A Baby in Salem: Witch City 5K

Last weekend, I proudly ran my first 5k, the Witch City race. This race is a little different from most 5ks, as the runners are encouraged to come in costume. I, however, thought dressing like a runner was costume enough. It was a unique experience to be passed by people dressed up in leather or as tacos. The experience of running the race was made even more special because I did it with my good friend Erin.

This is Erin and I this summer at a paleo potluck.

This is Erin and I when our kids were tiny. (Amazingly, that is Avonlea Jane and not Will.) There's a big difference in how we both look now versus then.

Gearing up for the race

A whole group of cool ladies ready to run, including our friend Kasie (in the orange) who is preparing to run the Boston Marathon this spring

With Erin's sister, Jessie, at the starting line

My time was better than I had expected, so David wasn't ready with the camera when I came to the finish line; thankfully, Erin's husband, Jared, was a little quicker in getting a shot. Unfortunately, I don't appear to be smiling in this shot, but I was informed by those who came out to cheer me on during various spots in the race that I did have a smile on my face the whole time. It was probably due to the fact that I constantly had the urge to elbow the person next to me just to inform them that we were running--and there was nothing chasing us.

David did get a shot after I crossed the finish line counter.

Erin as she sprinted for the finish line

Everyone was all smiles after the race and everyone did better than they had expected. Compared to the winner's time (16:40), my time (35:06) was nothing exciting. My place in the race (421st) also doesn't sound that great, but there were actually 128 people who finished behind me. Regardless, I ran the whole thing without walking, and I certainly hadn't expected that.

When I run on a treadmill and set the pace so that I can run and talk to the person running with me at the same time, I set it for a 12-minute mile, and I completed each mile in the race at ~11:22. I also finished the race at the same pace at which I started and maintained throughout the course.

Could I perhaps have done it faster? Maybe. Could I have done it much faster and run the whole thing with a smile on my face while being able to converse? Probably not. Could I have even considered running over three miles straight a year ago? No way.

I'm very proud to have done it, and I'm excited about my 421st place finish. In fact, I'm already signed up for my next 5k on December 9.