Forgive me physical therapy gods for I have sinned – I ran a 5k when I was told to speed walk.  But I didn’t run the whole time!  I’ll go back to the beginning….

This was the morning of the Reindeer Run 5k.  We signed up a  month ago, before my tendonitis diagnosis, so that I could have some race experience before my Half in March.  After my pt told me not to run we decided we would walk the course, so I could have the general experience and since we had already paid for our entries.  Adam was even super-husband and agreed to walk with me.  There was a little snow, but not much, so the setting was perfect.

The race was slightly themed, I saw several elves and one group went as Santa and all his reindeer.  We don’t have a lot of cold weather running gear, but I borrowed an old sweatshirt of Adam’s and did my best.

We picked up our chips a little late and ended up running to the start line from the pick up point.  And I just could not stop.  I love running so much.  I’m not very good and I’m not very fast, but it seriously fills me with joy.

We ended up doing some jog/walk intervals, and I always started walking whenever my leg hurt.  In the end we ran about half of each mile.  I don’t feel like I pushed too hard or set my recovery back too far and we had such a good time!  Here’s an action shot the husband snapped –

Our final time was 33:25.  I know most running bloggers are speed demons, and I’d love to keep up, but for jog/walking it and coming off a 1month hiatus that is pretty damn good!  And I’m feeling much more comfortable with the idea of my half now.

Afterwards we hit up the post race party.  They had hot dogs and pizza and cake.  Here’s Adam’s plate –

That just did not appeal to me.  My post-run breakfast was a little more my style –

But I’m not an angel, I did snag a beer!

All in all in my first race was a great experience.  I’m proud of my self for running, and I’m proud of my self for not running the whole time.  Everyone was super friendly and happy and the setting was perfect.  I had so much fun!

There was even more excitement on the drive home.  As we drove home from the Reindeer run 5k we saw a deer!

It was in a partially fenced in park.  Adam pulled over and I got out to take some pictures.  It go so close to me!

I’m not gonna lie, I was basically swooning, so fun!

Now I’ve got to hustle again so I can shower before Adam’s parents get here.  They are coming up to do a mass birthday/Christmas/anniversary celebration since we can’t connect with them later in December.  I can’t wait!

Have you run any races?  Which was the most fun and why?