Last year, my first race as a part of Freddy’s Runners was the CPS 5k, but that race didn’t go so well for me. I started too fast, I didn’t have enough water and it was really hot that day. I thought I knew what I was doing because I had just joined a running group. Even though I started really well, I ended up getting dizzy and needing help to finish the race.
https://unstoppablemaria.com/2024/10/27/comets-cps-run-or-walk-5k/
This year, I wanted to commemorate that first race, I wanted to do it again and better this time. I had a good lunch, stretched and warmed up before the race. I also hydrated before and didn’t skip any of the oasis and was able to run most of the race.
I remembered where I was when I got dizzy last year and I was so happy when I got there and felt fine. When I knew I was near the end, I knew I was close to 40 minutes, so I had to be strong and give it all I had.
That last push was worth it because I finished in 38:56. I’m so proud to finally finish three miles in less than 40 minutes. I have not been able to do that in months, in races or during training. Just last night when I was doing this weeks eight mile long run, it took me 42 minutes to finish the first three miles. After that, I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it today either, but I did!
Being able to beat that goal gives me a little hope for my next race in two weeks, the half marathon. I also finished the eight miles yesterday ten minutes faster than I did a week ago. I’m still nervous but things are looking better and I still have two more weeks to prepare.
Unstoppable María 