It was a couple hours after midnight on January 1st of this year and thought how I wanted to add a little pizazz to the year 2010. I concluded that making new years resolutions usually failed in the past because they were vague and nonspecific like “save money” or “be more motivated”. So I decided that I needed to make very specific goals and have them finished by the end of 2010.
One of these goals was to run in a race of any distance. I know that sounds very nonspecific but I figured that the first change I had to run in a race I would take it. Make no mistake about it, I would have been happy with a 20 meter foot race with a fourth grader but a couple days ago I was invited to run in a 5k race here in Provo.
For all of you non-runner types out there a 5k race is about 3.1 miles, which is a warm up for most distance runners. Back when I live in Colorado and was a fit 160 lbs, I used to run in this 10k race every year. I remember that was pretty so I figured a 5k would be a lot easier, until I realized that I am now significantly larger than my previous weight. Nevertheless, I signed up knowing that I had to complete my goal.
One of my favorite things about going to races such as this one is seeing the people that are there. My absolute favorites are the serious runners that are marked by their short shorts and intense warm-up routines. I promised myself that I would never be one of those people and this experience solidified my commitment.
Anyhow, to make sure you get the full experience of this race I will provide my race notes along with their corresponding times.
-25 minutes till start: “Staying up until 3:14am last night was a great idea. How much did I pay for this thing? $12? I better get a freaking t-shit.”
-12 minutes till start: “Why is everyone here so giddy? Were about to run 3 miles, not play Dance Dance revolution. Must be that they gave out the t-shirts when we checked in. Also, I’ve decided that I’m going to walk this race. There really is not reason to run. I’m not racing against anyone.”
-2 minutes till start: “Someone just finished the opening prayer. I wonder what life will be life after BYU when something won’t start with prayer.”
-1 minute into the race: “It’s at moments like this I hate being a competitive person. I’m started jogging then a guy in camouflage pants passed me. No way I finish behind this clown. It’s a good thing I’m listening to 30 Seconds to Mars. Great running music.”
-4 minutes into the race: “Not even halfway and I’m already running out of gas. The only thing keeping me motivated is the camo pants, who is right behind me.”
-10 minutes into the race:”Just passed three kids wearing serious running shorts. Success.”
-17 minutes into the race: “Good thing J-dawgs isnt open at 9:30 am because I would have taken a pit stop. Weird how hungry and not thirsty I am.”
-23 minutes into the race: “On the home stretch and I nearly tripped on the sidewalk. That would have been tragic.”
-24 minutes and 17 seconds into the race: “FINISHED…and it wasn’t that bad. Maybe I should run a marathon?”
