SheMoves Atlanta 5k 2013

Last year I had a great time running the SheMoves 5k, so I decided to give it another go this year.  The race takes place about 7 miles from my house, and it is in the park where Austin works--very convenient!  I knew that a PR wasn't in my future for this race, due to my lack of real training over the past couple of months, but I knew that simply running the race would be fun!

It was a nice, cloudy morning, perfect for a 3.1 mile run with 178 of my lady friends.  I love that feeling at the beginning of the race when everyone is tensed up and ready to go!  The run was nothing hugely amazing; the race route was practically identical to my twice weekly group run route, so I knew what to expect.  I made sure to go out slowly and kept a steady pace for the first two miles.  After that, I took a couple short walking breaks in order to reserve energy for the loooong hill that leads towards the finish line.  There's nothing like a strong finish!  And I cannot deny it: I love "flying" past other folks while running up hills.  That's why you'll see me walking right before the hill, and then letting the dust fly on the nasty uphills. 

My whole family (Austin, Mom, Dad, sisters) were at the finish to cheer me on, which always spurs me on to give it that last little bit.  I told Austin that I was going to finish this race with nothing left in the tank, which I did.  I'm proud of my effort, and although I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish I'd PR'd, I know that I did my best for where I am at right now. 

Finishing strong at 35:29!

Me and my #1 fan.  :]

I am now pondering signing up for my first 10k, the Big Peach Sizzler on September 2nd, and maybe another 5k in September so I can try to PR.  This summer is already full of running and training; I'm excited to see how much I can grow as a runner before school starts back up. 

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P.S.- Last year I posted my race day playlist.  Here is what I ran to this year:

Dance Again- Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull (my only repeat song from last year)
Holding My World- Kristian Stanfill
Good Time- Owl City and Carly Rae Jespen
Die Young- Ke$ha
I Believe in a Thing Called Love- The Darkness
On Top of the World- Imagine Dragons (new favorite song...I timed it to when I'd be feeling tired)
Wavin' Flag (Coca-Cola Celebration Mix)- K'naan
Back in Black- AC/DC
Seven Nation Army- The White Stripes
Magic- B.o.B f. Rivers Cumo (great song to finish with)