I was strong throughout my walk/run. I took more time to warm up, so the shins were much better. They still hurt at the beginning, but once I started the 2nd mile, I hit my stride. I think this is something characteristic of my starts... it takes me a good few minutes to physically get into it. I jogged much more than I did at my last 5K. I was easily the heaviest person there, but DEFINITELY NOT THE LAST TO FINISH!!!!! Woo-hoo!!!!! At the start, some of the walkers kept passing me. And then throughout mile 2 and 3 I kept passing THEM!!!! Jajaja... I love that!!!! Also, there were 2 couples who were walking (I should note that most of the walkers were walking very leisurely - ie. it was clear they were out just for a fun walk), and a couple of times they would jog past me after I had passed them - and each time w/ a look back at me. But at the turnaround I was way ahead of them, and I very discreetly turned my head and quickly stuck my tongue out in a nanner-nanner-nanners moment (I made sure nobody saw me - probably will not do this again... ). I would've won the Athena division had there been one (jajaja... that's hahaha in spanish).

Need to find out about parking in advance, and prepare better.

Didn't do much of a warm-down.


I would've probably performed better had I lost some additional weight. Also, I think I want to add more walk/runs to my training, instead of just walking. Clearly, I'm able to do it b/c I've walk/ran both of my 5Ks.


[I will post my pictures as soon as I can.]
Since my last 5K on January 29th - I'm 8 pounds lighter, and I accomplished my goal of beating myself - I was 1:01 minutes faster.
***
On a more personal note... This race benefitted the Lance Armstrong Foundation... Just after I crossed the finish line, a woman spoke on the microphone about her 37 year old brother who died 5 months ago from lymphoma. She mentioned how in the last year of his life he did a lot of volunteering and fundraising - and that he wasn't going to let the disease kill his spirit. I literally got choked up, & teared up. I was reminded of how gosh darn lucky I am. Not many of you know this, but I have been cancer free for 10 years! I am able to do so many things, and it is heart-breaking that this man... T. Estevez is his name... was taken in the prime of his life. I have just so many blessings in my life... and am so grateful for having gotten a second chance. Mr. Estevez would be very proud of how his family remembered him today.
***
On to the next event...