28:30

I ran the National Police Week 5K...I know, I know, it's only 3-ish miles, but it was quite the accomplishment for a non-runner like myself. And I ran about a 9 min mile...pretty good considering I've been running maybe 6 times in the last 3 years of my life. The best part, I basically ran the whole way (there were a few minutes there that were touch and go-I slowed down dramatically, but then the finish line came in sight and I kicked it in gear again)



It was a great race, for a great cause. The money raised supports the families of police officers killed in the line of duty, and the race had officers from precincts(?) around the DC-area. There was a bagpiper playing along the route. The race started at the Police Officer's Memorial then cut across the National Mall-between the Washington and Capitol. The good part came next-we headed up Capitol Hill (and let me tell you...it really is a HILL), around the Library of Congress, then retraced the route back to the memorial. If you have to run 3 miles, I don't think you could find a more beautiful route!



Things I learned from my first 5K (and Brooke and Marques and Tabbi)

~Don't wear the race shirt...unless you want to be associated with "that guy" (aka the only other person wearing the race gear)

~The minute you decide to slow down or walk the finish line will magically appear.

~I've never really known how FAR a mile really is...let alone 3!

~Wearing your number around after the race is perfectly acceptable (if your name is Marques)...but don't put on your number too soon before the race or you'll look overeager like me.

~I like running...let me classify that with "in races." I just might take up running, who knows maybe there's a marathon in my future!