My first 5K run!

One of the items I had on my short list of "Things to do in 2009" was to run a short marathon. So yesterday I participated in my first 5K run.

I was nervous all week about it, not knowing whether I'd be able to complete it (I had only decided to participate in it a week prior and not with much training). Luckily my good buddy, Marty, decided to run with me. Knowing that I had his support and the support of many of my friends (Michael T., Billy, Calvin, Mark, Michael B., etc.), I arrived at Golden Gate Park yesterday morning with high hopes.

My original goal was to run the 5K in 36 minutes. The race began a little after 8 a.m. and I was off...

Before I knew it, the race was done and I felt great (with a few tears in my eyes). My official time was 30:33 -- 5 minutes and 27 seconds faster than my goal! I placed 581 out of 2,327 runners and 189th in my age group.

Next up...Bay to Breakers!!!