JENN McKINLAY: Hooligan 2 and I have been talking about running a 5K for over a year. Why so long? Well, that's because I hate running with the heat of a thousand suns.
This is not an exaggeration. When I played basketball in high school and the coach made us run wind sprints, I was certain I would DIE (it was my dramatic years). Same with college rugby - the running absolutely did me in. I lasted one season. Volleyball has always been my sport because the running is limited to very short sprints and I have a solid serve.
Thus, the contemplating of the 5K for 365+ days. Then in August, H2 and I read that the AZ Diamondbacks were having a 5K race against cancer. We decided it was a worthy cause and, surely, by the end of September the weather would be cooler.
That was lesson one. The weather does not care about you or your pesky ambitions. It was 89 degrees when we started the race and 93 when we finished (see sweat soaked photo above). Ugh!
As the racers assembled outside the ballpark in downtown Phoenix, I found myself getting nervous. Why? I wasn't competing with anyone but myself. When I confessed to H2 how I was feeling, he said, "Me, too. I expect it's because we've never done this before." That seemed reasonable. I'm at an age where I've had a wide variety of experiences and things that are out of my comfort zone don't come along all that often. It was another lesson - a reminder to challenge myself every now and then, be nervous, do it anyway.
Thankfully, there were plenty of shenanigans with the Diamondback mascot Baxter and the enormous costumed players to distract us from our pre-race anxiety.
Finally, the starting ceremony commenced and H2 and I took our places with our two-thousand fellow participants. In short order, the horn sounded and we were off. H2 and I had previously agreed that we needed to run our own races and would meet up at the finish line at the end. With my blessing, he left me in the dust.
The first mile wasn't bad. I'd been running every day for the past month, so my legs burned, my heartbeat got faster, and my lungs started huffing as my body adjusted to the demands I was putting on it. And then, I felt it. That twinge in my right butt cheek that signaled my sciatica had come along for the race. Yep, another lesson! Some things you can't run away from - lol - so you'd better manage it.
I downshifted into speed walking. The pack thinned and I found my people. As a group, we did a combo of speed walk-jog-speed walk. We hit the halfway point and the leaders of the race passed us on their way back. The woman beside me called them out. "First man!" A few seconds later "First woman!" And then "First Banana!" Yes, the dude in the banana costume was in the top ten...so he was a top banana! LOL!
I checked my time. I was on target. My goal was to finish in less than forty-five minutes. Ideally, I wanted to hit thirty-five, but I'd be happy with forty. Then the sun started creeping up higher in the sky, the breeze died, and it was HOT.
As mile marker two came into sight, the guy behind me said, "Only mile two? Son of a biscuit!" Except he didn't say biscuit. A laugh burst out of me because I was feeling the exact same way. I grabbed water from the wonderful volunteer who said, "Thank you guys for coming out and supporting the cause." Not gonna lie, I needed that reminder that this wasn't about me and my goals but rather about the people not able to just decide to run a 5K because they're busy battling for their lives against cancer.
The final mile was a beast. I started to doubt everything about being 57 and running my first race. What had I been thinking? I was too old for this nonsense. Never mind that I had been smoked by at least three women in their seventies in the first mile. I continued on (it's not like you really have a choice at this point) but my sciatica was twinging hard. It wasn't pretty.
When I could see the stadium, I perked up in a the end is nigh feeling (but in a good way) and made sure I had just enough gas in the tank to run over the finish line. I got a high five from Baxter, the MC called out my name, and a cheering dude handed me a medal.
IT WAS GLORIOUS!!!
H2 was waiting for me with a Gatorade and we grinned at each other like complete idiots as the endorphins (aka the feeling of joy that hell is over and we survived) flooded our systems. Seriously, you'd think we'd scaled Mt. Everest. We put on our medals and took goofy photos and chatted with our fellow racers. Everyone was buzzing from finishing the run.
It was in that moment that I got it. The whole running thing that had eluded me for years. It's the setting of a goal, the training to achieve the goal, and then accomplishing the goal. And if you can do some good for someone else all the better!
According to my timer, I came in at 40 min and 30 sec (YAY!) but I'm still awaiting the official results. Later, as H2 and I stuffed our faces at iHop with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and pancakes, we excitedly decided that we're signing up for the Rock n Roll Arizona 5K in January. With any luck, it won't be 89 degrees and my sciatica will stay home. LOL.
So, Reds and Readers, what goals have you set for yourselves that you achieved? If you're a runner, what words of wisdom can you share for my future endeavors?
