Last July, I started "running" for the first time in my life. I consistently "ran" (walk/jogged) about 3-5 times a week until about November/December. At that time, I was experiencing some minor health issues and took several months off to recover. During those few months I gained back 10 of the 30 pounds I lost. NO GOOD.
With a little motivation from a good friend, I decided to start running again. This time I decided to do the "Couch to 5K" program. Using this program, you are supposed to be able to go from your couch to running a 5K in 9 weeks! I am hopeful, but realistic, to know that I started WAY out of shape, so it may take me a little longer than 9 weeks to complete the program. I'm ok with that.
Three weeks into C25K, I was presented an opportunity. "Scentsy" offered to pay registration for anyone who wanted to participate in the "Race for the Cure" 5K. I knew I wasn't ready to run a whole 5K, but I couldn't pass up FREE registration and an opportunity to hang out with some cool people in our ward. So I signed up and ran extra hard the few days before the race.
Many of us met early at the church and then headed to the fairgrounds to get picked up by a shuttle bus to the actual racing area.
There were A LOT of people waiting for the fairground shuttle. It looked like we might not all make it before the race started. We were slightly concerned.
Someone was on the ball, and sent for extra shuttle buses. We got on, and arrived in good time before the race.
"Yay...we made it on!"
It was a chilly overcast day, with a little breeze.
Good for when you were running. Bad for when you were sweaty from running or waiting around.
Even after arriving at the starting line, we waited.... and waited and waited. We spent more time waiting, then running that day. :) Oh well.
Finally, there was a count down and then we were off... kinda. At first, we shuffled around trying not to trip on the person in front of us. Eventually the crowd thinned enough to jog. I jogged a little and walked more. I was definitely NOT prepared to run the whole time yet.
After the race, we enjoyed a breakfast of bagels, yogurt, milk and fruit and then we headed home. Successfully battling the returning shuttle bus crowds, I arrived home to see my children scurrying around. I was met by 2 of them on the front porch. Treyson was funny. He said, "So mom, how was your race?...ummm...Is that a new shirt?...ummm... What's in your bag?....ummm." I asked him if he wanted me to wait outside for a few minutes. He thought that was a good idea. He and Abree kept me company until "the coast was clear".
On the sidewalk, leading to our front porch, Taylee had written encouraging quotes from each kid, in chalk. They had also drawn me some chalk pictures.
When I finally got to go inside, this is what awaited me...
"Yay! Mom!"Taylee had drawn the sign. It was so cute. There was a little note telling me to look closely and try and find each one of my kids in the sign. I found Abree in the A holding a sign that said, "Go". Treyson holding on to the M (with an M sign). Taylee riding a roller coaster around the O (with an O sign). Rylee singing in the last M (with an M sign). Putting it all together it said,
"Go M-O-M".
Across the bottom, were pictures of other racers and me crossing the finish line. There was so much detail and thought put into it. I LOVED it!
Also awaiting me were these yummy chocolate cookies and a CLEAN house! My kids are awesome. They even let me take a (mostly uninterrupted) nap, before continuing on with the rest of the day.My kids keep referring to the 5K as a marathon. I try to explain to them that it is no where near as big as a marathon.... 3.2 miles compared to 26. They will be so disillusioned when they actually figure it out some day. :)
