This morning I did my first 5km event for 2012.  It was at the beautiful Pretoria Botanical Gardens at 7am.  Having drummed up some support from my twitter pals (twunners) and a few friends, I have decided this year will be the year I achieve many of my fitness and health goals.  So doing a race the day after new years I thought was a great idea.

From the time I arrived, everything was well organised and sign posted (except for the start).  The track was within the gardens, 2 x 2.5km loops.  As we started it took sometime for the pack to thin out a bit and for the runners to be allowed space through the hord of walkers.  I used my run/walk technique and was feeling good until the first of 2 massive uphills hit.  Hills are meant for walking, I was told  (hey Carol).

I finished the event according to me Suunto (click on the button below for more details) in 48m having done 5.5km.  Now I am not sure if my foot pod is over compensating or if the organisers miscalculated.  In any event, it was a great morning and start to the year.

What I learnt from this event is that I can do this, I now have a time to work on improving and that I have also booked two more races for January.  What seriously impressed me was the number of little ones walking with their parents and also an 80 year old walker that I could just not catch, no matter how hard I tried.  Wow that granny was FIT!!

My first 2012 medal is a reminder that I can and will be able to achieve my running goals, thanks to all for your support.

How is your training?  What is your first race?