Virgin Running

I've done a lot of running in my 37 years on this planet. I've run my mouth, I've run for election, I've run a couple of non-profit organizations...but before today, I'd never run in a foot race. Frankly, that kind of running has never been my bag. But about 6 months ago, I started running on the treadmill at the gym (I never thought I'd make it to 1 mile, forget about 2 or more!) and this morning, I put my nascent running skills to the test. The scene: Forest Lakes North, for the Kiwanis Independence Day 5K to benefit Camp Holiday Trails. And what do you know, I huffed and I puffed and I made it to the finish line in one piece --- coming in a respectable 174th out of 293 runners, arriving right at the 28 minute mark for a 9-minute-mile pace. It wasn't exactly an Andrew Hersey or Sue Hagedorn-caliber performance, but it wasn't too shabby for a first-timer, if I do say so myself! More importantly, it was great fun -- and now I've got the bug. When's the next race?!