You'll never forget your first time

In college, back in 1998, I walked my first 5k. I walked it in 33 minutes (yes WALKED not ran), and I was booking it. I won first among walkers,and I won a gift certificate to Garfield's Restaurant in Morgantown, WV. Totally worth it. I didn't run my first 5k for another 8 years, until 2006, but doing that first race takes commitment, courage, and a little bit of insanity.

Last week, on Thanksgiving, my husband and I ran the Inaugural Morgantown Running Turkey Trot. It was his first 5k, and I was bursting with pride and emotion. It's no secret that I love a good turkey trot, and I was thrilled for Morgantown's inaugural event.

With my husband before the race
We picked up our packets at the WVU track. Instead of t-shirts they gave us wicking socks. As a race veteran I was thrilled to have something other than another cotton t-shirt I'd never wear again, but as a race novice my husband was disappointed to not have a t-shirt. I totally get it.

The race started on the WVU track, and I have to say the start of the race was a total cluster. People were just milling about the track with no idea really where to go, and it was a disaster. Once things got going it ran more smoothly. The first mile was downhill which is a feat in a hilly city like Morgantown. After the first quick mile we were on the Morgantown River Trail for the rest of the race.

The race was downhill and flat, and it was an impressive course for a city renowned for its hilly terrain. It was a quiet and determined run in cold but sunny weather. My husband rocked it out in his first 5k. We finished on the River Trail right behind the Seneca Center where Morgantown Running is located. 

Heading toward the finish
It was a decent race especially for its first running. The start was a hot mess, but otherwise it was okay. My mom and sister came to cheer us on, and as usual I insist a turkey trot is the perfect way to start Thanksgiving Day. We have so many things to be thankful for, not the least of which is the ability to run on Thanksgiving.

Comments

  1. JennelleNovember 29, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    Chris looks like Zac Brown with that hat on. That is a compliment. Congrats on his first race.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SamanthaNovember 29, 2012 at 2:25 PM

    That is a compliment! :)

    ReplyDelete

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