Ran my first 5K: "Bum Run!!!!!"

[Henriette2013]

... and I couldn't have done it without the support of all of you, here. Thank you.

Many months ago, I chose this "Bum Run" (raises funds and awareness for colrectal cancer) as my first race because a) it started near my home so I could just do a pleasant warm-up walk to get there b) late April: should be gentle weather with lots of flowers and new leaves on the trees.

Well, HA! a) Of course I was running late this morning and had to take an uber and even so, only arrived few minutes before the race started. b) It's darn cold, here. As in, awoke with snow on the ground and bitter wind blowing. Not a bud or tender bloom to be seen.

But, all went okay. I read that most people are happy with under-25 minutes result, and a runner friend told me that anything less than 30 minutes is respectable. But I ran the whole way (no walking), finished at 36:20 and I am absolutely proud of myself.

I have already signed up for my next race, a month from now. Late May in Toronto tends to be warm but not yet the muggy, mosquito-y weather that descends upon us in June - early September. But we already know about my weather-predicting powers...

*note -attached photo is not of me but rather a random picture pulled from the internet, depicting how I felt crossing that finish-line. "Respectable" time, be d*mned!

[Nictwit]

Screw their view on respectable! You ran 5k non stop! Doing that in any time is impressive 😁💪👍🏼

[Henriette2013 in reply to Nictwit]

Thanks. xox I agree. For my first running race, I thought I'd do it in about 45 minutes, so 36 feels like an absolute triumph. Besides, I've never been accused of being a respectable woman; why start now?

[Madge50 Graduate10 in reply to Henriette2013]

I like your mind set lady! Ignore that absolute tosh about ‘respectable’ times, I will never, never expect to get 5k in under 30 minutes, however, I have run over 120 parkruns, loads of 10k’s and 3 half marathons, come tell all my parkrun friends and fundraising mates that their times over 30 minutes for 5k are not ‘respectable’.

I run for fun and fitness, I love it. I’m not in a ‘race’ with anyone other than myself, speed is irrelevant (unless you want to take on Mo Farah...of course........which I don’t! ) 😂

Very well done on your 5k, your time was excellent!👏🏃‍♀️🏅

Mx

[Henriette2013 in reply to Madge50]

Wow, Madge - I am in awe of all your running accomplishments. I am like you; I run for lots of reasons, none of which is to be the fastest person around. Thanks for your kind words. xo

[Hidden]

I would be thrilled to bits to run 5k in that time. Well done.

[Henriette2013 in reply to Hidden]

That's so kind, Flick. Thank you! My goals for today were to check out what a 5K race was actually like, and to really do my best to run the whole thing (no walking). Based on my training, I figured I'd come in around 46 minutes so I both accomplished my goals and surprised myself with my "speed." All in all, makes me feel quite proud of myself. xo

[Millsie-J]

Great time! Ignore those who say otherwise. We are all runners 😀🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻

[Henriette2013 in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you. I do feel good about my first-ever race experience. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many ages and body types taking part; I made sure to thank each one of the police officers (who were stationed to guide traffic safely away from us) as I ran past; I thought I'd be embarrassed by strangers cheering for me at the finish line but I only felt grateful and proud. The fact that I had a better time than I had expected (even if not what some deem appropriate) was simply icing on a rather tasty cake! xo

[mfamilias Graduate10]

Well done you, starting a run when you've been stressed out getting there isn't easy, particularly for your first one! As for your 'friend', I can't stand it when people dictate what a respectable time for whatever distance is. Bully for them if they run a 5k so fast that they look like a dog with its head hanging out of the window of a Porsche on the motorway, but the best speed is your own speed and it doesn't apply to anyone else. Ideals are a bit like farts - very personal, and they generally only appeal to the person producing them.

[Millsie-J in reply to mfamilias]

Nicely put mfam teehee😖

[Henriette2013 in reply to mfamilias]

Thank you. I am not sure my farts appeal even to me but yes, there is no way to paint all of us and our "ideal times" with one brush. I hope to get faster as I run longer but if not, I hope that I'll just keep at it, anyway. I started running for many reasons, none of which was to impress others with my race times or to be the fastest cat in town. xox

[ch3lsea007]

Well done Henrietta on your first 5k run! 😀👍

[Hidden]

As many others have said; a great time well done🏃🏾‍♀️👍

I am not respectable in any area of my life including running 🏃🏾‍♀️😊

Love the pic btw

[Anthie Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, but who cares when you run in Sweaty Betty pants? You're the best-looking runner!

[Henriette2013 in reply to Hidden]

Here's to those of us who are growing older dis-gracefully! Thanks for the support. xo

[Anthie Graduate10]

Brilliantly well done (and depicted)!

[Henriette2013 in reply to Anthie]

Thank you for the kind words. I have literally no one in my life to support me, so this community is tremendously important to me. xo

[ToniCR]

I think that's a fantastic time! Good for you! I would be proud.

[Henriette2013 in reply to ToniCR]

Thanks - that's really kind!