I looked up the race results from my first chip-timed 5 K. It was in April 2007, so just over 2 years ago. My goal for that race was to run the whole think without having to stop to walk (it was my 3rd 5K).
Here is a picture of me just before the 2007 Bridge to Bridge 5K (now it’s the Bridge to Brews 8K/10K & there is more beer, which is a good improvement).
That year (almost exactly 2 years ago), I finished in 38:11 (that’s a 12:17 pace).
I was 35th out of 45 in my age group (77% of women aged 30-35 finished before me); 283/351 overall (80% of everyone finished before me) and 163rd for 216 females (75% of all the womens finished ahead of me).
Compared to this 5K,when I was 39/165 in my age group (only 23% of those 30-35 year-old women finished ahead of me); 420/1239 (33% of everyone ahead of me) & 174th out of 812 women (only 21% of all women beat me Sunday).
Not to mention the time improvement of almost 10 minutes in just two years (and over a 3 minute/mile pace). Also, I have way cooler looking running clothes now:
Jen
April 7, 2009 - 9:41 am ·Awesome “before” and “after” type running photos. Look how far you’ve come. Congrats on being an awesome runner and a big inspiration. 🙂
gazelle
April 8, 2009 - 11:09 am ·Thank you! It’s really helped having such inspiring running friends!
Alisa
April 7, 2009 - 10:53 am ·So awesome! You are such an inspiration, I agre with Jen!
And…much better running attire =).
gazelle
April 8, 2009 - 11:10 am ·what? you didn’t like my warm-up pants? (they were too long, so I ‘cropped’ them with scissors…HOT)
Thank you!
Carolina John
April 7, 2009 - 12:22 pm ·you’ve come a long way baby! be proud.
gazelle
April 8, 2009 - 11:10 am ·Oh, I’m proud. The architect has heard of nothing but how proud I am for the past 3 days 🙂
Audrey
April 7, 2009 - 2:05 pm ·Awesome progress – good for you!
gazelle
April 8, 2009 - 11:10 am ·thank you!
Elisabeth
April 7, 2009 - 3:54 pm ·I love this post!!! There’s nothing like a great before and after!
gazelle
April 8, 2009 - 11:11 am ·It’s awesome, isn’t it? I love before & afters – especially when they’re me (oh yeah, I’m vain).
skinnyrunner
April 7, 2009 - 3:58 pm ·your progress is amazing! what a transformation, simply amazing. not to get all spice girls on you, but you go girl!
gazelle
April 8, 2009 - 11:12 am ·thank you! it’s been hard work, but honestly, mostly just fun. gots to love the running! (zigazag ah)
michelle
April 8, 2009 - 2:37 am ·You look great GR! What a difference 2 years makes huh? Wonderful progress. Isn’t running the best?
gazelle
April 8, 2009 - 11:12 am ·thank you! running is pretty much the best.