Webster Education Foundation 5K
Webster, WI
Local Historical Weather (Aug 13):
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |
| H (°F) | 79 | 84 | 76 | 71 | 76 |
| L (°F) | 62 | 67 | 56 | 42 | 55 |
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Web EDU 5K '16 (Pushin' a Stroller)
Well, folks, it's August. I suppose that means it's time for another go at the Webster Education Foundation 5K. As I said last year, this race is one of the … MORE
Well, folks, it’s August. I suppose that means it’s time for another go at the Webster Education Foundation 5K.
As I said last year, this race is one of the few that I’ve participated in every year since conception. And it’s particularly special to me now, for two reasons: I placed first it my age category there in 2013 (though I couldn’t quite repeat that in 2014), and I ran it in 2015 when I was just suspecting I might be pregnant with my baby boy.
It’s only fitting, then, that this race marked my first go at running with a baby stroller in tow! Right? Right!
Let’s run!
Webster Education Foundation 5K 2015
As I enjoyed my post race refreshments, I became unexpectedly saddened. Unfortunately, day of registrations must have been much larger than anticipated, as there were more finishers than medals and … MORE
As I enjoyed my post race refreshments, I became unexpectedly saddened. Unfortunately, day of registrations must have been much larger than anticipated, as there were more finishers than medals and the presenters at the finish line ran out. So late in the race, most of the people coming in didn’t seem to mind. But there was one little boy among them, who was maybe 8 years old, that I felt terrible for. He ended up coming in a few seconds too late and missed his chance at taking home a medal himself.
For awhile, I watched the little boy mope around, sad that he didn’t get a medal. I kept trying to figure out who he was with, in the hopes that some adult in his immediate family or extended social network would give them theirs. But nothing. Thinking back to when I was that age, and really wanting him to be motivated to participate again, I grew more and more depressed. I didn’t know if it would be uncomfortable for him if I were to approach him and give him mine, so I sat and debated what to do.
Imagine my surprise then when, before I had worked up the courage to take action, the husband of a young family sitting next to me in the bleachers elbowed his wife. After an exchange of muttered words, she walked over to him and gave him her medal.
The smile on his face was priceless, and my faith in humanity was renewed.
Webster Education Foundation 5K 2014 (Ru
Eventually, the crowd was called to attention by a man with a megaphone who talked us through the race course (right, left, turn, turn, dance on your tippy toes and … MORE
Eventually, the crowd was called to attention by a man with a megaphone who talked us through the race course (right, left, turn, turn, dance on your tippy toes and then … what?! I don’t live in this town, so I just trusted that there were good markers on course / wished for a guy in front of me who knew where he was going.) With a few more general directions, finally it was time.
Bang. The gun was fired, and we took off.
Webster Education Foundation 5K 2013 (Ch
Finally, the moment came to announce the top threes. Why is it so hard to be patient when you really want something bad? Top females 12 & under... top males … MORE
Finally, the moment came to announce the top threes. Why is it so hard to be patient when you really want something bad?
Top females 12 & under… top males 20s…
Ok, here it comes: top females, 30-39!!
Nope, not 3rd place…
Hmmm, not second place either? Well, shoot. I may as well get up and start walking back to the car.
And then I hear it. “First place, Natalie Cobb.” I am so shocked that all I can do is let out a yelp of “Oh my god!”
It took me a few seconds to realize I need to hustle up to the announcers and claim my prize… the whole time I’m in a daze, not able to believe I just took first place.
And then, reality sinks in as I start to walk back to my husband. For all the years where I thought I’d never weigh less than 200 pounds ever again, never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d EVER take first place in any kind of athletic event. Even as a kid, I was always the chubby one on the side lines, dreading PE class and hoping to make it through any mandatory athletic event without making too much of a fool of myself. And here I am, holding a medal for first place. I proceeded to lose it when I’ve cleared the crowd, full on bawling on the way to the car. Not out of pain or anger, but out of sheer pride.
It’s times like this that I can’t believe who I’ve become. Not only a PR, but first place. Who is this person?! I don’t know, but I’ll keep her!