5K Race Tomorrow! Whoop!

Wow.  Seriously, I can’t believe that I am running a 5K race tomorrow.  Me – the run-loather.  The one who would generally consider running if a pack of rabid, frothing at the mouth, hyenas were chasing me.  Me – the one who swore she could never do any distance running!  Yep, that girl.  This self proclaimed “grandma turtle runner” feels ready for this next milestone – running a 5K.

Rob mapped out the final training week for me this past week which included 2 rest days, which totally made me twitchy.  And yesterday’s chill run drove me crazy.  I ran a chill 1.5 miles and wanted to run so much farther, but Rob’s voice (which sometimes looks like an angel on my shoulder and sometimes a devil – depending on how I feel about what he is saying….like, “Run faster, you can do it”…while I am feeling like I might pass out, that’s devil Rob – but “Ok, you’re done for the day, the magic of running is sometimes it’s about just getting out there and getting something done, it’s better than sitting around”….on days I really want to finish strong but really am too tired to finish, that’s angel Rob)….anyway, Rob’s voice popped into my head when I finished the 1.5 run yesterday to remind me, “Even though you may want to push yourself, you’re just staying limber for the race and conserving energy that you will be glad you have for race day!”  So, despite my desire to push further, I ran the chill 1.5 miles and called it good.

Today I am full of anticipation.  Note:  To you uber-runners who run Marathons on purpose, etc., I know you might chuckle that I am reacting to this 5K like it is a marathon…but, everyone starts somewhere, right?  If you had told me in November when I began this journey that in April I would be joyfully anticipating my first 5K I would have questioned your sanity. 

I still don’t have aspirations at this point to run super long distances, but I do feel great about accomplishing a steady run routine of 5 – 6 days a week running between 2, 2.5 and 3 miles.  The majority of these runs are actually fun now.  There still are some days when I feel like I have 10 lb weights strapped to my ankles which are chained together as I run…but those times are definitely fewer than before.

My goal in November was to commit to keeping a daily food journal, choosing to eat wisely, not in a restrictive way, but paying attention to portion sides and foods that are more health giving than health taking.  I also committed to going to the gym or running outside at least 3 days a week for a year.  So far I have kept a journal of my food intake EVERY day since the week before Thanksgiving and have kept my commitment of going at least 3 days (most of the time it’s been 5 – 6 days) a week to get a good workout in.  I must remind you all, however, that I definitely know that my strength to do all of this has been given to me by God.  After each and every run, I spend a couple of thankful minutes talking to God and thanking him that I was able to do the run with this aging body of mine.  I am fully aware of not taking this body for granted, but caring for it in a way that honors Him. 🙂 

Tomorrow’s race. www.coloradolungs4life.org I am running in honor of my brother, Howie.  He died of cancer that spread throughout his body, including his lungs.  Cancer sucks pretty much.  I miss him so much and am thankful for all the days I got to be a part of his life.  Race goals:  #1 Finish.  #2 Finish without walking.  #3 Finish between 36 and 40 min.  I think I can do 40 for sure, Rob is thinking I can trim it to 36.  #4  Celebrate!  

Thank you to the friends and family who have been so encouraging to me on this journey.  My long-term goal is to be running as the “great-grandma turtle runner someday” in the decades to come. 

Off to the races…..