i blew my socks off!

i registered for the shake, rattle and run 5k hoping and praying that i could beat my best timing of 32:34 and score somewhere around 31 minutes.    i just wasn't feeling it when i got there, it was cold, i didn't know where to go, i had no friends with me, no family, just me and my ipod to cheer me on.  so on your mark, get set, go!   my first mile was awful, i was freezing, i started cramping, my shoe lace with my time chip on it came untied (which i never stopped to tie because i thought it would add at least  twenty seconds to my time) i felt like i was dragging and then i started questioning why i decided to do this in the first place.  i figured it out around the second mile when around the corner i came overlooking the beautiful mountain range and third day happened upon my shuffle list.  my body warmed up and i picked up my step a little and i just kept thinking, if nothing else, it's a beautiful morning for a jog :-)  because at this point, i was running just for the exercise because i thought no way on earth would i make it in 31 minutes, no way.  people with strollers were starting to pass me.  just as i was coming up the hill thinking i was going to die if i don't stop  i saw the big blue tents and the finish line.  i can't stop now, but i can't move any faster.  the closer and closer i got the score clock was coming into focus.  WHAT?!  there were only 29 minutes on the clock and i was in disbelief!  i couldn't believe it!  i bolted it as fast as i possibly could and crossed the finish line at 29:40!!!!!!!!  i immediately started crying and couldn't catch my breath until i realized if i didn't get it together people were going to think i was injured or something.  anyway, i'm so proud of myself.  the results aren't on the website yet and i didn't have time to see how i placed in my age group, but even if i didn't 29:40 is enough for me!