Congratulations, Jenn! Definitely an achievement to be celebrated . . . .
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joan!!!
DeleteYou go, girl! I'm glad you pushed through to that point of discovery. But watch out, it could be the gateway drug to longer distances. I found having a running buddy really helps. I remember those mornings when we were out for a six mile run and all body parts were go and I felt like I could run to anywhere. The rest of it? It's a serious mental struggle to make yourself keep going.
ReplyDeleteI had several decades of being a runner. My first race was in downtown Boston with a group from my work. A friend held my six-month-old son. The race started and it was exhilarating, then I realized I couldn't breathe. Why? I was running too fast, going along with the crowd. When I slowed a bit, I was fine.
I picked up serious running again in my forties. My first 10k about killed me. Then a summer 10-mile race almost did. At the end, my running buddy and I picked up a brochure for a half-miler in October and said, "Why not?" We finished that one and said, "Guess Boston is next." Gulp. So we trained for a marathon all winter (in New England!), snagged charity numbers, raised money, and showed up for the race along with many thousands of others. Talk about nervous! But we walked bits when we had to and both finished in 5:16 (you have to finish in under 6 hours to get your medal...). I kept running until I was about sixty, but a fast walk has to suffice now.
Anyway, it's a lifetime accomplish I will always cherish, and I display the medal proudly in my office.
Edith, do you miss it? Was it as exhilarating as people describe?
DeleteThat should have read half-marathon, not half-miler!
DeleteJudy, I do miss it, and yes, there were times when it was the classic runner's high. My hips and knees don't miss it at all...
Congrats to you Edith. You are a serious runner. I am in awe of people who can do marathons and more.
DeleteKudos, Edith! H2 and I talked about Boston. He might make it someday but I don't think I will and I'm okay with that.
DeleteAwesome, Jenn! Just plain awsome! I have no advise.
ReplyDeleteWe just returned from visiting our daughter's family in Delaware. We stayed an extra day in order to watch our 13 year old grandson run in a 3K for his middle school. He has been running by his own choice since he began kindergarten. It is quite incredible to see him run. I think that it is something that can be very self-rewarding, that you can just feel great doing. I never caught the bug. Will you?
I think I might have. Congrats on your grandson's run! I'm a big believer in getting teens out there and moving!
DeleteJenn, wonderful! Congratulations and thank you for so much joy! Yay, H2 and you! Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elisabeth!
DeleteCongrats Jenn because you did it. I have short term goals and the big one is to be able to walk to the Coney Island boardwalk with my bionic knees.
ReplyDeleteBionic Dru! I love it! Report back when you make it!
DeleteCongratulations. That's quite an accomplishment. I don't have any goals so ambitious, but I'm in awe of people who can achieve something like that. Parabens!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth!
DeleteHurray for you Jenn! I've had goals for tennis then golf, now they are mostly boring writing related stuff that you've all heard. How fun to hav H2 training with you!!
ReplyDeleteHe was definitely a motivator (all known as bossy pants)! LOL.
DeleteJENN: Woohoo! Kudos to you and H2 for completing your FIRST 5k.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Grace!
DeleteAw, Jenn: This made me cry. What a great achievement to experience with your H2 as your partner. Way to go, both of you! I am totally intrigued by the language used to describe the race distances: you run a 5k, but you measure your progress during the race in mile markers. But that feeling when you cross the finish line is universal, I am sure. Joy likely feels the same in any language or culture!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting. Many races offer 5K, 10K, and half marathon options, but the races always have mile markers, not km markers.
DeleteI know! It's so weird that it's a 5K but then the markers were in miles. I've also noticed in Europe they're not so much into the 5K as the 10K - I'm going to have to work up to that!
DeleteOh my gosh I just burst into tears! You are the BEST!! This is wonderful! Yay yay yay!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hank!
DeleteBless you! You run so I don't have to.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Jerry!
DeleteYay for you and H2! Woo hoo! I've been a runner and race-walker for a long time and still get a thrill when I cross the finish line. I don't know if I could do it in Arizona though, too dang hot!
ReplyDeleteSuggestions:
Train slowly and consistently to avoid injuries
Have exercise buddies to train with
Try different routes for variety and challenge
Have an event in mind for a training goal
Consider signing up for a "destination" event. My friends and I have done races at the coast, on Mt. Hood, and the best one ever, the Big Sur 1/2 marathon at Monterey Bay. Held in November, the race goes right along that beautiful shore. Absolutely spectacular.
wow that too is quite an accomplishment Gillian!! congrats to you!
