On October 23rd, I did my first 5K. I had planned to do one in July, but ended up doing the 1 mile fun “run” (or walk in my case) because I had hurt my knee.

It was a miserable, chilly, drizzly day on the shore of Lake Erie, but that didn’t stop me and approximately 500 of my closest friends from lining up to run around in the early morning light. No really. I only acknowledge one 6:30. And that one doesn’t come in the AM.

Here I am, shortly after arrival at Public Square.

Here’s a pretty picture of the Terminal Tower reflected in the First National Bank building.

And here I am at the finish line, definitely looking like a drowned rat.

I finished 314th out of 325 with a time of 52:49. My overall pace (according to the website) was 17:00. Not bad since my walking pace was 18:45 in July.

I had 3 goals…

1. To finish
2. To not be dead last
3. To finish in under 1 hour

I accomplished all 3 and I’m very proud of myself! This is probably the fittest I’ve been since my mid-teens.

I’ve already signed up for the next Cleveland Marathon 5K in the spring.

And More! Autumn Cleveland Kathryn Kat Nature Photography Seasons Updates Weather