Coming Up Next...

The half marathon has been the only thing on my mind since January. Now that it's done, the logical question is, "What's next?"

It seems that spring/summer is full of races, so the answer to this question is quite easy: another race.

Thinking back 2 years ago, I was just getting into running and picked a 5K to give me a goal to strive toward - the Cresson Area Heritage Days 5K. I remember working so hard to get myself to that day of my first 5K. There were several things I remember so clearly about that 1st race:

* Showing up in shorts and tee shirt - it was about 45 degrees. I was so cold, never really warming up for the duration of the race (I remember my legs were so cold, I couldn't even feel them after a bit). That's how I learned that I'm 'cold runner.'

* Meeting up with some old friends from high school and the one saying, "We're going to jog a little to get warmed up; do you want to come with us?" I remember thinking, "I've got 3.1 miles in me, I couldn't possibly include a warm up...."

*Starting out way too fast - by the 2nd mile, I was dragging and I had to include about 4 walk breaks. You get so excited and sucked into the vibes of the other runners.

*Coming across that finish line with a million feelings running through me from extreme happiness, "I stinkin' did it," to wanting to throw up. It was awesome!

I ran that 1st 5K in 30:03 and earned a 3rd place medal in my age category!

All smiles before the race. Notice the long sleeve shirt?
 I ditched it just before the race, thinking I'd warm up  (bad move).

Coming across the finish line - I just ran my first 5K!!!!!

Back to today! I'm planning on running this 5K (including the link to the race registration just in case you want it:) again in 3 weeks. I created a modified training plan (since I couldn't really find a 3-week training plan coming off of recovery week).

I'm excited.

Training starts tomorrow!

I'll post some goals closer to race day.