Job Done
I am happy to report that not only did I finish my first 5k last Saturday, I did it two minutes faster than I've ever run that distance before. Need proof? You can check the number on my bib (pictured above) against the online race results. That page actually reports my time incorrectly--my total time was 26:37 but it took us a minute to get across the starting line so my net time was 25:37 (I timed it myself).
If you would've told me a year ago that I would be driving an hour and paying someone to let me run three miles outside in December, I would've had a good laugh, but the race was actually a lot of fun. There were over a thousand people running, each donating a toy for charity, and the weather was great for December. The course wound through downtown New Haven and was as flat as can be, which I was very thankful for. With so many people running, I was almost always passing someone and that provided a huge boost of confidence. If it wasn't for a friend keeping me on a good pace, I probably would have started too fast and ended up with a worse time, just because passing other runners feels so good.
I have not hit the treadmill since race day but I assure you that this is only due to the ridiculous busyness of December thus far. I have every intention of continuing to run, compete and improve my times. The January 2nd 5k I was hoping to run has been cancelled but I have my eye on a couple in February. Even if this is the longest race I can ever run, I will still feel great about just being out there and doing something for my health. If I have to set my sights on a marathon to keep me motivated, then so be it.