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So a little back story. I have been trying to do the C25K app over the last year. About 3 times I started it over. I originally signed up for the 2014 Sharks Fitness Faceoff earlier in the year. I thought by the time the 5k comes, I will have completed the C25K, and been training more. My last challenge I had gotten into Week 7 Day 1. So a 25 minute run. At that time, it was my longest ever. Then I hurt my hamstring, and didn't run for 3 weeks. This latest challenge I was able to get back out there. Though I repeated week 6. Of course I wasn't even close to 5k distance yet. I ended up finishing off week 7 last week before my 5K on Sunday. So yesterday, I had lots of doubts that I could even come close to finishing. Last week on my 25 minute runs I did get to 2 miles though. So at least I knew I could do that. The 5k runners started at 8:15am. I never ran a 5k before, so I didn't exactly know what to expect. I had a friend there who has done a few races though, so he gave me a few tips. The beginning was a bit hectic. I wanted to make sure I didn't start off at too fast a pace, but I didn't realize I would be dodging so many people. I lined up towards the back some because I knew I wouldn't be flying out the gate like the sub 8 minute a mile people. It seemed like for the first quarter mile or more I was dodging and weaving in and out of groups of people. Some people would be running, then randomly stop. I knwo they usually ask people to be towards the right if you are going slow, or walking. Not many were following this though. Still, I was doing ok. I would check my watch to try to keep on a decent pace. I did hydrate pretty well the day before, but I didn't have any water with me during the run. Next time I will make sure to care some with me. There was one station along the way, so I did slow up to grab water. I almost had to stop when someone upped and stopped right in front of me to throw away the cup. Luckily I was able to avoid him. I hit 2 miles in, and was still going pretty fast. I had the thoughts of "ok, this is as far as I have ever run in my life." But i just kept telling myself to keep pushing. Every time I would check my pace, I knew I was getting closer and closer to the finish. 2.5 miles in, I think i started to slow up more. I just had to keep reminding myself that I was almost there. After one turn we could see the SAP center where the event was taking place. So I get a little adrenaline boost. Know I know we are getting close. Then the final turn towards the finish line. I really try to turn on the speed. Maybe even too early. Then I crossed the finish line, and grabbed my medal. IMG_20140629_085939 by Will Tate, on Flickr So my first ever 5k I got done in 37 minutes. I've never run that distance before, and was overjoyed knowing that I actually ran it all without stopping to walk. I posted to facebook: Hell yeah this 269lb just ran a 5k! No stopping! IMG_20140629_085830 by Will Tate, on Flickr So it was a really great feeling for me. I went into the day not sure if I could do it. I just knew if I ran it all, I would feel amazing. It was an awesome feeling