Race day

It has been awhile since I have had a "race day" but that is what Saturday morning was. I signed up a few days ago to participate in a 5K. The race was sponsored by my gym and raised funds for Ronald McDonald House charities. I had seen the flyers a few weeks ago and decided to sign up. I didn't choose to run the race for time or a place or anything like that--I chose to run in it as a way to gauge my current running abilities so that I could set goals for a 5K I plan to participate in this October. The fact that the money I spent registering was going to a charity was, of course, a great bonus. I prefer participating in runs that fund a cause.

Overall, the race went well. It was overcast and rainy, and quite humid out, but not a bad day for a run. I didn't break any records, but I survived and had fun doing it. It's been so long since I have had that kind of adrenaline rush. Don't get me wrong--I love writing a good paper or prepping for a presentation, but the adrenaline just isn't quite the same. And I realized I still think the same way when I run (looking for people ahead of me and trying to set goals). Shawn came out and supported me along the way, which was really nice.

(He took this picture a little after mile 2 and climbing a hill--I had passed the woman in purple a little little bit ago, and I managed to pull away by the end, but that girl in the pink did catch and pass me--I need to work on my finish!).

The run took me a little longer than I would have liked, but it gives me an idea of where I am and allows me to set some goals for the Get Heeled 5K I plan to do in October (that one raises funds for an organization that helps breast cancer survivors). It is nice that I have friends and family whose dedication to fitness inspires me (thanks Sam and Sarah for the lovely blogs or your Facebook updates). Maybe I can turn to those for motivation on the upcoming days I just don't feel like running (and would rather bake cookies)!