The First Time I Ran in a Race

NYRR RUN 5K: This was my very first organized run ever. August 6, 2015 @ Central park.

I had been wanting to get into running for some time. Knowing I had to start somewhere, finally I did the unthinkable and signed myself up for this race, just to see what it was like and if I could actually do it.

I got there late and almost decided to just forget about it. Luckily my mom was there to push me to do it, so I ran to the start line which was nowhere close to the subway station.

At the end of the day, I was able to say I ran my very first 3.1 miles. Haha, I didn’t train or anything so who am I kidding? Of course, I didn’t run the whole thing without walking a mile or two.

Point is I crossed the finish line.

Because this was something I’ve never done before, it was definitely nerve-wrecking and exciting at the same time.

For someone who gets out of breath just running a block to catch the bus, 5K is a kind of a big deal!

Luckily I found the start line, kept running and running – and just kept thinking to myself, wow you’re actually running Avah. I’m sure I was going really slow, but I looked back, and couldn’t believe how far I had went already.

I didn’t know how to pace myself or how to breathe efficiently.

My throat was burning – like it was on fire. That reminded me why I never liked running before.

As I continued to jog along the course, so many thoughts started to fill my mind. Mostly thoughts of amazement. I looked at the other runners around me, the scenery of the park, how green everything was, and just kept running and thinking wow, I think I actually like this.

I loved what I was feeling. My fast heartbeat and heavy breathing made me feel so alive.

I saw the mile 1 marker, then mile 2.. and finally mile 3. I was so close.

But believe me, it wasn’t easy. It was hot. I knew my mom was waiting for me so I tried hurrying so she didn’t have to wait that long.

I remember crossing the finish line – the feeling was incredible. Highfivers were everywhere and congratulating the finishers. I couldn’t believe that I finished and how much I enjoyed it, my next thought was.. can’t wait to do this again.