29:59

I ran my first ever 5K on Saturday and it exceeded every expectation I had for the event. We started the run on historic Beale Street in downtown Memphis. Just as all 1600 runners started to line up for the race, it began to rain, in buckets. A bolt of lightning cracked across the sky. The crowd roared. It was pretty exciting, just waiting for the race to start, the sudden storm just added to the excitement. "I hope I don't get struck!" I joked to a runner next to me. "Well if I get hit, it wouldn't be the first time", she chimed in. She actually wasn't joking, she got struck a few years ago when lightning hit a tree near by her. She had a very striking personality. Ha ha.

The excitement of running with so many other people definitely got my adrenaline pumping. I had the biggest smile on my face the entire race. Just as I was turning to corner off of Beale street, I heard someone scream my name. On the corner I saw my sister, dad, brother and husband (eating a hot dog and drinking a beer) all holding signs with my name on. It was such an unexpected surprise and gave me a tremendous boost.The first mile of the race, it felt like hundreds of people were constantly streaming past me, at a much faster clip than I could possibly keep up with. By mile two I had found my stride, and I was keeping up just fine with everyone around me. Mile three, I actually started to pass a couple of people. I would focus on someone a few feet in front on me and race against them, then pick someone else to focus on. I managed to beat the guy in the red shorts, the girl with the blue bird tatoos, and love handles guy.

I made use of every water station, but still kept running while I drank my water. It is very difficult to drink water out of a paper cup and run at the same time.

When we turned the corner back onto Beale, I actually sprinted the last leg of the race. I was surpised and excited when I realized I had made it in under 30 minutes! My hubby was there, smoking a cigar, along with the rest of family, soaked to the bone. I had a post- race banana, and we all headed home for hot showers, pizza and beer. It was a great way to spend a Saturday evening.

I feel so good about actually accomplishing something that I set out to do. I am looking for a 10K to register for in about 6 weeks. Not finding any nearby however.

Gibson Guitar 5K- 06 11 2011

And finally, here's a "before" picture for you. Well, more of a "during" picture.