Quarterlife Adventures: My First 10K @ the Ford Island Bridge Run

I just finished running the Ford Island Bridge Run. It was 10k (6.2 miles) of painful fun to help raise funds for Navy MWR. Anyone can participate in the scenic run and there are prizes for winners too. After registration, you are given a packet with a T-Shirt, a Number, and a chip to tie onto your shoe to track your run time. It was my first 10k run and I am so happy to have finished it!

In the begining, it was a breeze to run ( since we were going down hill). I ran, taking photos of all the people along the way. It's not easy to take photos and run, but I'm glad I wasn't the only one. And thank god my friend is so understanding because whenever we stopped, he waited for me to take a picture. We both needed a quick break too. A mile seems like forever when you are running.

My friend and I actually started late and ended up with all of the walkers and stroller participants, but slowly we weaved through people, at our own pace. No doubt about it. We took it quite easy, but at the same time, we were moving and getting a real workout.

I noticed a lot of kids running! I can't believe kids run these days. I don't ever remember running as a child, except for playing tag or some other sport outside. It's insane. I bet some of those kids could run faster than me.

While running, I took in all of my surroundings. The scenery was beautiful. I had a chance to take photos of Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri! I loved it and the energy of all the people pushes you to run harder and not give up. By the 3 mile marker though my knees were killing me I just bought a new pair of running shoes yesterday for the run today and didn't have time to break them in, so I paid for it during the run. I'm glad to have survived.

When I was running, I took a photo. One of the runner's looked at me and said "cheese!" I love silly people.

I caught a rainbow!

For some odd reason, once we hit the 3 mile marker, I took off. I had a burst of energy.

As soon as I passed the five mile marker though, it was painful. Running up the Ford Island Bridge will make you want to walk. I know I did. It was a killer. I had to stop more than a few times, but I pushed myself to keep on going. As I ran up the bridge, someone pinched me from behind, laughing. I turned around. It was my co-worker. I didn't even know I passed him until then, but it was too funny.

As you approach the finish line, some people gather the energy to sprint like crazy. I don't know how they do it. I was just about done running, thinking I might have a heart attack if I ran any faster. I'm just thankful I crossed the finish line. It was a great run and I can't wait to participate in more.

There's no greater feeling than seeing the finish line and passing through it.

Afterward, I stood at the Finish Line, waiting for my friends or co-workers to come through, so I could get their pictures. Fortunately, I got a photo of the friend I was runing with.