Katy Sunrise Rotary 5k

I thought I'd get one last 5k experience in before the Komen Race on Saturday.  Our Inaugral Moms on the Run 5k Training group ended with the Katy Sunrise Rotary 5k on May 23, 2009.

After 8 weeks of training for many moms that have never run before we finally made it to our 5k Race day! 

Pinning on the Bib

warmup circle

Before the Race

Kiss Kiss!

Strong Mamas!!

Way to go Mamas!  You Rock!!

Why do I run?

Most of the last year I have spent running...until I got injured...then pregnant...but through it all I have come to love running.  I just LOVE the peaceful relaxing feeling that comes over my body once I hit about 4 miles.  I feel like I'm flying.  In March, shortly after we finished the ATT Austin Half Marathon, I read a post on a discussion board titled "Why do I Run"...the following comment spoke to me...

"Why do I Run?

I Run.  Some days while I'm in it, I don't really know why I'm there.  It doesn't always feel good.  As a matter of fact, it sometimes hurts.  I'm not very fast.  I lose an occasional toenail, but....

BUT...

There are days when I FLY.  There are days when I feel like I could run all day.  I run away from things.  I run to things.  I run to break free of my self a little.  I run to spend time with my friends.  I run to explore new places, I run because my body digs it.  I run because my husband digs it.  I run to get faster.  I run so I can eat chocolate.  I run because there is no failure in it.  Even one mile is one mile.  And that is more than a lot of other people did today.  I run so that my baby girl will think about doing it too.  I run because I never thought I had it in.  I run because it is so in me."

WOW!  She took the words right out of my mouth! I regretfully don't know who said this so I can't give the appropriate credit, but if I find out one day I'll update this post.  Her words are truly inspiring to me. I LOVE Running.

....Why do you run?


****Update:  Here is the original post of this from Facebook.

2009 Blue Bell 5k

On April 18, 2009,  we headed up to Brenham to run in the 2009 Blue Bell Fun Run. Little did we know the weather was going to be HORRIBLE!  The drive to Brenham is about an hour and about 45 minutes into it the rain started.  Luckily for us the Brenham High School Athletic Program was hosting the race as a fundraiser and had set up all pre-race activites in their gym.

Ami, Gavin and Nathan, Rachelle and Wade, Chelsea, Matt and Kylie, and Chad, Avery and I all met each other at the center of the gym to get set up, prep for the race and stretch.

Ami, Rachelle and Chelsea were all planning on running with strollers and probably would have if Chad wouldn't have swooped in and offered to watch all five kids.  He really saved the day!

He truly did save the day because once we went outside it was POURING!  There was thunder and lightning in the distance and ankle deep water just past the start line. 

We even heard rumors that there were tornado warnings in the area!  Looking back, we must have been nuts to actually go out there!  There is no way the girls could have run with their kiddos.

We waited under the overhang of the school until the gun went off and slowly made our way to the start line knowing our time wouldn't start until the chips on our shoes crossed.  Boy was it wet!  Though the rain did help us stay cool...I don't think I would have run as fast as I did if it wouldn't have been raining. 

Honestly, I don't really remember much about this race except for being soaked, having to constantly wipe the rain from my face and trying so hard not to inhale water.  A visor would have been helpful.  Also there are no pictures of us running either!  Bummer! 

We did   however get a picture once we got back to the gym.  Of course we were soaked.  There is also another picture, but it was requested that I did not post it due to a certain team memeber's shirt being see through :)                     

Overall, this race was a blast to run in.  We had tons of fun and ate tons of Blue Bell Ice Cream afterwards.  The course was excellent and I will definitely run it again!

Things we learned from this race:

1.  Be prepared for anything

2.  Don't wear a black bra under a thin shirt :)

******* Update:  Photos of the race are still posted at Your Sporting Image by Karen Tibodeaux   click on "Check out all our Events online!"  Then "Blue Bell 10k and 5k April 18, 2009"

We are in a few random pictures in the gym and at the start line, but the finish line pics are:

Matt: 00009-0059, 0060

Ami: 00009-0077, 0078

Kristy: 00010-0006, 0007, 0008,0009

Rachelle:  00013-0007, 0008

Chelsea: 00013-0009, 0010

Check them out so you can see how yucky the weather was!

REMINDER!

