PR

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I have a new 5k PR.

I know; it shocked me, too! =)

I participated in Bark in the Park a little over a week ago. Bark in the Park is quite similar to what it sounds like. Most dogs only participate in the 1k fun run, but there are dozens of tents set up where you can buy your pups accessories (the Voo almost went home with her own Saints sweater), find “doggie hotels,” and give your fur babies free treats. I absolutely love Bark in the Park.

Vicki seemed a little hesitant at first at the event, but I think that had more to do with the chilly weather and early morning (she’s not a morning dog, ha!). It didn’t take her too long, though, to start wanting out of my arms to explore and “meet” other dogs. I was so proud of her, too, because usually she’s scared of big dogs (let’s remember, she is only five pounds), but she went right up to a Golden Retriever eagerly and wagged her tail.

I started my race, though, and left Vicki with my parents and my dad’s dog, Puddin’. Less than a quarter of a mile in, my shoelace came untied, and I had to spend valuable seconds tying it, which did annoy me.

Honestly, I didn’t expect a PR on this run. I had a goal of finishing under 30 minutes, but that’s all I hoped for. I hadn’t been training, really; I’ve been running longer, but I haven’t been working on my time. Also, I ate very poorly the night before and did not go to bed early. My goal was to run the best I could, though, no matter what. I decided before the race not to take a water break. It was cool out, and I usually train in cooler weather going four miles before a water break, so I decided to go ahead and have that mentality.

I ran. And ran. And, at the last half mile, I started thinking, “I’m going to do well. I may not get a PR, but I’m going to do well. I haven’t stopped for a walk break, and I feel this is going to be a good time.” But I didn’t want to get my hopes up. And I didn’t want to get too excited and mess up my speed. But I had it in the corner of my mind.

And then I crossed the finish line at 28:08.

EEEK!!!!

At the end of April, I ran a hilly 5k at 29:45, which hit my goal of under 30 minutes. First time ever. And, now, five months and a handful of days later, I cut my time by a minute and a half.

PR ACCOMPLISHED!

Kelsey and I have a 10k this weekend (our husbands and some other friends are doing a 5k), and I’m looking forward to a nice, fun run. It’s a beautiful race, one we ran last year.

Oh. And I may be doing a half-marathon in a month.

We’ll see.