I’m Making Strides!

Good morning! Fall finally found its way to SWLA yesterday – it was a chilly 68 degrees when I woke up on Sunday morning! Yesterday afternoon, I left the windows open in the house and it felt amazing. Jason and I also replanted and moved around a few plants in our flower bed (thank goodness, it was about time)! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend…here’s a glimpse of mine.

On Friday, I received a call from my friend Kim who asked if I would ride in the homecoming parade with her sister, as an assistant if need be.  Of course I couldn’t pass up the opportunity!

We had so much fun! After the parade, I had two people ask if I was Sara’s mother. I’m 31 and Sara’s 18. No, I’m not her mother.  Must be our dark hair, people think we are related. Someone please tell me I don’t look old enough to be the mother of an 18 year old…

Anyway, onto other things.

I am currently participating in a challenge that’s being hosted by Mommy Run Fast. It’s the Fall 5 or 10 by the 5th Virtual Race Series. Basically, for the months of September, October, November, and December, participants have to run 5 or 10 miles prior to the 5th of the month and document their accomplishments in a spreadsheet. Each month, giveaways are held and there’s an option to purchase a medal at the end of the series. It’s fun to read along and see what everyone’s running to reach their goal!

For October, I ran 5 miles (plus a 5K) on Saturday morning. I had plans to run more than 5 miles but woke up late due to the homecoming game the night before.

I ran these 5 miles without my running buddies (they had other plans…gasp, I know right?!). Kidding…I love you guys!

During the 5 miles, I pushed myself but didn’t want to overdue it because I knew I had a 5K to run not long after. It was HOT and humid (yes, still) which made it difficult to breathe.

Despite the weather, I kept a 9:07 pace and finished with just enough time to make it over to the 5K!

On the way to the 5K, I ate a banana and cooled down in my car. I also changed my shirt to pink…it was in support of breast cancer research, after all!

I’ve run this 5K twice in the past. Check out those recaps here:

• 2011 Making Strides 5K
• 2013 Making Strides 5K

As a volunteer with our local American Cancer Society, I’m always excited to see a great turnout at events. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer was no exception! The crowd was great and full of energy!

Opening ceremonies

With my work crew prior to the start

I gathered with several hundreds for the start of the 5K. This 5K is advertised as a walk, but is also runner-friendly. Last year, I got turned around with directions and ended up running almost 4 miles instead of 3. I haven’t been able to live that one down yet!

Ready to go!

As we took off through a local neighborhood, I weaved through walkers (sounds like a Walking Dead episode) until I was out in the open.

At mile 1, I noticed I was running an 8 minute pace. I HAD to slow myself down. This was not a timed 5K, I kept reminding myself. I was having difficulty breathing and I didn’t want to fizzle out before the end!

Around Mile 2, my friend Mike joined me and we ran and talked the rest of the way. I met Mike at a local race back in 2009 when I first began running – it’s always nice to see a familiar face at a local run. After he joined me, I kept talking so I would forget how miserable I felt. I wanted to walk SO bad, but I wouldn’t let myself. Mike confirmed my thoughts by saying he was glad I was there because he wanted to walk, too. We kept pushing each other through the end, neither allowing each other to walk. It was awesome and I told him we need to do that more often. When the weather is cooler and I can actually breathe outside, I would love to run a timed 5K with him! I have a goal to reach a 25 minute 5K – I’m so close, I just haven’t broken that time yet. We will see what cooler Fall weather brings!

We crossed the finish line, just shy of a 5K distance with a  pace of 8:39!

Thanks again, Mike!! I appreciate the support you gave me on the course.

Do you enjoy running with others? How do you get yourself through rough patches during a race?

-------------------------------

Don’t forget about my Thirty-One giveaway happening right now! One lucky winner will receive a Cinch Sack with personalization of their choice. Enter now, giveaway ends on Thursday!