Yesterday I participated in the Seahawks 12K Run, benefitting an organization that the Seattle Seahawks football team supports that helps at risk children. I was participating in the 5K walk. I almost started to cry right before the race started because I was so overcome with the fact that I was even there participating in such a physical activity.
I am so glad that there are now so many 5K walks and runs that peope can participate in. I think organizers have realized there are a lot of people who cannot complete a 10K run, but we can complete a 5K walk. I was so excited to realize I could participate.
I finished the three miles in about an hour. I didn't finish last, but I was pretty near the back of the pack. People WALKING strollers passed me. I think I walk a fast enough pace but take short steps. I'm just proud of the fact that I didn't quit, didn't take a shortcut. At one point I thought we were nearing the end but then realized the route looped around behind the Boeing plant, down by the Cedar River. It was so tempting to just cross over and walk with the walkers who had already made the U-turn but pride wouldn't let me do that. Finishing the race wouldn't mean much if I didn't truly walk the whole thing.
I've come to a few realizations ~
- I'm going to try to participate in one 5K walk every month.
- I CAN do this. My buddy, Esme, was sick and didn't come. I just put on my music and did it anyway.
- I need new shoes made for running or walking, and socks that wick the moisture away. I have a fairly large blister on my foot from where my feet got sweaty and the sock folded over on itself.
- I learned that walking three miles on pavement in a pair of cross trainers doesn't work all that well. In favoring the spot with the blister, I hurt my ankle hurt and my foot is swollen.
