That's Coloriffic!

Today was finally the day of The Color Run!

My friend Julie and I were so excited when the race announced they were coming to our city. How could we say no to a colorful, fun 5K?!

We were in the second wave of 1,000 to start. Check out the crowd in front of us!

Julie and I before the race.

And here's me afterward!

Despite the fact I cramped big time during it (excruciating tearing pain - what gives!), I definitely enjoyed being drowned in bright colored powder! Have you done a Color Run?

First Race of Season!

I kicked off race season this past Saturday with a St. Patrick’s themed-5K. I’m down for that because that means I get to wear some fun green!



This race is sentimental to me because last year it was my first 5K. I was super proud of two of my friends for running it this year because it was their first 5K!



As for how I did, I felt pretty strong but then I cramped going down a hill. What’s up with that? Any advice is appreciated. But I beat my time from last year and hey, that makes me happy.

I’m dealing with a knee issue right now (this is new territory to me) so sadly I made myself take yesterday and now today off. Any tips on how to “heal” a knee? It feels like there’s a bruise on the inside. I don’t know if that’s even possible.

Less than 2 weeks until my first 10K! The clock is ticking!

Route 66 Bliss

Today was a very important day for me. I ran my longest race to date at the Route 66 Marathon relay. But the distance wasn't the most important part about the race - it was why I was doing it. I want to share with you why today was so special.

At my last job, I worked with a wonderful man named Randy. He had a sunny personality, greeting everyone with a big smile and slap on the back or a "Hidey ho!" Everyone had something nice to say about him.

Randy was a marathon runner. Earlier this year when I started running, he would always encourage me and ask how it was going. I felt silly feeling proud of the 1 mile I ran compared to the 26+ that he could run, but he always treated it like a great accomplishment.

Running marathons wasn't Randy's biggest fight. He passed away on Sept. 27, 2010, from melanoma. After he was diagnosed and started treatment, we watched the weight fall off of him. Even though you could see in his body the arduous fight he was going through, you'd never know it when you spoke with him. He was so inspiring, so encouraging, so strong; still always smiling, still asking about you when you wanted to talk about him.


D.C. trip with co-workers

When Randy lost his battle to melanoma, I was asked to participate in the marathon relay in honor of him. I accepted in a heartbeat, although the distance (more than I had ever run) daunted me. But I had to do it for Randy, for everything he went through. Today during the race, I started to feel tired and I took the time to take a short walking break and talk to Randy. I asked him to run with me because I needed a piece of his massive strength. After I had the talk, I started running again and I hit my stride - I felt great. It was the best race I've done and I surprised myself with my time.

Randy kept me going today.


That one was for you, Randy. I miss you.

Another Runner's High

It's been over a week since my last post....oops! Time just flew this past week. I had to finish my final project for my photography class so exercising and life (and blogging) was put on the backburner while I finished my project.

I ran a 5K this morning and felt absolutely fantastic. No cramps, no pain, no discomfort = awesome. I realize that I run my best when I am lost in conversation or in my thoughts. If I'm not thinking about how far I still have to go or about the pain somewhere in my body, I feel like I can just keep going and going. I think about life, work, what groceries I need to buy, anything really, and it works.

Today my friend Julie and I just chatted about our weekend plans and who knows what else while keeping a good pace. Before we knew it, we were on the final stretch feeling strong and racing across the finish line. Gotta love that runner's high!

I sported my new shirt - Team Grundy. My old job made these shirts in memory of a friend and co-worker who recently passed away. He was a marathon runner and such an inspiration. In November, I am part of a marathon relay in honor of him.



I ate this before the race this morning.



I got a free one at an expo yesterday. It tasted pretty good. High calorie though but I know that's OK before a long run. Maybe I'll pick up another before my upcoming relay race.

What's everyone's fun plans for this weekend/Halloween?!

A Runner's High

I’ve been a work out-a-holic lately. Instead of just running, I’m also going to the gym to lift weights. I want to increase my strength and endurance. It’s also increased my hunger. I am hungry all.the.time.

I realized that I never posted how Race for the Cure went. You might remember when I wrote about the disappointing 5K I had a few weeks ago. I went into Race for the Cure with a whole different attitude… I mean, how can you not? That race is so inspiring and the turnout was incredible.


Not my race but our crowd looked like this - amazing!

I ran with a friend who was running her first 5K. She did great! And I was relaxed and enjoyed it. I think I probably ran a little more than a 5K if you count all the weaving I had to do around people. I used Sarah’s (A Girl in the Sunshine) advice, which was to view the 5K as a game and see how many people I could pass. That really worked! It gave me something else to focus on. Thanks for the advice, Sarah!

My next run is an all-women’s 5K in mid-October. Can’t wait!

If you can’t tell my current outlook on running is… content.

What’s making you feel content these days?

Tales from a New Runner

I have my fourth 5K tonight.

I started running earlier this year through a Couch to 5K program. Before that, I could barely run down the block without having to stop and gasp for breath.

Even with completing the program, I'll admit that I'm not a natural runner. It's difficult for me but I'm seeing progress. I finally ran 3.4 miles consistently in 30 minutes! This was a battle and I was so proud of my friend Julie and I for accomplishing that together. On our next run, we did it again but a little faster! Then a few days later, I ran by myself and was barely able to run 2 miles without stopping. Go figure, huh? I would describe it as a run-by-run battle.

My goal is to one day run a 10K. I'll get there.

But as for tonight....

My shoes are ready.



My outfit is, too. I'm also going to don this shirt at the Race for the Cure 5K next week (fifth 5K)!



And so am I. (I never look happy when running. Hmm...)



I was sick earlier this week so I'm crossing my fingers for tonight. I want to do my best. That's all that matters!