I'm a runner

I trained, I ran and I conquered my first 10K bright and early yesterday morning. If you would've asked me a few months ago if I would've been up at 6 a.m. on a Sunday to run, I probably would've laughed at you. I really would have. Who knew that me, little old me, would be up to competitively run for fun!?!

I had big dreams of getting to the course at 6:30 to stretch and talk with other runners. It didn't quite happen that way because I hit snooze on my alarm until 6:10 and wasn't out the door until 6:35 and I live about 20 minutes from downtown. Luckily, I found a parking spot a few blocks away and walked up right as the marathon and half marathon runners took off.

Because I didn't want to run with a fanny pack (I don't own one anyway), I didn't take my camera but I think this video from Cleveland.com captures a lot of the excitement.

2009 Cleveland Marathon

I completed my first 10K in 61 minutes and without stopping. I felt pretty good throughout the whole thing the exception of the wind. The wind was pretty damn cold when we were in the shade, but it made me speed up to get the in sunlight.

Here's what I learned about myself:

1)Men twice my age were kicking my ass in really short shorts.

2)I don't think I really "dressed" the part of a runner. Some of these men and women only had shorts and tank tops on. I'll have to remember that at my next race and forget about my pants to look the part of a real runner.

3)I can run much longer than I initially thought I could. Hell, I wanted to take on the half marathon after I finished, which proves my point that anyone can become a runner at any point in their life.

4)I'm really hoping that all the benefits of running start happening to me, including slimmer legs, ass and thighs. Some of those runners had amazing legs so Self, feel free to lose the extra weight anytime. I'll be waiting and so will my white jean purchase.