This past Sunday I participated in my first ever 5k race. Just over a year ago I could barely walk without holding on to a wall or stopping every few steps to catch my breath. On Sunday I did 3.15 miles in 49 minutes. I’ve had such amazing weight loss and increases in my health the past year. I hope this shows you that you can do anything you put your mind to.
The race was to help Easter Seals which, “provides life-changing services that help people of all ages live better lives.” Here is my race page which has more info on Easter Seals. Super big thanks to everyone who donated on my race page – I know the money will help Easter Seals provide their services to more people.
Earlier in the week there was a 50% chance of rain but luckily there was some wind but no rain. I headed over to the race course at the Domain in Austin, Texas. I found my fitness trainer Ashli who helped me stretch and gave me some words of encouragement.
The gun sounded and everyone started off. I put my headphones on my ears and off I went. I had a smile on my face the entire 49 minutes of the race thinking about how far I’ve come. The sneakers I bought at Luke’s Locker helped me feel strong as I tried to move faster and faster.
The absolute coolest part of the race were the cheerleaders and other people with signs of encouragement along the course. I swear it was so wonderful to think people took time out of their weekend to cheer others (including me) on. Some of the funny signs included, “last one to the finish line has to clean up” and “chuck norris can’t run marathons”.
Two of my coaches, Ashli (L) and Lisa (R), met me at the end of the race which was totally awesome. You can see us in the photo below. I really can’t thank Ashli enough for suggesting the idea of doing this race. The race helped me to have a goal to work towards. I wonder what my next goal will be! Also below is my course map – I used an app called MapMyWalk for the gps mapping.
The best part? Ashli sent me an email after the race was over and part of the email noted, “You did such a great job – and you are an ATHLETE now!” Holy crap! I’ve been called lots of things in my life…but ATHLETE? Never. So cool. Running in a race wasn’t on my bucket list but I added it and crossed it off 
I want to do more races because it really did feel so good. Plus each race I can work on improving my time. I definitely could have gone faster but I wanted to make sure I finished and had a good baseline to improve upon.
A special thanks to the team that helped me get to this point: Ashli McKee, Jake Dodd, Linda Wagner and Dr. Lisa Leit and to all my friends and family who provided so much encouragement. I really felt like all of you were with me in every step I took. When I barely made it up the steps at Linda’s office for the first time, I just hoped I would not die soon…I had no plans for the healthier, more fulfilling life I have found!
Always remember that you can do this – if I can do it, you definitely can do it. YOU CAN DO IT.
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You are so inspirational Allen!
Thanks Anna – that means so much to me!
Well done Allen
Thanks so much for your support Darren – now maybe my next goal should be to become a F1 racer – you could be the car owner
Congrats man, very impressive.
thanks man – appreciate the love – we will have to run when i come to nyc
Love your site and looove your attitude! So happy I found this – you have such wonderful ideas. Thanks for sharing! I’ve signed up for your smoothie newsletter and I’ll be checking back here regularly. Best wishes for your continued success
Thanks so much Andi – you made my day! And welcome to the Smoothie a Day newsletter