Working at Wasatch Running Center has not only fed my running addiction, but I have also had the chance to meet some amazing people. Not every one that comes in is a runner, but most customers are there to do something to be healthy. I love it. It inspires me. I have gained so many new friends that add to my world.
Greg and Angie Green are a some of the nicest people that I've had a chance to rub shoulders with. Saturday, they hosted their first ever 5k. Their cause? A cure for Epilepsy. Their beautiful daughter has suffered with them her entire life and recently underwent brain surgery to see if they could get them stopped. Time will tell. Fingers are crossed.
In an effort to raise awareness and funds for research, the Green's (being runners) tackled the very large task of putting together and hosting a 5k. HUGE job. I don't know how they did it, how they pulled it off so seamlessly, but it was amazing!
I talked Splenda Daddy into running it with me. He's been a little more ambitious with his running this year, and we all know that a good race is sometimes just the needed motivation. Add in that it's for a great cause and you have a winner with him.
Saturday morning the sun was just coming up when my eyes bolted open and looked at the clock. I had some things to get done in order for the day's other activities (more on that later) so I needed to be up and at 'em. Splenda got going, we put ourselves together and headed to SoJo and the race area.
I met up with my friends, thanked them, wished them well, and then looked for other runner friends. My longtime friend Kim was running it with her sister and Mom and I was so glad we caught up with them before the start of the race.
Some warming up, some light stretching, some strategy discussion with Splenda, then we lined up listened to the countdown from Natalie and away we were.
I've been doing a little speed training but not enough, so of course I jumped out too quickly. After a half a mile, I eased into a steady pace and settled in for the training run that I was counting this as. Having forgotten my ipod, it was just me and my thoughts. As usual, once the crowd thins out, I am usually alone in the middle of the pack and this was no different. It was a beautiful course and with the funeral of a dear friend ahead of us in a few hours, it was the perfect morning to spend some time in my head, with my thoughts, and preparing emotionally for the rest of the day. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect time to ponder. And let's face it, endorphins ain't bad either.
I hadn't made any goals for the race other than hope for a sub 30 minutes since I have not been seriously training at all. ( I REALLY suck at winter training). Surprisingly, I posted a 26:59.7 !
I was totally shocked as I crossed the line and then felt pretty good for still feeling like I could have gone for several more miles at that pace. I turned around back on the course to run in Splenda and first found Kim. We sprinted in, and then I turned around back to find Splenda but then found Kim's sister. So we sprinted in together as well. I turned back around to find Splenda but then found Kim's mom, so I started to sprint in with her, but by now her grandkids had figured it out and took over that job. Back I went on the course to find Splenda.
The minute I saw him, I knew his IT band was bugging him. It's always his nagging injury. We ice, we roll, we stretch.......you know the drill. Anyway, we chatted as he made his way towards the finish line and when we hit the sprint mark (the one I had drawn in my head), he picked it up and finished strong! I was dang happy to see that he had posted a 36:22.0. For his second 5k ever - not bad! And even faster than the one he did a couple years ago! As we milled for just a moment catching our breath and stretching, he was able to soak in the feeling of an event that has a meaning or cause behind it. Most marathons are charity marathons, they are for serious runners. But most 5k events are for causes that need our help. He was able to soak all that in. And well, I think we found his motivation. He has promised more 5k's in the future as long as there is a good cause tied to it!
Me? I just loved getting a nice run in, the time to ponder in my head and get my thoughts straight, to be with my favorite bestie and do something that was of value and benefit for someone else.
Great Purpleday indeed!
5 comments:
Sounds like you had a great time. Keep us posted of other charity 5k's. I may not be able to run one but I can sure walk it.
What an undertaking. I think we parents will do anything for our kids. I feel the same way about a great walk.
I was scared to come and run in Utah but if Splenda will run with me (you and your times scare me) i could see myself doing it.
Lets hope this comment takes since it is my third attempt at writting it.
What a great purple day race for a wonderful cause.
My Dil was in a race on Saturday too for the same cause. Her nephew has seizures every day.
What a hard life.
These moms who are so dedicated to their kids and finding a cure are my heros.
Sounds like a really nice run. I was finally able to get some shoes this weekend so I can start training again and hope to be ready by the end of May for a 5k. I wished I lived closer. I would have tried your running store, but the drive from Florida would have been a bit much.
Condolences on the death of your friend.
Post a Comment