Fitness Adventures: My First 5K

Yesterday was a day for the history books, dear blog readers. For, I not only officially became a "runner" (my punk rope instructor said so), but Elaine and I made the leap from Athlete (stop laughing) to Bi-Athlete. That's right. Yesterday, we completed a biathlon! (Sadly, this is a real word, Lainy thought she made it up) Let me explain...

As most of you know, yesterday was my first 5K, "Get to the 'Point!" (a clever play on an expression, combined with an abbreviated version of my neighborhood, Greenpoint). It was a local run through the neighborhood that I live in, to raise money for St Stan's Athletic League (I think they use the money to provide kids with sporting equipment or pay for activities for them).

First I'll tell you the story, then I'll show the photos.

It was a beautiful day, sunny and a little chilly. I loved that it started at 1:00pm. (That meant I didn't have to wake up at 5:30am like I do for the bike tours.) I headed over shortly after noon, checked in, collected my goody bag and found my 5K partner and one of my favorite people in the world, my pal Lainy.

We warmed up a little and when the run began, we started with a nice paced jog. My plan was to jog/run as much as I could, but then slow down to a fast walk when necessary, then start running/jogging again. And we did just that. We'd run a block or two, then walk. I used my heart rate monitor as my guide. Anytime my heart rate hit 170 (which happens pretty quickly when I run), we'd stop running, and then walk until I got down to about 130. Then we'd start running again. It worked out really well.

As we ran/walked, we talked about my favorite topics: men and food/activity related stuff. Lainy's 10 years younger than me, but always has good insight and always makes me laugh. I'd even forget we were doing the event until NYPD that were stationed at the corners, or the neighborhood folk who were outside, cheered us on - then I'd kick it into high gear again, at least until my heart rate got too high.

Despite being physically able to complete it, about 2/3rds through it, I do remember saying "I $%#!@ hate running!". But before I knew it, I saw the glorious Finish Line and it was over.

I didn't have that amazing sense of accomplishment like I did from the 5 Boro bike tour, since three miles by foot is really nothing to me (I walk more than that on any given day). But I was glad I did it and I really enjoyed the day, the weather and the experience. I hit the finish line at under 43 minutes, but since I didn't understand the finish line process, the statistics on their website show me over 43 minutes:

After the 5K, I treated Lainy to brunch at Greenpoint Coffee House. And then, since it was beautiful outside and I was on my bike, I told her I'd escort her home to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. So by tacking on about 20 miles of biking to my 3 miles of walking/running - that is how Elaine and I became Bi-Athletes.

Here are my heart rate monitor stats for my biathlon:

5K: 44 minutes, 40 minutes in zone, 146 average HR, 360 calories*
Bike: 66 minutes, 64 minutes in zone, 142 average HR, 510 calories**

*I turned it on and off before the start and after the finish, thus the extra minute.
**This doesn't include the biking to and from the race. This was just to ride Lainy home and back.

Clearly, biking wins. It's also easier and more fun. But I'm still going to give running a chance. I'd love to build up my stamina and endurance, so I'll continue doing some interval training on the treadmill. And now that I know the Greenpoint 5K keeps such great records, I will take it more seriously next year (no stopping for water and waiting for them to find cups! less talking and laughing, more moving!). I'm looking forward to slaughtering this year's stats. I'm even going to shoot for 38 minutes or less (shaving 5 minutes off this year's time).

Here are the photos-

View of the Starting line:

And because I'm completely predictable, here I am in the church bathroom before the start:

This is St Stan's:

I asked a bystander to get a photo of Lainy and me before the start:

Lainy warms up (hilariously):

This guy handed me his card and offered to be a boyfriend to either of us. Nice to know he's happy with whatever he gets. (Who's a lucky gal?)

Waiting to begin the run:

Running on Driggs:

Follow the yellow arrows! (Running on North 12th, turning onto Berry):

The 1 mile mark on Lorimer (by Norman):

The 2 mile mark on Manhattan Ave (by Meserole):

Not for nothing, but this really pisses me off (discarded cups on Nassau):

Running towards the Finish line:

I rode my bike the entire course later to get this shot of the painted finish line on the ground:

Power brunch @ Greenpoint Coffee House with Lainy:

The biathlon is over, back at home-

And since it's now tradition after both bike tours, showing off my souvenir t-shirt:

It was a great day and a fun experience. And I'm so glad I had my girl Lainy there with me. Thanks, Lainykins! And thank you all for your support and well wishes!