Post 'match' report......

[AmberC]

Well I did it, this morning I completed my first 5km race, I took part in the Bunbury Women's Fun Run (Western Australia) - they were raising funds for a Women's Refuge, and there was a great turn out of support; 633 took part either in a 10km or 5km race. Don't be fooled by that sunshine, when I got up this morning it was a chilly 3.5 degrees and a wind chill factor of 1.4!! OMG I was so cold until I got running.

Although I enjoyed the running and that great sense of achievement, I'm not sure I liked running with so many people. Prior to the race, I planned my race pace, had it all set up in my phone app; iSmoothRun and selected an inspiring playlist of music. It was a bit of a bundle at the start, but I found myself some space and happily set off, but I can certainly see how people get carried away and go off too quickly....I was determined to stick to my preplanned pace, and to begin with it felt a bit disheartening to have lots of people overtaking me....but I kept repeating to myself "stick with the plan", and I'm glad I did, as half way around the course those people who had overtaken me were now walking and I was passing them! I was feeling good, and was appreciating the lovely views of the water, mangroves etc as I ran. The next thing I knew, my app was telling me there was 800 metres to go and I could see the flags at the finish line. Then with 400 to go, can you believe it, what song should start playing on my phone but 'Heroes' by David Bowie.......memories of London 2012 and Team GB coming out to that thunderous reception in the Olympic Opening Ceremony came to mind - so I was inspired and as I was still feeling good with 200 metres I went into 5th gear and sprinted my way home....passing several more runners on my way and as I came over the finishing line my lovely husband was there to take my photo......I now know that I pull some terrible faces whilst running, so out of several photos this is the only one where I don't look like the village idiot!!!

I ran the whole course......so I'm happy with that. Officially I don't know my finishing time or whereabouts I came, but unofficially my app timed me at 34:57, which is 1:47 quicker than my PB.....and I'm even happier with that.

So now the question is, "will I do another one?". Mmmm not sure, but I have picked up a flyer for a women's triathlon for November (swim for 200metre, cycle for 10km & run for 2km), I'm a bit tempted, although I would have to heavily concentrate on improving my swimming.....plus I'm blind as a bat without my glasses....so that's a worry.....now where did I put that bike!! Or maybe I might do the Bunbury Surf to Surf 5km run in October!

[misswobble Graduate]

Bunbury!!! I love that. You went Bunburying. LOL

Great stuff Amber. You look really happy with that and I don't blame you it looks like it was a blast. I bet that music gave you an extra burst of speed to finish in style. Great photo by the way

I'd be same as you without me specs!

[AmberC Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks Miss Wobble, very happy with time and race plan.

[milan5881 Graduate]

Go girl, how chuffed you must be! Wise game plan as well, just goes to show if you go too fast it will not work. I would be so proud if that was me, a PB as well. Brilliant. I'm sure you wil be smiling all day, well done x

[AmberC Graduate in reply to milan5881]

Yep still smiling and marvelling at how far I've come since starting Couch to 5k in March......fab.

[AmberC Graduate]

Thanks KittyKat......still feeling good.....maybe another 5km race before anything too ambitious!

[AmberC Graduate]

UPDATE from me: just got my official results-

Out of 468 women running the 5km race I came in at number 188 and my official time came in a bit faster at 34:41! Wooohoooo! 15 minutes behind the winner. Love a few stats!!

[Hidden]

Brilliant stuff Amber! Well done! You look like you could run another 5K in that photo... fantastic achievement!

Have a great weekend!

[AmberC Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Aussie, not sure about another 5km! Was quite happy to finish. Now looking forward to watching a bit me of the Commonwealth games and a good sleep tonight.

[Net68 Graduate]

Superb! And with updated time even better PB! Well done and congratulations. Just goes to show having a plan is one thing but sticking to it when it feels like everyone around you is doing better is worth it. You have done superb enjoy your success

[AmberC Graduate in reply to Net68]

Thanks Net68.... Feeling very chuffed with myself at the moment. Can't wait to run again, but will have a day off tomorrow and an easy run on Tuesday! Who would have thought that a 51 year old couch potato would have been saying that 4 months ago!!

Happy running.

[Hidden]

You really did do well ! Great achievement, very well done, you even look as if you're still enjoying it at the end !

[AmberC Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yep loved that sprint at the end, fantastic feeling.

[Lavender1962 Graduate]

Congratulations on your 1st 5k and PB! Lovely picture. You look great.

[AmberC Graduate in reply to Lavender1962]

Thanks Lavender, as they upwards and onwards......what next?

[getfitgran Graduate]

Great report, great picture and great time. You should rightly feel proud. Well done

[AmberC Graduate in reply to getfitgran]

Thanks a lot, I do indeed feel very proud.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done Amber - you look As if you are really enjoying yourself in the photo. Brilliant to get a PB too!

[AmberC Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Yep, so loved that last 200metres at the end.....powered down that last stretch....fab.

[poppypug Graduate]

Well done Amber, fab stuff, great photo too ! xxx

[AmberC Graduate in reply to poppypug]

My husband took lots of photos, sadly most of them were of me pulling some odd looking faces! Good job i don't normally look at myself whilst running or I'd never let myself go out there!

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Amber

I assume you know that there is a Parkrun in Bunbury?? in the Big Swamp Parklands - looks like it would be a nice place to run -and flat as!!!!

[AmberC Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Hi Bazza, yes I've seen the Parkrun at Big Swamp.....still working up some courage to go along....but maybe the confidence boost from yesterday's race will encourage me to go along and try it out.

Not long now until your big race in Sydney....good luck with the final few days preparatation.

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to AmberC]

"Preparation" over the next few days consists of driving 1000 klms and a boozy dinner with friends in Newcastle!! I will have about 3 days to sober up for the race. Might do a quick 20 minutes on Friday morning in Sydney Botanical Park.

[AncientMum Graduate]

Oh very well done Amber. What a great post! I love the photo too- you look every inch the confident, experienced runner! You did so well to stick to your race plan and not get carried away in the excitement of the occasion. There is a lesson there for all of us.

Congratulations on your PB too- you should be very proud.

Now what will you do next? That's the big question. If you're seriously want to do the triathlon, you do know that prescription swimming goggles aren't that expensive, don't you? Just a thought..............

[AmberC Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Wow, AncientMum....did not know there was such a thing as prescription goggles! Great tip. I'm still on a hire from yesterday, thanks for your kind words.