My first 5K

Hiya, I ran my first 5K this morning - a memorial run for a firefighter who died on 9/11. I am happy with what I did - I finished it in 34.30. A little slower than my normal 33.30 but I usually run on a flat track and this was in a neighborhood with some inclines. Plus a 5K is slightly more than the 3 miles I usually do at the track. So that being said I am more than happy with my time. I had set out to do it in under 35 minutes and I did - yay me! LOL God bless you and keep you, ~Andrea 223/137/123

WTG!! You are inspiring me! I can only hope to get to your time by summers end. Any advice? Should I run first then walk, I did it backwards last time. I think a big mistake. I did my first last week and am doing my 2nd in 2 weeks. I am quite a bit slower - 46:34. But then again I am still over 200(219) so I will only get better.

Hiya Lisa, Well, I dont know if I have any advice but I can tell you about my exercise history since surgery. I started exercising in the beginning of December when my elliptical machine came and my hubby put it together. I started at 10 minutes a day and increased 1 minute every time I did it (about 3 times per week****il I reached 30 minutes. In March I started jogging. I jogged for 30 minutes and did about 2 miles. I started going to the track and after a few 2 mile runs I increased it 1 lap. After a few of those I increased another lap, and then another and another until I did 3 miles. I figured if I can do 3 miles I can do a 5K so I signed up! I was doing a bit over 11 minute miles on the track - doing 3 miles in 33:30. I figured the terrane of the race would be different since it was in a neighborhood and it was. There was slight inclines and declines and then at the very end there was a pretty steep hill which was almost the end of it for me, but my brother in law came back to run the hill with me and he egged me on to run it instead of breaking down and walking, which I am very thankfull for. So my time was pretty good - I averaged 11:07 per mile which is even slightly better than my track miles so I am pretty psyched about that. I came in 425 out of 808 people who entered (some were walkers). I came in 144 out of the 382 females who entered and I came in 36 out of the 72 women in my age group. Not too shabby! lol Lisa I am sure you will continue to do better and better each race you do, especially as the weight continues to come off!! Keep it up!! God bless you and keep you, ~Andrea

This is really great!!! I haven't run since I was in my 20's I'm not certain I even could - But I am totally inspired by you!!!! You totally GO girl!

Hiya Pamela, You know, I never thought I could run either because I have a bulging disc in my neck and impact exercise used to aggrevate it. I guess being down 85 lbs certainly helps. If you have a desire to run, then go for it, starting out slowly, and increasing slowly as you feel you can. If you want to do it I know you can! God bless you and keep you, ~Andrea

Way To Go! I too just finished a 5K Walk today (my first). I did it in under an hour. My team had a blast and I am looking forward to participating in another one at the end of June. God Bless! Annette

Hiya Annette, Back at ya - Way To Go!! I am glad you had a blas because that is the most important thing I think. If I am not having fun I wont be doing it at all! LOL Good luck on your next 5K in June! God bless you and keep you, ~Andrea

Andrea - What an inspiration you are!! I have not gotten to "running" yet.. but plan to. I am still nearly 300# so I'm at a different place than you.. I did the Y-ME Race Against Breast Cancer this year in Chicago.. I walked it.. but I walked the 3 miles (more than I've ever walked in one stretch before) and I seriously broke down and started crying when I crossed the finish line. My goal has been to start doing 5Ks and then begin training in October to complete (not necessarily RUN.. but COMPLETE) the Chicago Marathon in 2006. GOAL.. But I really want it.. Thanks for inspiring me!! Stef

Hiya Stef, Thanks! And congrats to you on finishing the Y-Me race!! And WOW - a marathon?? Talk about inspiration - you will inspire so many!! God bless you and keep you, ~Andrea