I finished my first 10 mile race!

I did it!

I ran and finished the TC 10 mile race this morning. I even made my goal time (I wanted to finish in 2 hours 15 minutes and my official time was 2 hours 12 minutes). Yes, it's incredibly slow by running standards, but dammit, I FINISHED.

The race is part of the Twin Cities Marathon (which was also today, right behind me, actually) and the US track and field championship 10 mile race was the one I ran in too. The marathon is considered the most beautiful urban marathon in the country. And it was, indeed, a beautiful run from Minneapolis to St Paul.

My journey began in March, when I took a learn-to-run class to try to shed a few pounds that I'd put on when I quit smoking. Here I am, 7 months later, 45 pounds lighter, a new job, a new home and I'm actually looking forward to continuing running.

OH - and I quit drinking while I was training. I had my first cocktail in months with brunch this morning too, in a dirty punk rock bar. I feel like "myself" again, just a little bit. But I'm liking the new version of myself too.

I can't get pics to load to the gallery here for some reason, but if the link works, here's me at the St Paul capital after the race:

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/ hs249.snc1/9629_1231406791785_1427592895_6745 12_2878168_n.jpg

My first goal weight is 25 pounds away.  Then maybe another 15 after that, we'll see how I feel when I get to the first goal.  So I've got a way to go yet, but I'm really, really pleased with my progress.  :)

WOW!!!  o,o

Way to go!

Hi Carrie!

well done !!! I am very very happy for you! It feels so good to reach such a great exercise goal and you really deserve to be proud of yourself! Running 10 k within half a year is awesome! I walked 5 k today at the run for the cure in Toronto and next year i'd like to run that! Your story is really inspiring for me and for many other people on here! Keep going and be proud of yourself!!!!!

You go girl!!!

Smiles

Brigit

P.S. greetings to the twincities... I spent a high school year there when I was 16... wow... 16 years ago... :o)

way cool carrie!! congratulations! :)

It wasn't 10k it was 10 miles.

Congratulations, you should be so proud of yourself.

Great job! You should be proud of your accomplishment. Don't think you were slow, I took 2hrs 8 min to finish a labor day 15k (9.3 mi) and am planning to finish a half marathon in less than 3hrs 15 min! now that is slow!