Today's 5k Run---I came, I saw, I... Survived?

Me, after crossing the finish line

A few months ago, I decided to start work on getting myself into a bit better shape.  I used to run cross country in high school, and decided that running would be a key part of my effort.  Along with that, I signed up for a 5k run (an event that raises money for the Ronald McDonald House), and set a goal for myself: to be able to run the whole distance.

When I started training, I could only run a quarter-mile at a time.  Each time I went to the gym, I pushed myself to run a little bit more each day, (even if I only added a twentieth of a mile).  Over the first month I worked my way up to running 2 miles.

Then my legs started giving me some resistance, with a pulled muscle, and then some ankle issues.  This last week I didn't do any training at all, and was pessimistic about achieving my goal today.

This morning I joined 600 other people at the starting line.  Before the start, I lined up near the back, with the walkers and slower runners.  Once the race started, it took a minute and a half for me to even get to the starting line, as I slowly edged forward behind a throng other runners.

Ultimately, I did run the entire distance.  My time was slow, 34 minutes (when I subtract out the time it took to get to the starting line).  If they don't subtract out that time, then my official time is around 35:28.  I had a lot of moments of doubt, especially during the first two miles.  When I saw the finish line, I regained my old form for the last 1/4 mile.

The came the ride home, when my legs decided to start returning the punishment I had given them.  When I stopped at a convenience store halfway home, my calves were in open revolt and I could barely walk.  A little light stretching got them to loosen up a bit, but I am sure I'll be sore all weekend.  My body now has a lot more wear and tear on it than it did when I was 16.

I am signed up for another one in 2 months, and hopefully can improve on my time.  I don't know that I'll ever get back to my personal best, a 20:08 that I ran when I was 16 (which wasn't really all that fast).  My body has seen a lot of wear and tear since then, so I'd be happy just to get under 25 minutes again someday.

Update---They do deduct the time it takes to get to the starting line, and results are posted.  My official time is 33 minutes, 40 seconds, which works out to a pace of just under 11 minutes per mile.  I was also 15th in my age/gender group.