Will Run For Ice Cream

I did it. I told myself that I would run 4 miles today. I know that I am my own worst enemy at allowing myself to give up. I didn’t run every step; I did have to walk a few steps here and there. But I set a goal – and I achieved it. And it felt great.

Wow, what a day. This course was by far the toughest course I have ever run. The first obstacle was the 90% humidity. The course was designed where at least half of it was up hill. It rained yesterday and last night making everything soggy. We had three wet wooden bridges we had to cross. We were warned about the bridges being slippery. When I took my first step onto my first bridge, I realized what they meant. Also, wet leaves covered the route and were also slippery. The last part of the mile was up a wet grassy hill, around a water tower, then back down the wet grassy hill to the finish line. I ran this race slower than any other race. My pace was a little over a 10 minute mile. But, with this course, I was fairly pleased with myself. I came in third of the overall females and first in my age group.

My next 5K is a week from today. It’s sobering not to know anyone running the race. My husband won’t be there with me. But, I am registered. I have raised my sponsorship money. The race is for a good cause. And, I will run.

I couldn't believe how cool it was outside this morning. I wasn’t prepared for it to be so chilly. I didn’t run yesterday, which usually makes it more difficult for me to run the following day. But, I didn’t give myself a chance to talk myself out of it. I strapped on my running belt, put on my reflective vest and hat, kissed my husband, and walked out the door to the fresh air waiting for me. I decided to run the 2.8 mile loop today – lots of hills – But I chose to run the course where most of the loop was downhill verses uphill. I had to run/walk as usual. I’m disappointed that I’m still not able to run non-stop on my morning runs. But I have to tell myself, that I am out there. I am trying. And eventually, surely, I will get stronger.

A couple of years ago, I ran faithfully. In fact, six days out of the week, I would get up and run religiously with my best friend. We would run, talk, laugh and vent. How I miss those times! In July 2007, I got married and moved away from friends and family. Running alone was different for me than running with a running buddy. So different in fact, that I basically stopped running. But this July I started trying to 'get back on track' with my running, and I signed up for a 5K. This was the first 5K that I had run in five years. I was both excited and nervous. But, I'm pleased to say that I ran the race and I came in just under 30 minutes. I didn't break any records, but I am pleased with myself. Getting out there and running alone is difficult for me.