Run Baby Run

My days of not-very-serious running began as a way to get back into shape after Lauren was born and I joined Rough-Fit.  In November 2009 I completed my first and only half-marathon.  Reminisce with me here.

When I stopped going to Rough-Fit almost two years ago, running fell by the wayside.  Not that I minded.  Beyond the physical benefits I couldn't deny, running has typically been a solitary exploit and I much prefer group forms of exercise.

But lately I've been feeling the need for more cardio and some additional variety in my workouts, so a couple of months ago when I received the mass Rough-Fit email about an upcoming 5k, I felt a twinge of excitement.  Hey, 3 miles is a heck of a lot more manageable than 13.  And I knew the group was laid-back so it would be a relaxed morning amongst friends.  

Sign me up.

I knew that KK was really into fitness and Joe told me she had kicked his tail while running a couple of years before, so I invited her to join me.  Always up for a challenge, even one that would require her to wake at 6:15 a.m. on a Saturday morning, she said yes.  Sweet.  (*Disclaimer: actually, when I asked her, I had no idea of the start time, so can't say for sure whether she would still have accepted the invite so enthusiastically, but I'm going with it)

Race day dawned with cloudy skies and mild temps - perfect for a jaunt through the park and canyon.  

Wanna guess which one of us decided to be the designated photographer instead of running?

[Hint - the one with the bermuda shorts, snake toes, and mad skills with a camera lens]

Pre-race, we focused on our strategy and adopted looks that let the competition know not to mess with us.

I was totally faking, of course.  Everyone knows I can't take running seriously.

As it was Rough-Fit's first annual 5k, they made it look quite official, pulling out all the stops with balloons, flags, and a chalked course.   

There were about 35 of us participating, including a few kids (not to mention one dad pushing a double jogging stroller - he still beat me, but I'm not pouting). 

The course was a straight shot into Peter's Canyon and back.  KK was up there close to the front of the pack and finished strong, cruising like she was enjoying just another day at the park.

I, of course, was closer to the back, but really paced myself and saved my energy for the end.  Mary is a member of Rough-Fit who is a friend and we had always been about the same speed when it came to running.  She started way ahead of me, but I spied her on the return leg and came up on her less than a quarter mile to the finish.  She was fading fast and I could have blown right by her, but that's not nearly as fun as finishing together.  So I pulled up alongside her and encouraged her to race with me to the end.

That sparked a fire in both of us, and we were off.

I must say, at the time it didn't seem like she was too thrilled about the challenge.

Afterwards, however, she did say that if I had not pushed her, she would never have finished the way we did.  Strong.  And together.

It was actually really fun and something I would definitely do again.  A few 5k's a year could do me and my body good.  

Next up?  Rough-Fit's First Annual Triathlon.  Tentatively scheduled for August 24th.  With a relay option that Joe, KK and I are already fired up about.  I will leave the running to KK and the cycling to Joe.  Which means I'll be finding a pool and logging some lap time in the not too distant future.  

Ready.  Set.  Summer.