Emily and me, with the 90-year-old who beat us conveniently cropped out of the photo.
I've been a runner off and on for the last 15 years. I've run a marathon, 2 half marathons, a 10k, an off-road race, and a handful of 5k's. I'll get on a running kick, train for something, and then fall off the running wagon for awhile. I seem to always pick it back up again at some point, though. I don't love it. I'll never be one of those people that can't wait to get out the door and run. However, it's the one form of exercise I always fall back on to get me in shape. It's cheap, it's requires little preparation, and it's the quickest way for me to start dropping pounds and looking fit.
I need goals to get me motivated to run, though. I've learned over the years that I'll never run just to run. Whether it's a race to train for, a new training program (Couch to 5k at the moment), or a specific personal goal doesn't matter. I just need a reason. Well, a reason bigger than just getting off my behind, that is.
Yesterday I joined up with some local blogging friends to run my first 5k in nearly 2 years. I have Heather to thank for providing a reason to get me up and running again. She put together a team, and this just goes to show you the lengths I'd go to just to hang out with these girls. Exercise and sweat profusely? Sign me up! I had a secondary goal of running the entire race without any walk breaks. I've always done my races in run/walk intervals, and I'd like to just once run an entire race from start to finish. It didn't happen yesterday (Ft. Benjamin Harrison is hilly, yo), but I'm close. A flatter 5k in some cooler fall temps and I think I can make it happen.
In the end, I was just happy to do it. Happy to hang out with some of my favorite internet, and now real-life friends. Happy to do something that's good for me, and to have my kids see me exercising and enjoying it. Happy to see all of our kids and husbands meet and have a good time together. Happy to support a cause I believe in, and to run in memory of someone who should be here today. And really, who doesn't need anything other than happiness to motivate them? Okay, happiness and ice cream. Ice cream is a huge motivator.
It was fun, wasn’t it?? In a sweaty kind of way 🙂
My face is as bright as a strawberry, you look like you’re hardly working!
I had a great time, we seriously should do more of these! Honestly, I’m game if you are…
You are looking mighty buff there Mrs. Six! 🙂
Next time, let’s all plan to go out for ice cream afterward? Deal?
I’m so game. Especially the ones with free baklava and beer. See above mention of ice cream motivation. FYI, you kept me on a great pace. I’m a little slower than you, so thanks!
You are my new best friend.
Twist my arm.
Um, I’ve gotta get in on the next one of these types of meet ups! This is right up my ally!
Yes! Even if none of us can keep up with you, at least we’d get to see your sweet face at the finish line! I hear there’s something in the works for this fall at Wine at the Line?