Overcoming nerves and completing a 5-mile Turkey Trot!

When you read Holly's Turkey Trot experience you'll understand just how dedicated she was to finishing her first 5-mile race!  Read on, friends, read on..."

I ran the 5-mile Turkey Trot this year in Marshfield, WI.  I was very nervous to say the least.  I have run several 5K races before and also run/walked a 10k a few years ago, but this was my first attempt at running a 5-mile race.  I made my husband come with me, because I had only run that distance one other time before and was a little light headed afterwards and the drive home was a half hour. 

The race started at 8am and the temperature was in the single digits with below zero wind chills.  The sun was actually shining and I actually stayed warm…with the exception of my toes.  I have tried every combination of socks and cannot seem to keep my feet warm.  I think I am going to have to buy some winter running shoes.  Anyway, the race went really well.  The first mile always drags, the second flew by.  There was a water station at the half way mark.  To my surprise when I tossed back my cup of water was a huge chunk of ice.  It was so cold the cups of water were freezing.  I am so used to the lukewarm water of the summer I almost choked on a chunk of ice!  Mile 3 is always the longest for me.  I think it is because my body/mind is used to stopping at the 5k mark and is trying to figure out why we are still moving.  By the time I hit the 4-mile mark I was ready to go again.  I took of my cowl at that point because I was overheating and kicked it into high gear and headed for the end.  Actually pacing fast mile of all 5.  My goal was to run it in an hour and I completed it in just over 58 minutes.  So I was extremely happy.  Especially when I look back at when I first started my first challenge in May and my first fitness test I was pacing over a 15-minute mile.  The cold temps didn’t set in until we go to the car and my body started cooling down.  I spent the rest of the day trying to warm up.

I also ran a 5k race on Saturday supporting our local park.  The temperatures were in the upper 30’s.  I thought this was going to be an easy race.  It ended up being tougher than the 5 mile.  The snow covered roads made it difficult to run in.  It was like you were running in place!  There were also a lot of hills, which didn’t make the course any easier.  The best part of the race was that it was at night and the park was decorated with lights.  It was an absolutely beautiful race.  I was happy to have finished the race and did not have to walk.  Though at times going up the hills I probably could have walked faster than I was “running.”  My husband and daughter came along to cheer me on and it was great seeing them waiting for me at the finish line.  Unfortunately we didn't take any pictures at this race. 

Thanks for another awesome challenge and for helping keep the motivation of a healthier lifestyle going!" - Holly M.

After reading that, I'm inspired to quit complaining about the Idaho wind and just get out there and get it done.  If this girl can run 5 miles in sub-zero temps whilst her hydration is literally FREEZING then I can put on my big girls tights and brave the 30 degree weather around here or AT LEAST hop onto the treadmill and face the boredom.  Thanks for the reminder that hard work pays off even if it IS uncomfortable.  Everyone give a big KUDOS to Holly M. for such a big improvement in her running times!!  

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