So back in February, as I previously mentioned, I started my 5k training plan. At that point I still wasn't sure how focused I would be on my fitness goals... so I thought what a better idea to (hopefully) stick to my running plan than to sign up for a run! I ran the Sole Sisters race 3 years ago and I really enjoyed it. First of all... there is a chocolate stop along the route... need I come up with any more reasons? Pretty sure that seals the deal right there... But I will list a couple more... like the run isn't timed and I thought that would be a perfect way to ease back into running races. Also, it's a really fun atmosphere, there is such a variety of fitness levels, many inspiring stories and oh.. there are firemen that present you with your medal. All of these reasons are why I signed up! And I managed to convince my friend Laura to sign up too!
Anybody that knows me is probably laughing at the line above where I said.. easing back into running in a race that isn't timed. I'm pretty sure from the very first run on my training schedule I set a time goal for myself to run 5k in. Pretty sure I mentioned before that I wanted to run 5 in 30 minutes, but eventually changed that to 35 minutes.
I'm pretty sure I read that there were 3,500 women doing the Sole Sisters run this year. So there were a boatload of people hanging out waiting for the run to start. But the atmosphere was awesome!! The music was pumping, people were dancing, everyone was excited to be at this event.
This year, they switched up the way we started off. Instead of people arranging themselves by the pace in which they thought they would run/walk, they would rope us off into waves letting a certain number go at a time. It worked out just fine! I was running with my friends Laura and Cathy. There were also some members of the local running group the TTP (Timberlea Tundra Pounders)... but they were running a 'bit' faster than us.
One thing that I actually enjoyed about this course was that we made 3 turns at the end of streets, so we'd pass all of the people that started behind us. My lifelong friend Jenn was also running in this race and we didn't think it would be possible, but I spotted her after the first turn. It was really fun to be able to cheer each other on and give high fives every time we turned around.
So one thing that made me SUPER happy and made me smile was seeing my trainer friend and her mom cheering us on with some of the best signs on the route! Her mom's sign said "Forget Ryan Gosling, there are firemen at the finish" and hers said "Run now, wine later."
Honestly though, the best sign was the one that my trainer friend flipped around when I got close.. it said "Hey Little J.J you inspire me. You got this girl. Keep Going". Not going to lie- I totally stopped my running app so I could stop, take a picture and enjoy the cheering that they were doing. It was short lived before her mom yelled at me- "Jill, you don't have time to stop... keep running!!". So we continued on our way.
Somewhere after stopping for a picture and making 2 turns on the run, the previously mentioned chocolate stop was upon me. It wasn't even cheap chocolate, it was Newfoundland Chocolate Co. So as I ran by, I slowed down to grab one (it would be irresponsible not to) and pop it in my mouth. Now the last time I participated in this run, I must have walked a lot more... because I don't remember having this problem... Turns out, it's REALLY hard to chew a caramel chocolate while running and continuing to breathe. I knew if I was going to continue doing well.. something would have to give... running, eating chocolate or breathing. Naturally I took this opportunity to walk for a few feet until most of the chocolate was eaten :) That's the smartest decision.. right?
So soon after the chocolate station was my favorite part of any run... the finish line!!! I told Cathy to give'r and let's go. I got a runners high yet again when I looked at my app to see I demolished my goal of 35 minutes and completed my 5k in 32:43. I was over the moon!!! I was also quite happy to receive my sweet medal from a fireman!
So the finish line (if you will) for my 5k training plan was Sole Sisters... so it's over now... what's next? A couple days after the run, my trainer friend and I were talking about what I'm going to do to keep my running alive. I told her that I had an idea in my head, but what was she thinking. Naturally we had the same idea... time to start training for 10k!!! Our conversation went something like this... Me- I was concerned about actually signing up for a 10k run before completing the training plan because what if I wasn't ready. Well her reply was- Then you walk it....either way I know you'll cross the finish line... I rolled my eyes, groaned and said OK! She then asks.. does agreeing to this make you nervous? Cause if so, then it's the perfect plan. I reply with a hell yes it does!! It's a huge deal and commitment that's making my stomach do flips!! How on Earth does that mean it's perfect? This is a direct quote because now that I'm fully in training, I agree with her "If it scares you....then it means you are stepping outside your comfort zone just enough! It's all about challenging yourself and your body. I just know that you'll kill this next goal of yours!" I love that she has the confidence in me long before I do!
So- not only am I doing a 10k training plan, but I've officially signed up for a 10k race! It's a trail run at the end of August... I should be ready by then! I had those same stomach flip flops when I actually registered for the run.. but I reminded myself that it's a good sign and I've got this!!
So.. I shall just keep running ;)
