John Z MDA 5K Race

NEW PERSONAL RECORD TODAY

27:25

AND I'LL BE BACK LATER WITH THE DETAILS!!!!

I'm back with the details. You lucky people....haha

I got up early, the team was meeting at 6:30 for our warm up run. This race was 3 miles from my house so I was meeting them all there instead of carpooling.

This was Jada's very first 5k!! I was so excited for her because I remember when I ran my first race. I'd been running for about 6 weeks and was nervous to actually race. It was a four miler too...why do a normal 5k when I was planning on a full marathon with 4 months of training, it kinda fit the bill I guess. It was that race that I got hooked. I was wondering how Jada would feel after hers!

We all got in line at the start. It was a little warm and windy. I had an agenda. I wanted a major shave off my time. I tried to stay focused and truly believe I could do it. I was pumped. I was R-E-A-D-Y. That's when I glanced to the right. OMG! My daughter Kirstin was with my husband! I casually mentioned earlier in the week that I had a race, in case anyone wanted to come. She said she would since she'd never been to any of my races. I SOOO wanted her to come but she works so late, I tried not be too hopeful. When I spotted Bob and Kirstin I yelled. I was so happy, I even cried a little. We all hugged and I got back in line.

I had Ed and Josephine in my sights. I didn't expect to keep up with them, but I wanted to go out fast and try to keep the pace for as long as I could. That lasted one mile for me....LOL. Ed told me later we went out at sub 8's, then got into an 8 for the first mile. After that they steadily left me in the dust. I could see them up ahead (little spots in the distance....lol) until about mile marker 3, but I was a GOOD minute behind them already.

The first mistake I made was to run the water table. I know better than that. Between my training and not over hydrating before the races I SHOULD have walked it. Instead I tried to swallow some water while running. I inhaled it instead. Almost drowned myself....LOL. I learned a lesson though, so I won't punish myself too severely.

I, Kim Cusick, do hereby solomnly swear to walk the water tables from now on. PROMISE.

Anyway, by the time I got to the bridge I was tired and feeling like I wouldn't PR. I walked up the small bridge and ran down it to get my legs back into it. About 3 people passed me at this point. Usually I get passed in the beginning of a race, not the end. I try to save some energy for a strong finish, but I was worried I didn't have enough left in me this time. Self doubt is not a good thing to be feeling at this point.

That was when I heard Bob W coming up behind me. We run together occasionally. He's a quiet guy on our training runs but this time he was yelling at me to get going. He yelled for me to go faster, that I was almost there. I felt a surge of energy return to my legs and I did take off. I could see the finish line up ahead, which is my mental cue to go all out. Between that, knowing my husband and daughter were there, and Bob W turning into a Combat Drill Seargent behind me...I did finish stronger than I would have. (I appreciate your extra push Bob W!!!! Thanks again!!!

I finished at 27:25. About 30 seconds off my last PR. I am pleased. It wasn't the time I had in my mind, but that's ok. As long as I can keep shaving 30 seconds off each time I race, I'll be happy.

The race results have not come in yet, I don't have everyone's numbers, but I know Cindy shaved about 2 minutes off!! Jada finished strong but I didn't get a chance to talk with her after the race. I'll email her later. Josephine finished with Grand Master! A bunch of us got a trophy. (my first one)

Guess who wants to run now. Kirstin! She felt the excitement and met a few of my runner friends. She wants to start training for a 5k this week. I'm thrilled and proud. She's 19 yrs old, it's a great time for her to find the solace, peace, and personal triumphs running can bring. I can only hope to help her train like Jim trained me. The freedom and joy is the first step. The rest comes along naturally.