Monday, October 7, 2013

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!

Homecoming Parade

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!

5 by the 5th

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.

5 mile run

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:

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!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Opening ceremonies

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 1Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 2

With my work crew prior to the start

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 3

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!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 4

Ready to go!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5

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.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 6

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!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 7

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!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 9

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

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 8

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?

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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!

19 comments:

  1. Nice job on your 5K, especially after running 5 miles at a great pace. By the way, you do not look old enough to have an 18 year old daughter!

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  2. Sounds like you had a great weekend! I would love to be in a parade...I would be waving at everyone :) No, you do not look old enough to be her mother!
    Your 5K pace was awesome! I always run so fast at the start of 5K's...I usually realize around mile 1 and have to remind myself to slow down.
    It's great to have a friend who motivates you, keeps you going and gives you that little extra push when ya need it!
    Karen @karenlovestorun

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    1. Haha thanks! The parade was fun! Yes, I do the same...I tend to take off during a race then I have to push hard at the end to make myself finish upright! I agree, it's nice to have a friend there when you need it the most! :0) Have a great day!

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  3. Isn't the weather great? Thank goodness the cold front came through.

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  4. Great job on that 5K girl! Especially after already running 5 miles! I agree that Saturday was sooo hot and humid but then Sunday felt great! And this morning...amazing!!!

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    1. Thanks, Mindy! :0) Agreed...it feels amazing outside!

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  5. Nice work! I always run a 5-mile warmup for a 5K ;) You're awesome.

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    1. Right?! Isn't that how it's done? Haha...thanks! :0)

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  6. Wow! Awesome job on both runs. You definitely have a 25 minute 5k in you!

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    1. Aww thank you so much, Laura! I hope it finds its way out soon! :0)

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  7. Congrats on both runs this weekend and how about this weather now... FINALLY! It feels fantastic today!

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  8. Awesome job, Karen! You were rocking it out and your pace was awesome! I don't like running with other people.. I'm trying to learn to enjoy it..

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    1. Thanks Sarah! Haha I understand...I do enjoy a solo run every now and again! :0)

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  9. Awesome job! You definitely do not look like her mother, sisters yes. You both look young though, maybe they had teen mom episodes in their mind!

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  10. The problem is that mothers are looking younger these days! I remember feeling a bit offended after my last child was born when so many people assumed she was a grandchild (I was 40) But then I realized that with all the gymnastics women go through to try to stay perpetually in their 20s, an underslept and overworked new mom probably very much looked like a Grandma!!!
    But, NO. You don't look like her mom!

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