I participated in a 5K today. I say participated, because God did not create my body for running. The 5K was part of the Ohio Challenge Series Buehler’s Heart & Sole event. There was a half marathon, 10K and a 5K Run/Walk.
I don’t know how many people participated-either walking or running-but my number was 498 and Bobby’s was 499. I heard them announce that there were 12 teams that represented different organizations/groups. Bobby and I were part of The Village Network’s team.
Last year The Village Network (TVN) had 11 people participate in the event. This year more than doubled that, with 27 people. Some our members included: Rich Graziano (our CEO), Laura Browning (TVN’s team coordinator), Jessica Robinson and her husband, Thomas, Kyle Rickett and his fiance, Courtney, Connie Benchoff, Angie Speigle, Sandy Sims, Cheri Rodman, and Patty Hamblin.
In deference to those who actually ran the half marathon, I won’t say the 5K was grueling. Let me just say it was…a challenge. The route went up and down hills, was sunny and shady, and pretty hot. I don’t know what the temperature was, but with the amount of sweat pouring off my body, it had to been close to 110 degrees. I know. I know. I’m exaggerating. Actually considering it being August 15, it wasn’t as humid as it has been in the past.
My goal was to finish the 5K in under 60 minutes. Bobby said that I didn’t have to stay with him, but could instead walk at my own pace. We started at the back, because they wanted to the runners to not be slowed down by us walkers. Fortunately, our time didn’t begin until we crossed under the starting line. They had a Chronotrack B-TAG on the back of our numbers, so we could be accurately timed.
Many of my TVN teammates were ahead of me as we started. I began walking with Laura Browning. We caught up a little with each other and then I got serious. As we were making are ascent on the first hill, I started moving ahead of her. Then much to my amazement, I started passing people! I even was able to pass some of my TVN teammates along the way. I think they were as surprised as me because they would say “way to go, Wendi!” I would answer them by gasping, “I can’t stop or else I’ll stop!” and kept going.
I am happy to say that I met my goal. I crossed the finish line at 51 minutes and 45 seconds (or there about). I’m telling people it was under 52 minutes.To me that is a win. Bobby finished at 1 hour and 2 minutes and some odd seconds. (Again, when it is timed like that, we just say under 1 hour 3 minutes.)
The event raised money for the United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties. It was well attended by the community. I really appreciate the Wooster High School Cheerleaders and all the volunteers. I especially am grateful to Deb Wilcox and Christa Sturgeon for handing me about a dozen bottles of water donated by Buehler’s. O.K. another exaggeration, but it had to been at least a half dozen. (I shared a couple with Bobby.)
As Bobby and I sit home recuperating, we are mostly glad that we joined the other 700+ people today. It was a good cause. It was a good time. It was a good day.
