Inspiration!

In 2001 I started running to get in shape. I ran on a consistent basis for two years and then I stopped, exercise can be cyclical like that. My first race was a 10K and I finished in an hour, pretty good for a new runner. After that first race I primarily ran for causes that I believed in and my final race was in 2005 when I ran my local Thanksgiving day Turkey trot. 6 miles of pure torture for me because I foolishly did not train and just went out there and ran. I do not advise doing that! I was in pain for days.

Over the last couple of years, I've talked about getting in shape and finally last November I stuck with my plan. The thought of running again really didn't cross my mind, I couldn't imaging trying to run carrying all of that extra weight. But as the weather changed from winter to spring and now summer, I starting thinking that with all the weight I've lost, I might just be able to start running again. As you know on May 15th I ran my first 5k in years and I had a great time, well, it was hot as Hades but I still felt a sense of accomplishment for finishing in 32 minutes and 20 seconds. I actually ran this race because I was prepping for the Race and Relax 5K event being held by Lorraine and Christie. They were organizing a "get moving" event for local bloggers to encourage us to get moving. Well, that was just the motivation I needed to start running again. That and the fact that after the race we were going to have brunch together and receive a spa certificate.
Well on June 5th we all ran, walked and wogged our butts off! I am happy to report that finished my race in 30 minutes and 17 seconds - a whole 2 minutes faster than my last race!

I convinced my girlfriend Chiquita to run her first 5K and sadly she missed registration for Race and Relax but she ran anyway with an impressive time of 32 minutes. You go girl!

Our brunch at Einstein's was sponsored by Disney and was fabulous and I can't wait to use my Spa certificate. We had race day shirts courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute and I think the highlight of the entire day was the trophy that we all received!

I want to thank Lorraine and Christie for inspiring me to get back on my feet and start running again. As you know, I am now officially registered for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco and I'm running with Team and Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Who knew that taking the first step with a 5k would inspire to run 13.1 miles?

And I'd love your support - you can donate to my fundraising efforts by Clicking Here!