5K Run for Autism

Yesterday was my first 5K - a short 3.1 miles... The run was to raise money for autism research.

I wasn't sure how to pace myself since it was only 3 miles. The weather started off only a little warm, but the temperature soared quickly. By the end it was in the 80s, way too hot to be running. The course was fairly flat - a long winding downhill meaning it was a slow uphill climb at the end. The first mile was way too fast... I ended up walking for two small sections in mile 2 and 3, each for less than a minute. However, I ended up at 30:46 officially, which equates to a 9:54 pace. While a bit slower than I hoped, it was still a good pace (it would be a 1:01:30 10K at that pace). It would have taken a 9:39 pace to end up at 30 minutes... and I think I can do that by the end of the summer.

I really need to get my act together and start to drop my times for my weekday runs, but won't do that if I only run 2 - 3 days each week. I think I will attempt to hit the treadmill hard, then the elliptical two days a week as well. The elliptical is easier on my knees, so I should do that more. It also helps the muscles in the legs, just not the breathing part...