Things I learn at my first 5K:

**Wardrobe malfunctions are universal, fat or thin, everyone around you that’s moving at a quick pace is having them. Maybe not all of them, but a good majority of folks in the middle were...

Once I realized that, my skirt got a MAJOR adjustment… I’d like to take a minute to publicly apologize to those who were behind me and saw the awkwardness of that situation. Holding your skirt up, while pulling your under armor down, while running IS possible. (Hence the apology to the witnesses.) I made it work, then put distance between myself, and those whom I might have offended. Things were fine moving forward.

**People who walk have enough breath to voice their opinions, which can be irritating.

I got in a routine of running at a decent pace, jogging, then running until I couldn't, then letting myself have a cool down period to catch my breath. One woman, who was “Speed Walking” was giving her speech on the benefits of Speed Walking for the whole quarter mile stretch I allowed her to be in my space. You really find out how fast you can move, while you’re already exhausted, when someone starts trying to preach to you without even talking to you directly. Passive speeches aren't my bag, yo! So address me directly, or not at all. Luckily, my style of run/jog/walking got me away from her with a quickness.

**Hugging people at the finish line isn't polite.

I’m sorry, to my cousin, who I met for the first time today. First impressions are better made when I’m not sticky and gross. She, on the other hand, was gracious and accepted my hug. That’s a good people kind of thing to do.

**Running makes you delirious for a bit.

Maybe it was because I was happy to finish before Captain Speed Walker, or maybe I was just happy to be done, who knows… once I finished, I was more energetic and happy than I had been in a long time. I imagine I could compare it to finding Puffy, drinking Ciroc, in the hot desert after being stranded there for 20 minutes kind of happy. So happy that I forgot how sweaty I was and hugged someone who was meeting me for the first time, (see above). So happy that I walked around with a half eaten banana for ten minutes and forgot to take a bite. Banana? What banana? OH! So happy I didn't realize that the little tag on my shoe had to get turned in... I enjoy being happy, so this was probably the best part.

**Soreness sets in the minute you sit down.

Even though sitting down seems like a really good idea when you've been on your feet for 45 minutes, trying to hustle, it’s not a good idea at all. NOW, sitting down a Bob Evans, with a plate of deliciousness about 20 minutes after you finish still isn't all that comfortable, but it’s offset by the fact that you know that french toast is yours and smells divine.

I loved doing the 5K, and I will do it again sometime. I highly recommend getting into one, if you’re looking for a new experience. :)