I finally managed to get my pictures off my cell phone. 
I'd forgotten that I had placed a "no browsing" hold on my phone, and to send pictures, you have to be able to browse. 
I had a blast! We arrived there a bit before 6:30 a.m. I got my timing chip and figured out how to attach it to my shoe, then we just walked around for the next 40 minutes or so. It was still pretty cool weather wise.
Here's me before heading to the start line:
About 7:20 racers started heading towards the start line, so my dad and I followed along. The starting gun went off at 7:35, and about three minutes later the section I was in started moving. There were probably around 2500 people racing.
I had made up a playlist last night of upbeat songs/motivational songs that would take about 50 minutes to run through. I was definitely glad to have my music. I used a combo of my music motivating me, and picking out landmarks to run between.
I crossed the finish line at . . . 43:37!
So I completed two goals - I finished the race (running across the finish line!)AND I finished under 45 minutes! Woo Hoo!
Here's a picture of me after the race:
They had bananas, watermelon, bags of chips and cookies, peanut butter bars for the participants - they also had beverages - including beer and soda, which seemed rather counterintuitive to me, but oh well.
My dad and I went out to eat at IHOP. Much better than the supper of plain spaghetti we had last night.
I am going to check into what 5k's may be in September -- my goal for that one will be 41 minutes or less!
Thanks again everyone for your wonderful support and advice!
5k Update
July 19th, 2008 at 07:20 pm
July 19th, 2008 at 07:44 pm 1216496692
July 19th, 2008 at 08:15 pm 1216498527
You go, girl! You inspired me to get off of my butt and get on my treadmill! It takes me 20 minutes to WALK 1.25 miles ... granted I've only been on one twice this week and eons before that. I bet you'll be able to do your next one in 41 minutes! Yay for Laura!
July 19th, 2008 at 09:43 pm 1216503836
July 19th, 2008 at 10:19 pm 1216505951
July 19th, 2008 at 10:31 pm 1216506689
Momcents,
Half the battle is just getting on the treadmill! Way to go on getting on it! 1.25 miles in 20 minutes isn't too shabby at all!
July 20th, 2008 at 01:46 am 1216518375
July 20th, 2008 at 02:18 am 1216520330
July 20th, 2008 at 03:44 am 1216525449
July 20th, 2008 at 05:11 am 1216530660
July 20th, 2008 at 01:14 pm 1216559688
July 20th, 2008 at 02:44 pm 1216565061
July 20th, 2008 at 05:41 pm 1216575669
July 21st, 2008 at 05:13 am 1216617226
July 21st, 2008 at 10:52 am 1216637524
Thanks baselle.
July 21st, 2008 at 05:10 pm 1216660235
Way to go!