Race for the Cure 5K Run - May 31st

I was very excited about my first ever professional event and actually went to sleep early the night before to make sure I got plenty of rest in. I was supposed to pick up Bora for the race too, but unfortunately he took a tumble on his bike and sprained his wrist the night before, so he had to bail. :(

Anyways, after fighting through the construction and traffic, I finally made it to Comerica Park. I called Ron to see where I should park, but after failing to figure out where they parked, I just pulled into the first parking structure I saw.

I was able to follow Rons voice over the phone to finally get to the main gate, where I met up with him, Kimi, Stu and his friend Meredith. Ron had gotten me a belt that I could use to tie around my belt and put my number on it, which he also helped me put on, thanks Ron! ;)

Finally it was race time, so we found ourselves trying to keep up with Stu who was determined to be in front of the pack, so he can do a good time. I tried to keep up with him, but once they fired the shot, I had trouble weaving through the crowd fast enough to follow up him. I did however pick up the pace and was doing well, except that the sun was making me heat up and I found myself sweating pretty hard about a mile into it. I was not ready to start taking water in just yet, which was a bad idea. Also I was not hydrated enough in the morning as much as I should have been, so the water loss was not doing well for my body. Towards the last mile, Ron & Courtney came up behind me and caught up, so it was nice to have some company.

I started to drag a little, but I mustered some strength to keep following them, but towards the last quarter mile stretch, I needed some hydration, so I slowed my pace to drink out of water bottle, and was trailing about a few seconds behind Ron & Courtney. Once somewhat hydrated, I picked up the pace again, but could not see the duo ahead through the crowd of people. I did however hear Stu shouting to "Sprint!" "Sprint!" "Punch It!", and I took whatever energy I had and took off! I passed a good few people as I picked up the pace and did not slow down till I had crossed the finished line. I heard a guy calling out the time at 24 mins 10 secs, which translated to 8 min/mile.....my best time ever!!!

I am feeling very confident that all my training is showing some results, so all you people supporting me, I plan to make you all feel proud! :)