…I jogged a 5K (3.2 miles). No, it wasn’t fun. I don’t like to run, but I’m soooo proud of myself for finishing. Yes! I did the whole thing. I ran an 8K (about 5 miles) YEARS ago, and had only tried 2 times since then to run at all. Both of those times occurred within the last few weeks, and both of those attempts ceased to continue past the 1 mile mark. Didn’t think there was any way I was going to finish it, jogging, the whole way tonight. But there you go.
Now, when I say jogging, believe me that I’m not being modest about my speed. I was passed by walkers. Granted, they were fast walkers doing that crazy speed walking stuff, but walkers none the less. Oh well. Did I mention I finished? 
I like jogging with Bald Man because he sticks with me. He could easily run it in about half the time as I can, but he stays with me to cheer me on. Isn’t he great? Plus, he keeps me laughing with his observations. His favorite of the night, I think, was that NO ONE looks good in runners’ leggins. No one. You heard it here first. 
Here’s my photographic play-by-play of the night:
There’s the timer on my shoe so we’ll have a permanent record of just how not fast I was going. However, I do think I was going less not fast this time than I was the last time I ran jogged this race about 4 years ago. And now I have to write another sentence or two here because the stupid formatting of these pictures is driving me nuts, and I can’t figure out how else to fix it. Thanks for humoring me.
It was a beautiful night to be out. This is the sun setting over the Great Miami River as we’re starting our run. Though there were flurries teasing us yesterday, it was really not too cold out for the jog. Fun. And, yes, I was carrying the camera during the whole run. It did help make the whole thing a bit more interesting knowing that I would share it with all of you! Are you enjoying the run so far?
Yeah, I know you’re supposed to throw the water cups on the ground. It’s a whole race thing. I know they’re going to clean it all up, but you would not believe how hard it was for me to do that!
This is just the underside of an overpass. Not something that I often see. Just thought it was interesting.
And now I write a bit more so that I can get the next photo to go where I want it to. I should wake up my technical assistant. But he has to get up early. And I love him. So I’ll let him sleep.
And here we are, at the end. Do you like the red contacts Bald Man wore to look scary for the Ghosts and Goblins race? Just kidding, it’s just his usual blue-eyed red eye. Not even the on-board red-eye fixer would fix it.
But, if you’ve made it all the way to the end, then you get the fun bit here. Know what pushed me that last .7 miles when I REALLY wanted to just die!?! The fact that I was reporting everything back to you, my readers. I knew I would just HATE to have to say that I made it 2.5 miles, but couldn’t finish out the last of it. So, thanks for reading and pushing me to succeed. I appreciate it!
Congratulations on the finishing the race. Keep up the good work and pictures too.
Well done! Loved the pics. I wimped out of doing a 5km walk last weekend – maybe I’ll give it a go next time…
Hey Debbie: Thanks so much! I’m glad I finished it. And I’m having waaayyyy too much fun with the camera.
Gill: Thanks, Gill.
Yeah, I only did this b/c I didn’t want to get talked into the 8k on Thanksgiving Day. I’m proud I finished this, but it’s always a good reminder that I really don’t enjoy running. 
Way to go! I’m really proud of you for doing that! I remember my first official 5K. I thought I was going to die! (Look at me, I’m Brittany Spears!) I can’t believe that I was ever smitten enough in a girl that I would volunteer to go out and run that far. But that first race, I had to push myself so hard just to finish it at a jog. I refused to walk. Don’t get me wrong, I’d been running 3 miles with Bald Man for a while at that point (well, not with him exactly, but somewhere around him). I have no idea why that race was so hard, but all I know is how I felt when I could finally breathe again. It was a great feeling. Maybe I should run… Nahhhhh… That’s another thing I’m never gonna do!
Rantz: Thanks! I’m glad it’s over for now.
Maybe next year we’ll drag you out, too.
Good for you. I think once you start running it will become essential to your well-being. It really does help get your frustrations out.
Thanks, Kate. I think a once a year jaunt is about all I can appreciate when it comes to running! Now, find me a bunch of other middle-aged women who want to go out and shoot some hoops, and I might be in.
CONGRATULATIONS! I tried running once. It didn’t stick. I suppose I should have tried again the next day.
Kudos to you!
Thanks Sheila.
I’m not that thrilled with running, but it was a good goal to accomplish. Maybe again next year. 
Thanks for visiting here!
Kerri, I am impressed by your desire and dedication to improve. I also hate running and am not very good at it however it is a necessity in my business….so I do it. What I am good at is cycling. I do charity rides as much as I have time for and have done a few 50 and 60 plus mile rides. I regulary ride 5 to 6 times a week for a minimum of 20 miles each time. I even ride to work thrice a week. It’s a lot of fun! You should try it. It’s something you might enjoy. As for your run….did you try pumping up the tongues so that you have more bounce and can run faster with less stress on your knees? Wait a minute, those pump tongue shoes were for basketball in the 80’s weren’t they? Oh well. I tried to help. And one last thing…I don’t remember the Miami River being “Great”!
You’re in the carnival
http://www.babylune.com/the-first-healthy-fit-family-carnival/
Doug: May have to try biking again sometime. Don’t know if I’ve ridden at all since we lived on Union Street! It’d be great exercise, and way fun once the kids can join us!
Kate: Thanks! Meant to submit something and forgot. Great idea for the carnival!
I can see it now, the whole family out on a biking trip together like the Brady Bunch, except in this family dad won’t have a perm…
I’m still working on a yellow Valderrama wig to wear when I play soccer. I can find a reversable one for biking.
Bald Man,
Isn’t Valderrama the guy from “That 70’s Show” and now on “Yo Mamma”?
Wrong Valderrama. You’re thinking Wilmer; I’m talking Carlos.