My family and I recently returned from Lincoln, NE, where we participated in the #Race4Souls, a 5K race benefitting Soles 4 Souls, put on by the amazing Mrs. International, Maggi Thorne. It was our first race of the season and short of a few raindrops, the weather was great!
The whole family participated in this one--my husband ran for time and I ran/walked/carried my children at a little slower pace. :) Slower pace is my style...and I'm ok with that.
A few years ago, if you would've asked me about being in a race, I would have laughed in your face. About the only running I did was to the refrigerator and it showed. I was never a runner and not built that way. But I had gone through a rough patch in my life and I felt out of control. In an effort to breathe some new life into myself, I decided to try something that I had never done before...so I signed up for my first 5K. I knew that setting goals was important, so the goal I set for myself was simply, don't get last place. I walked a majority of the way and was happy to clock in at a little after 45 minutes...I narrowly accomplished my goal...by crossing the finish line just before a man walking his dog. It's ok to laugh--I laughed too. Not too bad for my first "race."
I joined my local YMCA and started to attend fitness classes and run. Slowly but surely, I was able to do a mile without stopping. I was ecstatic. This progress kept me motivated. Then I could do two--that was a huge accomplishment for me! And it took time. I was slower than a herd of turtles in peanut butter (I love that saying), but I kept on.
It would be the end of May 2013 when I decided it was time to see how I would do. The opportunity to do this new race called 'The Glow Run' came up and it sounded like it was something straight up my alley. It ended up being un-timed, but we had fun (in spite of my feet burning; note--this is where I learned that properly fitting shoes are very important). And who knew that tutus were the secret weapon? :)
I did a few more races that year, all with times in the mid to high 30's--still faster that my first year. WIN!
I continued to go to the gym on a more regular basis--and took the next year's races by storm. I was even starting to learn the running lingo and was excited to say that my first race of the season was a PR (personal record). I even took 3rd place in my age division later that summer! Ok, to be fair, there weren't that many in my age division (30-39), but it still felt great!
I've continued to improve my times since then and husband has improved his as well. Last year we took the children to two races. Our pace was not very speedy but we all crossed the finish line together! I have even joined a social media group of ladies who enjoy doing 5K's just as much as I do. We're a community of fun and support! Which brings us to our first completed race of the season, Race4Souls! I'm really excited to see how this year shapes up--and for the first time, I can say that I am happy and amazed with myself, my body and what it is capable of doing!
Parting thoughts:
1) You're not fast, can you call yourself a runner? You bet! No matter what speed, if you run, you are a runner.
2) If you want to try a race, get out there and try it! There are plenty of races that include people of all ages and abilities. Use that first experience to set the benchmark goal you need to beat next time. And ask your friends to join you!
3) Set small goals--you will feel amazing when you achieve them and stay motivated.
4) Running is a super-supportive community--no matter where you go, runners cheer each other on or say hello.
5) Someone will always be faster. Fact.
6) You will really start to put more thought into your shoes.
7) A lot of races have a charity component. Have fun running and supporting a good cause!
Be the Change. Be the Light. #ServeLoveVolunteer
Cheers!
Jill
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