So, We Ran a 5k....

This past saturday, Bri, Alexis, my mom and I all ran 3.2 miles in the Jingle Bell Run.

I'm pretty sure, in the very beginning, we doubted even being able to do that. It seems we're getting closer and closer to this whole 10 mile thing.

The 5k was a lot of fun looking back on it, and when I was done I felt amazing. Accomplishment, adrenaline, and lots of sweat were running all through my body. However, upon arrival, I was veeeery sick. With a nasty bacteria in my body, a headache, sore throat, and general cold, I practically crawled out of the passenger seat of the car. I was doubting my ability to run at all, let alone the entire 3 miles. It was cold, too; we had to jump around and dance just to stay warm. We listened to a heart-wrenching story told by a little girl in a wheelchair, who had arthritis (the cause we were running for). When she was done, this giant Christmas mascot jumped on the lift and started dancing to Feliz Navidad. They announced him as 'Jimmy Jingle', and needless to say, he did not cheer me up.

Eventually we all formed a giant mass behind the starting line. Kids, old people, real runners, you name it. They were all there. As the group started to move, it felt impossible to run when squished between so many people. It quickly cleared up, however, and I could just run. Our coach Charles ran with me, because I was so sick. Bri and Alexis took off, and even my mom passed me soon after. I figured pretty soon I would have to walk, and maybe I would even be the very last person across the finish line.

I was wrong. Charles pushed me and supported me, and every time I kind of felt like maybe I should walk soon, I got the urge to keep going. We made the first loop, not stopping once.

During the middle of the second loop, I had to walk. I felt reassured though, when I picked up running again right when we hit the big hill. Charles kept talking and it really helped me keep going. As I got closer and closer to the finish line, my breathing was hard and my chest and legs hurt, but I didn't stop. I ran faster to finish before the few people in front of me, and Alexis and Bri were waiting by, cheering. Less than a minute later, my mom finished. I was surprised that I had actually passed her. We all cheered for each other and hugged, and it was great.

I'm sure we're all proud of running that 5k. I know I am.