DeleteOh, Gillian, thank you so much. This is all excellent advice! H2 was already looking at a 5K in Manilla! This could get wild!
DeleteJENN: Well done! Congratulations to you and H2 for accomplishing this feat.
ReplyDeleteWords of wisdom and Memo to myself:
Before signing up to do a 5K Run, check out the route. I made the mistake of signing up for a 5K thinking that the street was closed to traffic. Wrong! The route was NOT closed to traffic. I learned my lesson and never signed up for that particular 5K again. I explained to the organizers why I came back so early - I did not feel safe running on streets (actually sidewalks) NOT closed to traffic.
That would be terrifying! Thanks for the tip!
DeleteFrom Celia: What a rock star you are Jenn, and my huge congrats to H2. What an example to your boys. So sorry about your sciatica, I’ve been down that road too.
ReplyDeleteLast year I spent most of my time in PT for knee and leg pain which culminated in my periformis butt muscles and it hurt. One PT session my trainer said turn round, I did, then she told me she thought my pelvis was out of line. She put me on the table did some manipulation and when I got down - no pain. She had to adjust me four or fives times over four week s but the adjustment held and I was pain free. So thought I would share in it helps you.
But it makes you an even bigger rock star in my eyes.
Oh, wow, I never thought of my pelvis being out of whack. I just thought I sit too much. Will ask my doc at my physical. TY, Celia!
DeleteCongratulations Jenn! What an achievement! 👏 At my age, my goal is to be a loud cheerleader in the stands and along the track/road!
ReplyDeleteWe so appreciate that, Dorothy!
DeleteWhat a great experience. I hear you when it comes to running. So I "doubly" no "quadruplely" applaud you!! I swam for years, never competitively, but I would set markers for myself. The thing I love about swimming is the harder you workout - no sweat!!
ReplyDeleteSo true! I wish I was a better swimmer.
DeleteJenn, congrats to you and H2! What a great accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz!
DeleteJenn, I'm cracking up at your endorphin-induced goal for the next race! Totally what I would do.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Especially training and running a race in the heat. That's no fun.
Jogging in my later 20's and early 30's was my very first (okay, and only) sports adventure. My best friend and I ran after work, 3-6 miles, every day for several years, until we both had small children that kept us too busy to spend time at the gym. I still miss it. My best race was a 10K, an after-work race on a blistering hot Ohio Valley August day with high humidity. My normal pace was 10 minutes per mile (you could set a watch by it), but I got carried along in the first mile and ran my one and only 8-minute mile. Despite that being on a serious incline up one of Cincinnati's many hills. Your blog just gave me flashbacks! LOL
Karen, that is impressive! A hill would have killed me. And 8 minutes!!! Amazing!
DeleteCongrats on finishing and within your time goal! How is the sciatica treating you post race?
ReplyDeleteI have never been a runner. Short legs mean I take twice as many steps as everyone else lol. I have a good friend my same age (62) who runs marathons. Good for her. Not my thing.
62? Oh, wow. Now I have no excuse. And, yes, it probably does help that I'm 5'11".
DeletePat D: Good job! I walked a 5K in Hempstead Texas a few years back with the promise of local watermelon as the reward. It was August and like an oven. It was to honor fallen warriors of the war in Iraq, the organizers having lost their son there.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is a wonderful cause. It was so hot, I would have sprinted for watermelon! LOL.
DeleteSo glad you were able to crush it! Your time sounds about like mine these days. I've never been a fast runner, but I've slowed down from when I started running 15 years ago. Here's hoping your next one goes better.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mark!
DeleteI have been a runner all my life. I love the feeling of exhilaration I receive on a great run.
ReplyDeleteI have run 10k’s, half marathons and marathons, each a unique experience.
I run to feel good and the health benefits
are nice too. My VO2max is off the charts, I have optimal cholesterol and enjoy abundant good health.
I run at least thirty miles a week. Running with my twins as adults has been great fun. My son and i have done several half marathons together. I have to slow down for him, but we talk and enjoy the fun of the race, talking the entire time. All great experiences.
During Covid my daughter and I started running together two mornings a work before work. This practice has continued.
I am several years older than you and I have been a competitive runner since the age of ten. My body mechanics make running easy and a joy for me. Listen to your body, and try to enjoy the experience of running with H2.
I getting ready to run now before the heat gets too bad. Yesterday, we reached 110.
Congratulations on finishing the 5k.