We only have 2 weeks left until RACE DAY!  I'm so proud of all of you!  You have come so far!

Please remember to register for the race.  The original post announcing our race has all the details.

Things I Love

MY STROLLER
The BOB Revolution

I have the Stroller Strides version and love running with it.  The swivel wheel is great for turning and if I need to run at a faster pace, the wheel is easy to lock.

From the BOB Gear Website:

• Tough, welded frame; durable fabric; quality construction. It’s totally together, and built to stay that way
• Front wheel swivels for unmatched maneuverability in tight spaces and locks forward for reliable running over uneven surfaces
• Fast, two-step fold-up design for stow-and-go portability
• State-of-the-art suspension system for exceptionally smooth ride
• Ultra padded seat reclines up to 70° (from vertical); a 25° increase over previous models.
• Weight: 11 kgs, 23 lbs
• Capacity: 32 kgs, 70 lbs

MY SPORTS BRA
The Enell

Though I don't consider myself "well-endowed" this bra is a must for me while pregnant or breastfeeding.  The support is fabulous!

From the Enell Website:

The Science of Superior Support & Comfort of the ENELL SPORTS Bra sets it apart! The patented design and construction - a balance of compression and encapsulation - makes it outperform the rest in the field. Comprised of 90% Nylon 10% LYCRA® Spandex, the ENELL Sports Bra is a must have for well-endowed women who need superior support and comfort while working out.

MY SOCKS
Balega

I love these socks!  They are comfortable and don't fall down.

From the Balega Sports website:
Hand-linked seamless toe for seamfree comfort. Specially constructed mesh ventilation panel to keep your feet cool and dry. High tab heel ensures that your liner stays in place, providing for a comfortable fit. Extra-deep heel pocket. Cushioning for impact resistance.

MY IPOD

Shuffle

Though my ipod is now outdated, I still love it because it's so small.  I can clip it right on my waistband and be on my way.  No need to worry about armbands.

From the Apple website:

iPod Shuffle pays respect to its bigger siblings with a thumb-friendly, circular control pad that puts the "go" in ergonomic. Click the center button to play and pause, and click the outer buttons to move back, skip forward, and adjust the volume. The Shuffle's headphone jack does double-duty as a dock connector. Flip the iPod Shuffle upside-down and drop it into the included dock. Then connect the dock to your Mac or Windows PC via the USB for a quick sync and charge. And if you're away from your computer, you can charge on the go with the optional USB adapter.`

MY TRAINING MUSIC

PODRUNNER

Listening to music was a necessity for me when I first started running.  This series helped me to control my pace.   I listened to First Day to 5k while training for my first 5k and moved on to the other levels while my training progressed.

From the Podrunner Website:

FIRST DAY TO 5K - LEVEL 1

Series mixed by DJ Beatsmith

If you've never run before, or are returning to running after a long hiatus, this series, following the popular Couch to 5K template, is designed to take you from your first day to a full 5K (3.2-mile) run in just 9 weeks (plus a bonus "graduation mix").
 
MY IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOST
EMERGEN - C

An excellent way to boost your immune system and your energy level!

From the Emergen-C Website:

Tangy. Eriney. In short, mighty tasty. Try it and see why tangerine is one of our most popular flavors.

ORIGINAL FORMULA

The powerful blend of vitamin C, 24 nutrients, 7 B vitamins, antioxidants and electrolytes boosts your immunity*, increases your metabolic function* and ignites your energy level* to help you really feel the good.


What are some of your favorite things?

Running Music

With our runs getting longer some of you may want to start listening to music while you run. It helps you keep your mind off the pain and it gives you a good beat to follow.


My playlist is all over the place and I would probably NEVER listen to these songs on a daily basis, but I love it for running...

Thanks for the Memories, Fall Out Boy

Mr. Brightside, The Killers

Beautiful Day, U2

Family Affair, Mary J. Blige

You Get What You Give, New Radicals

Hey Ya!, Outkast

Girlfriend, Avril Lavigne

SOS, Rihanna

Suddenly I See, KT Tunstall

How far We've Come, Matchbox Twenty

Harder to Breathe, Maroon 5

Where are we running?, Lenny Kravitz

...+many more.

I googled Running Playlist the first time I made mine and there are a lot of good lists out there. You can also search by Beats per Minute, it helps to have the song follow your pace.



What is your favorite running song?