Austin's oldest 5k is called the Bun Run. I don't actually know why, but it's a pretty big deal. Colin had already signed up for it when we met and talked me into thinking it would be a good time. We prepared for it a bit beforehand by walking both indoors and out, though next time I'd like a little more prep time. The morning of, I awoke early and decided to get down there. The race started at 7:30 and I hate being rushed. I had time to grab some breakfast and find primo parking. Colin got a bit of a late start and ended up feeling rushed, but we managed to get there ahead of schedule together.
The starting line had a loud announcer warning everyone not to park at Hooters as they would be towing; though none of us could quite imagine why...who goes to Hooters at 7 in the morning??? Seriously?
The disabled started the race off first, followed by the timed people and then us untimed folks. Colin and I just kept our own times. My goal was to finish the 3.1 mile race in less than an hour, Colin's was to go as fast as he could without hurting himself. As I started off, I decided to just put on my ipod, find a comfortable speed and stick with it. I ended up doing about 18 minute miles, which isn't terrible. Especially considering I was not wearing the shoes I wanted to be. Long story. As we began our race, the initial timed people were already beginning to finish!!! Some were less than 15 min. Freaks of nature, I tell ya.
At each mile there were the usual kids handing out water, but then there was also the sponsors handing out Cinnabon. Really? During a 5k? It was so tacky. Around the turn, there was also a band playing, which is just SO Austin!
I ultimately finished in 55 minutes, thereby reaching my goal! Colin finished a good 10 min. ahead of me and was feeling good, so he too accomplished his goal. Hearing my name called as I crossed the finish line was pretty fun. We got powerades and a pulled pork taco and sat watching as the winners of the race were called.
To anyone interested, there was not a bone in my body that felt the need to be one of those called. I like to finish what I start, but I compete only with myself.
All in all it was a pretty great experience and I still had enough time and energy to get an Americano and make it to church :)
