You're Gonna Hear Me ROAR

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me ROAR
Louder, louder than a lion
Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me ROAR
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar

-Katy Perry

These were the words that kicked off my very first 8K race and boy, did they get me pumped up!

About a year and a half ago I ran my first 5K and as is the tradition there were a few booths with information. One of the booths was advertising for a 5K/8K race and a Duathlon. I didn't think much of it and put their little brochure into my goody bag. Well, the brochure must have fallen out because a couple months ago I found it under the passenger seat of David's car. It sparked my interest and I headed to the website. Turns out an 8K is a little under 5 miles. I thought to myself, "I might just be able to do that" and quickly signed up for the Nutrithon 8K!

I wasn't quite sure how I would do because this summer has been rough on me running-wise. I haven't been able to run more than two miles without stopping for water. After a quick break I can get going again only to have to stop in another mile or so. It ends up taking me quite a while to log any miles. I decided not to dwell on it and set a goal to run the entire thing. 

I arrived a few minutes early for the 7:45am race (oof) and got ready to go with the other 8K runners. There weren't very many of us, but it was still fun for me to see who I would try and pace with. I usually pick someone out who is a smidge faster than me and spend the entire race trying to catch them. Sometimes it works out well for me, other times I completely miss and end up just trying to push myself.

Once we were off I quickly figured out who I would follow and kept my eyes on his red shirt the whole time. I kept with my goal of running the entire time and finished sixth overall, third among the women, and first in my age group! My time was 37:44 and my mile pace was 7:52.

The race bug has bitten again and before the end of the day I had already signed up for another race. This time it's a 5K Trail Run called Trails for Tails raising money for abused dogs. Sounds like a good cause and a fun new challenge to me!