Run to the Lake 10k! Mt Eden 10K Race (First Race- Time: 1:09:14)

On July 11th 2010 I ran my first race. Sunday, was the first time I participated in an Athletic event. I ran a 10k in 69 minutes and 14 seconds...On Feb 1st 2010, I couldn't even run for longer than 2 minutes! and on Sunday I finished a 10k with much joy and excitement to run again!

I started feeling stressed about the race when we got back from our 4th of July trip. There is so much to do for the wedding, so much to do for my upcoming birthday party and I only had 6 days left before the race. In an attempt to "calm" my nerves I started training like crazy on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and Saturday. I also asked my younger brother if he would run with me. He agreed and we got him registered.

The day started out for me very early in the morning. I was so excited to wake up, have breakfast, get dressed, brush my teeth and head out for my run that I couldn't even sleep.  My alarm was set for 6am to give me enough time to eat breakfast, get ready and walk out of door. I actually woke up at 4am and couldnt go back to sleep, two hours went by, two hours of thinking about wedding, about running, about vacations- my mind racing- and then the alarm went off. I got up, made breakfast for everyone, got ready and headed out the door.

Alfredo (my finance) drove us to the race, he has been so supportive of my goals and of this race, but yet, at that point he still thought it was a little bit of a waste of time...

We registered, put our bibs on and headed down to the lineup. My heart was racing, I kept looking around to see who I could "match up with" and I ended up heading to the back. I figured I should start with my group- the 10-12minute milers. Meanwhile my brother and his friend, who registered last minute, were up in the front at the 8mile mark. Alfredo was so cute, he took pictures of me while I was warming up and while we lined up. I just looked back at him and smiled- little did he know I was terrified of starting!

I took the first step and didnt stop! For 6.20 miles of cement, hills and terrain I didnt stop! I truly understand know what people mean when they say that running is 80% mental and 20% physical. I mentally coached myself throughout the whole race. I used music (I had an awesome remix going- created by Alfredo), mantras, racing against other people and even used the "counting" method to keep me going. I actually was not in pain, it was a great pace for me and a beautiful view! I loved it!

When we took the last turn onto Lake Chabot Rd I realized we were heading back to the finish line. It was so exciting I almost cried the whole way back to the finish line- I thought to myself "I am done" I am really done with this! As I approached the finish line, I saw Alfredo on the side line with his camera out smiling and cheering at me to keep going. I looked up at my time and saw a 1:08 and so many seconds, I started running as fast as I could to meet and under 70 minute time! I went through the finish line and into Alfredo's arms. At that point I knew I had lost my Athletic event virginity! I did it!

A few minutes later, I went up to a woman that was pretty much running my pace and we got to talking and congratulating each other. She asked me if I felt better this year than last year. I told her not only was this my first race, but I also barely started running in February. She was so surprised and congratulated me once again.

We took pictures got some freebies at the Health expo and started walking to the car. While we were walking Alfredo said "Lets do one together, before I leave lets run a race" I couldnt have heard better news at that point. So were in search for a upcoming running event to do together. Being healthy and fit is a mutual goal and priority and hearing him say that he wants to do a race together was like music to my ears.

I am addicted now! I want to run another race soon! Perhaps a 12k or another 10k to beat my time. I cant wait to do my next race and are looking forward to my training program.