What can I say about my very first 5K run, other than the fact that it was an experience to remember?

The Boogie the Bridge is a big deal here in Kamloops, and this year a record-breaking number of people participated. (Over 2,100!) I’ve said to myself a hundred times in the past that someday I’ll do the Boogie, and since Kyle has taken up running, I figured that this year was the year that I’d finally check this off my Bucket List! We signed up together and my fate was sealed ;)

Kyle’s 10K bib and my 5K one.

I had every intention of doing some training, but with the two girls keeping me busy it was hard for me to find the energy or motivation to train. If I had a spare hour or two where Norah was napping I found myself either being lazy and perfecting the ass dent on my couch or doing chores around the house. I think I put in three running sessions on the treadmill between the time we signed up to race day, so you could imagine the shape I was in …

Obviously, I didn’t really have any expectations for myself as far as finishing times go. I made a vague goal of finishing in less than 40 minutes and then just hoped for the best!

Kyle and I were up early Sunday morning to get ourselves ready for the day. My mom had taken Isla overnight for a sleepover, so we had to drop Norah off before we made our way down to the park where the starting line was. We made it just in time for the opening ceremonies and were soon lining up to race!

Kyle had his game face one while mine was more nervous laughter ;)

While we lined up together at the start line, Kyle quickly took off ahead of me since he was running the 10K and wanted to finish with a solid time. I tried to pace myself so I didn’t exhaust myself too quickly (my lack of training is totally to blame), and I think I did okay. I switched back and forth between running and speed walking and with no Garmin or anything to keep track of my times I have no idea what my breakdown is, but I think it ended up being about 50/50. The final stretch into the finish line was the most exciting as the cheering and encouragement was the highest, and I gave it my all as I booked it to the end!

My official race time ended up being 33:38.5, way better than I though I was going to do! After catching my breath and grabbing a drink and a snack, I waited at the finish line for Kyle to come through! He finished his 10K in 53:22.1 – a solid time, I say! I didn’t get a chance to get a photo of us together after the race, but I did snag a selfie right after I finished ;)

Obligatory race bling selfie

Fun side story: As I was nearing the finish line and listening to the names being announced over the PA, I heard the name of my 3rd & 4th grade teacher! I crossed the finish line someone slapped my on the back and when I spun around it was her congratulating me on the race! She was my favourite teacher growing up and to see her and have her give me a hug at the end totally made my day!

Overall? This race was FUN and I’m so glad I finally participated! Kyle was a huge inspiration for me to finally take the plunge and do the Boogie after living in Kamloops for 12 years. I’ll totally do it again next year, and maybe I’ll even train a bit harder ;) I don’t know if I’ll take up running on a regular basis; I see myself being a 5K gal for a while, but you never know!