Triple Crown - first leg - Anthem 5K

Yes - We did it. Here's the story...about 8 days ago Mark decided he wanted to run the three races that make up the Triple Crown (5k, 10k, 10mile). He asked everyone in the family to run with him. I decided I would run with him (but found out I am out of town for the second race), so I decided to register for the 5K race (and take it from there). Mark registered for all three. Jessica did like me and registered for the 5K race. I had six days to train - what was I thinking.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday I trained, but didn't have time on Thursday and Friday...YIKES! Would I be ready?

Mark and Betsy before the race!

Jessica and Betsy after the race!

There were 8,515 participants in the race....Somehow we got separated at the start - Mark and Jessica were in the very front, but I was further back. They did great! Mark finished in the top 500 - he came in 470 out of 8,515. He finished 30th in his age division running about a 7.5 minute mile. Jessica came in 611 out of 8,5,15 - 5th in her age division and just a few seconds behind Mark. I kept my pace and finished 134th in my age division.

Before the race I just wanted to finish. After running the race I wish I had pushed myself harder to get a better time. Since I had never run in a race and can't ever remember running over 3 miles, I wasn't sure what to expect. I worry too much - my asthma, the crowd - could I make it without stopping? I did it! I was hoping for better than a 10 minute mile - and I did! I came in under 10 minutes per mile. Usually, I can run a 8 minute mile, but just for one mile. Now I have a goal to improve!

I can't imagine running double that distance in two weeks. Good luck Mark!