Throo the Zoo

On Saturday Kelli and I completed our first 5K. We are both trying to get into shape and know that running is a good way to accomplish that. Of course neither of us really like running so we needed some motivation to get us started. When we heard about this 5K we figured it was a great place to start. A 5K is just over 3 miles, so not super long, and this one is called Throo the Zoo. Why? Because you literally run through the Louisville Zoo. What could be more fun than that?

To prepare Kelli and I started running about two weeks before the race. (Really we should have started a LOT sooner.) It quickly became apparent to me that I am not good at running and that there was no way I would be able to run the entire 5K. I have a runner's watch which helps me know how far I am running, what my pace is, how long it takes me to go a certain distance etc. It really comes in handy while training. I have my watch set to beep every 1/4 of a mile and usually by a 1/2 mile Kelli and I need a break and start walking. We kept training and improved a little but still couldn't come close to running all that way. Also to prepare Kelli and I went shopping! We had to get cute outfits to run in, after all we are girls.

The day before the race we headed up to Louisville to pick up our race packets and t-shirts. The t-shirts had an image of a giraffe on them and since Kelli really loves giraffes it was another reason to do this 5K. While in Louisville, we also drove by the zoo just to get our bearing as to where we need to be the next morning.

Kelli and I before the race.

The next morning started early for us. I wanted to be at the zoo by 7 am so that we could easily park and be ready for the race at 8 am. Definitely my father's daughter wanting to be an hour early! We got great parking and were more than ready to go by 8am. I made sure I had brought my watch and set is for the 5K distance. When the race started Kelli and I kept a good pace as we weaved our way through the starting crowd. By the time we hit a 1/2 mile we both are amazed at how good we feel and don't need to walk. When we reached the 1 mile mark we are still keeping our pace and feel good. At the 2 mile mark we have the definite goal to run the entire course. With only 2/3 a mile left we hit a long up hill stretch. I really wanted to give up and start walking. I kept pushing myself and soon we were up the hill. With only 200 yards left Kelli's shoe came untied but still there was no way we were going to stop. We finished the course in 34 minutes and 20 seconds and we ran the entire way! Kelli and I were surprised and extremely proud of our accomplishment. 

 After the race there were tables set up that had food, protein bars, bananas, water and sports drinks. We sat in the grass eating and enjoying our victory. I was glad for the bananas because my new braces still make it hard to eat. Along with the 5K, food, and t-shirts we are allowed free access to the zoo for the day. Kelli and I spent the next few hours wandering the zoo. After a while our sore feet caught up with us and we headed home.

Giraffes, Kelli's favorite

Rhinos

Elephants

Lions

Tigers

Under water polar bear, oh my!

For our first 5K I think we did awesome. We surprised ourselves and pushed ourselves to new limits. Throo the Zoo was definitely worth every penny and if I am still in Kentucky next year I want to do it again. Of course next year I will train better so I can keep up with Meric.

Kelli the gorilla!