Brain Health Blitz 5k

Last Sunday, on Father's Day, I ran my first solo race in over 2 years. It was awesome! It was also my first 5k of the year (the last one I did was last September). I made that one in under 40 minutes pushing Jack in the stroller. Going in, my only goal was to finish this one in under 40 as well.

It was a great course, going around a lake at one of my favorite shopping centers. Except that we had to go around it 4 times and by the 3rd time around, I was getting tired of the same route! It was mostly flat with one small hill. It wasn't easy, but I ran the whole way and pushed it a little on the last lap.

My official race time is 32:52! Woohoo! There were only 36 people running and it was such a nice, relaxed race, put on by the Alzheimer's Association. I don't think they advertised it really well so not many people knew about it, but it was great. I hope they do it again next year!

Jack and Sidney cheered me on and took some pictures while I ran.

I'm not sure when my next race will be, but I look forward to running much more. I've been running around my neighborhood more and last weekend I ran Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I'd love to run more 5k's and slowly work my way up to longer distances. My ultimate goal is still a half marathon!

Race for the Cure- Team Felicia

On Saturday June 4, 2011, we walked for my coworker Felicia (the one in the pink wig). At just 32, Felicia is now a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in November 2010 and started treatment in December. This past weekend she had a bilateral mastectomy and is expected to make a full recovery. We're glad she was able to walk with us!

We've already started a team for the 2012 walk, this time calling ourselves Banner Companies for the Cure since we all know other women who have survived or are battling breast cancer. I'm happy to be a part of something so important and hope we can make a greater impact in 2012!

Peace

We had unbelievably gorgeous weather yesterday and I was actually home to enjoy it. Usually I'm stuck at work on the nice days, but not this time! Jack and I ate our snack on the front porch where we got some much needed vitamin D. Then I had a brialliant idea- we should go for a run! And that is exactly what we did.

Almost right away, Jack fell asleep in the stroller and he stayed sleeping even after we got back home. I just did my short lake run and, despite not having done any form of exercise all year, I was able to almost run the whole way (I had to walk up 2 big hills). My legs are a little sore today, but I feel great!

Just starting out:                   

The scenery:

Back home (and passed out):

After the run, I walked around a little more while Jack slept. Then we came home and I sat on the porch and enjoyed a glass of chocolate milk. As I sat there, sun shining down on me and staring at my beautiful, sleeping son, I felt at peace. Behind me was a house full of chores needing to be done, but I put it out of my mind to enjoy that moment and what was in front of me. It was wonderful and just what I needed.

I hope to have many more days like this one!

Until next year

Now that it's dark by the time I get home and getting colder, I'm not going to be able to go out for runs. This past weekend was unseasonably warm and I took advantage of it. I realized it'll be one of my last runs of the year. I'll have to figure out what I'm going to do all winter. With all the delicious holiday food and big sweaters to cover you up, it's easy to let yourself go this time of year. I'm determined to stay healthy though! Jack is a great motivator!

Race Results

I've been keeping a spreadsheet of my race results for awhile now and thought it would be nice to post it here.

DATE NAME DISTANCE TIME/PACE
4/23/2006 Pike's Peek 10k 1:06:45 / 10:45

5/20/2006 Germantown 5-Miler 5M 53:15 / 10:39
5/29/2006 Sue & Connie's Run 4M 40:04 / 10:01
6/4/2006 Capital Crescent 5k 29:36 / 9:47
6/17/2006 Run For the Roses 5k 32:39 / 10:31
6 9/19/2006 Kensington 8k/2-miler 2M 20:24 /10:12

10/1/2006 Rockville 5k/10k 5k 34:38 / 11:09

6/2/2007 Race For The Cure D.C. 5k 36:36 / 11:43

6/16/2007 Run For the Roses 5k 33:41 / 10:51
9/1/2007 Kentlands/ Lakelands 5k 5k 31:30 / 10:09
4/27/2008 Pike's Peek 10k 1:04:10 / 10:20
6/1/2008 Capital Crescent 5k 31:48 / 10:15
7/19/2008 Rockville Twilighter 8k 54:24 / 10:57
10/5/2008 Army Ten-Miler 10M 2:05:12 / 12:31
11/2/2008 Rockville 5k/10k 10k 1:05:39 / 10:34
1/1/2009 New Years Day 5k 5k 33:43 / 10:51
1/17/2009 Shooting Star 4mi 4M 43:58 / 11:00
2/7/2009 USATF community 4k 4k 25:52 / 10:25
2/15/2009 Country Road Run 5M 58:47 / 11:46
3/1/2009 Run Aware 5k 35:45 / 11:31
3/29/2009 Runterra 8k 8k 57:59 / 11:40
4/5/2009 Cherry Blossom 10-miler 10M 1:58:30 / 11:51
4/14/2009 Firebirds Mile 1M 9:19.39

5/16/2009 Germantown 5-Miler 5k 42:37

10/17/2010 ICC 5k 5k 39:57:38 / 12:52

I color coded it to try and make it easier to read. I like seeing how I've improved, especially when I run the same race more than once. I love getting faster times and breaking personal records!

As you can see, 2009 was my big year for running and I had big plans for myself. I was running 2 races a month and wanted to train for a half marathon. Then I got pregnant with Jack. I used my pregnancy as an excuse to be lazy and I stopped running. In my defense, I did feel really sick and extremely tired during my first trimester. But even when I was feeling great during the second trimester, I didn't even go for walks. If there is a next time I definitely won't be making that same mistake again! I'm running now and trying to set a good example for Jack and that's what matters.

Have a great week!