Urban Disturbance

So,

I accomplished another first.

I ran in my first official race.  It was a five mile obstacle race.  Oh, so much fun!

It’s called “Urban Disturbance” and we ran it in downtown Tallahassee.

Now, I am not one to run just to run.  I have no desire to run in a regular race, just running.  But, give me something to “do” along the way and I’m all in!  Obstacle races have things to do all the way through.  Up and over things, through things, etc.

 And that my first one was in my beloved city was fantastic.  Top it off with the fact that it was the day after my birthday, and for me it was the perfect day.

I trained for a couple of months prior to the big day.  I am in the gym often, as a rule, but added extra workouts and started running again to prepare.  I finally got my regular run up to 3-4 miles and at least once a week ran 5 miles.  It was a little consuming, but well worth it.

I know myself well enough to know that I have to have a goal.  Something to keep me motivated and moving.  This was the perfect early winter set up for me, keeping me focused.  Having it the day after my birthday was all the more motivation.  It was great to be able to prove to myself that even after the number changed, I could still hold my own with the young folks.

So, I put out the APB to all my friends who run/workout, and on facebook, and invited people to come along for the fun.

We ended up with a team of four.  Marshall, Marianne and Darrin joined me.  We had a blast!  The run was fun, the obstacle were do-able and we got to run through downtown.  So. Much. Fun.

We finished in an hour and eleven minutes, which, considering Marshall had never run five miles, and we had obstacles and lots of hills, and we were running to have a good time, we did really well!  They give you a sensor to wear on your ankle to keep track of your time. 

 We ran from Kleman Plaza, through campus, down Gaines Street, up to the Capitol, Adams Street and back to Kleman.  whew!  Tallahassee is HILLY!

We had our own cheering squad, too!  My sister, Laura, my Mom, Jonnie and my husband, Bobby, followed us around, took pictures and cheered us on.  I have a great, supportive family.  They’re the best!

Afterward we all went to Monk’s and had greasy burgers!  We had such a great time.  Such a wonderful birthday weekend.  I’ll always remember it.  And, hopefully participate in a few more obstacle runs.