was to just go.  I got to my in-laws fairly quickly and thankfully Bob, my father-in-law, had already gotten my number and everything the day before.  He and I went down to the start and there were not nearly as many people as usual.  Bob had given me a heads up that the first mile would probably be so crowded that you walk most of it.  Not so on this day.  When it was time to start I just started following the crowd and I was off and running....or jogging.  It was windy and rainy consistently throughout, but it wasn't too bad and it actually felt nice.  As I came into the finish I saw Bob and Matt, my brother-in-law, standing and talking.  I called out "hey guys!" in order to get their attention.  They weren't expecting me for another 10 minutes or so.  

Afterwards I got to go back to the Riley's house and was able to have a nice hot bath and some yummy food before heading back up to our house.  The rest of the day consisted of going from room to room checking on the boys, taking temperatures, giving tylenol, and trying to be patient.  Oh yeah, and watching the half-time show and the occasional commercial from the Super Bowl.  That's the kind of fan I am!  

Last night was a long and sleepless one, so today I am trying to rest.  I wanted to disinfect the whole house, but for now I don't have the energy.  Both boys are acting somewhat better, but both are definitely not back to normal.  Hopefully this will be their last day of sickness. 

So, anyone thinking of doing a race I say, or pushing yourself a little bit harder, just go for it.  I found it to be fun and exciting and am looking forward to another one!

* Pictures hopefully coming soon!