Every 4th of July, my work host an annual Watermelon Classic 5k Run/Walk. I have never participated in this race but have volunteered a few years. This year I was asked to walk in the 5k.
A few months ago, I wrote a post about my friend/client Matthew. He really wanted to participate and make this his first 5k. He asked me to do it with him. Of course, I said YES!!
Bright and early, the morning of the 4th over 1800 runners/walkers gathered at the MS Sports Hall of Fame. We were two of those 1800+ people!
Me and Matthew before the race.
Brandi, me and Sheila.
Me and Jessica!
We made our way on to Lakeland Drive and patiently waited for the siren to blow so we could start. It was a very nice morning, breeze here and there and a mostly shaded course.
Making our way to the starting line. Sooo many people!
I asked Matthew what he wanted his goal to be. He looked at me and said "1 hour?". I immediately said "we can do better than that!". His response "45mins?". Much better!
Our siren blows and off we went. We kept setting goals for ourselves throughout the race. We would pick someone far in front of us and make it a goal to beat them.... and we did!! A little competitive? Maybe! =)
The last little stretch was back on Lakeland and back to the MS Sports Hall of Fame. This might have been the hardest part but only because there was no shade.
We finished! We had a great time! 3.2 miles isn't so bad when you have great company!
A few of the Healthplex peeps.
Brandi, Me, Matthew, Katie, and Shelia.
(This was Shelia's first 5k, too. She ran it in 30mins!)
Not only did we finish but we finished in 45:11!!!!
And....
not only did we make our goal BUT Matthew also won 1st in is age group!
We probably could have gotten it under 45:11 but since the high volume of people participating it was a little hard at the beginning to break free from the congestion. It was a little SOOO crowded! Once we were able to get away from the crowds there was no stopping us.
So incredibly proud of Matthew and all his accomplishments!
Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!
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