You're amazing, Susan! Thanks for the motivation! Yes, it was a great bonding experience that I know we'll never forget.
DeleteSave your race number and finisher medal. Gather some of your photos and frame these items. A great reminder of the fun and preparation it took to accomplish your goal.
DeleteI hope you come to enjoy your running. 😎
Yea, Jenn and H2! Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI've been a runner since Jim Fixx books got me started in the 1970s. I use the term runner casually. I ran three to five miles a day in a younger day, never fast, that changed overtime to run/walk at specific intervals. Hey, I'm 72, what can I say. In all that time, I've only entered one race. It was a 5k in Miami. They had to use a bridge to simulate a hill. It was fun, I finished in the middle of the pack, proceeds went to The Miami Foundation. By comparison, my college roommate and her husband have run marathons in all 50 states. Impressive, and the thought makes me ache!
That's amazing, Kait! Good for you. I rather wish I'd found it sooner but these things come to us when they come.
DeleteCongratulations, Jenn and thank you for choosing such a worthy cause. It felt like fate to be able to contribute to your pledge at the same time my aunt was undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer. I am overjoyed to report that her surgery was very successful and the cancer was encapsulated in the tumor ( 40 pounds!). She will have a course of chemotherapy just to make sure to get any
ReplyDeletecells hiding out.
Glad to hear your aunt’s surgery went well. Holding good thoughts for her full recovery. — Pat S
DeleteYAY!!! I'm so glad Aunt Linda's surgery was successful. That's the BEST news. Thanks so much for supporting!
DeleteJenn, I applaud you for even attempting a run like that. I used to do 5ks in my late twenties, early thirties - but I walked every step! I have never been a runner. The fact you ran with your son is so lovely. At this point in our lives, I cherish any time I get to spend with my son. Congratulations! — Pat S
ReplyDeleteIt was a memory maker for sure! And I know what you mean. You have to grab 'em when you can when they're adults.
DeleteGosh Jenn, I think it's great you ran that race like you set out to do. The walking-running part is perfectly acceptable, too. And, you even finished in the time you wanted to. Of course, you and your son doing the race together must have been the best part of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely not a runner, not even a walker these days. I need to do something about that. My daughter was on the cross-country team in high school, and as typical of first timers, she was ready to throw up when she finished her first race. However, she got better and loved running. She mostly walks these days (but does it every day) because of her feet, but she has continued to run or walk-run the occasional event for charity. The last one she and her teenage daughter did together. I've always been proud of her dedication to staying in shape.
Good for your daughter, Kathy! I can definitely relate to the wanting to throw up - mercy, it was so hot. I can see myself running for a bit longer but then walking, which is lovely, too, because you can appreciate the scenery.
DeleteCongratulations on your huge accomplishment! I can't imagine running in that heat. Heck, who am I fooling? I am proud when I walk a mile in cool weather. I applaud the effort you put into it and the reminder of why you were doing this. Years ago, my sister used to run in Disney's Marathons in Orlando. It was so awesome watching the Seven Dwarfs run by and other Disney characters. They brought such joy to the race. I was happy to take a tram to the finish line and cheer her on as she finished the race. She loves running. Her doc finally told her to back off to 5 miles a day when she turned 65. Embrace your joy in accomplishing something wonderful for a good cause and surviving that awful heat. You sure earned it! -- Victoria
ReplyDeleteThank you, Victoria! The Seven Dwarfs would have cracked me up!
DeleteJenn, I think you are absolutely awesome!! Congratulations, that's such an accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteI don't have goals nearly as lofty--mine at the moment is to walk my dog a mile in the morning, but I'm so pleased with myself when I do it every day.
That used to be me, but Otto is slowing down these days (he's 14 1/2) so while we still walk, I needed something with a bit more oomph. lol.
DeleteI'm very impressed with your run, Jenn. I'm not a runner (or even a jogger) and never have been, but I have increased my walking time over the past year or two, which makes me feel good. My latest goal is to try to do a two-minute plank once a day! So far I've managed every other day, but I think I'm going to be able to do this one--I just have to set a regular time of day for the exercise and stick to it. Let's see if I can follow up.
ReplyDeleteReport back in when you get there, Kim. Planks are hard and don't even get me started on burpees - brutal!!!
DeleteI just looked up what a burpee is. That looks IMPOSSIBLE. I don't think I can do one push-up, let alone that whole combination of ghastly stuff. But now I'll have to try ONE, just to see what happens.
Delete