Foot Rx always has yummy treats like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chocolate peanut butter balls. Nom nom! Then, if that isn't enough, they have THE best door prizes around. (Not that I won any...but still.) They give away tons of Foot Rx gift certificates and merchandise. They are the great supporters of the running community here in Johnson City.
Then, Crumley House served a post-race pancake breakfast for everyone who participated complete with bacon and pastries. Our race packets included a performance shirt made by the clients of The Crumley House, hand lotion, chapstick, and a bag full of coupons. It was a great cause to support which brought in a great crowd for an inaugural event. The Crumley House is a brain injury rehabilitation clinic and aptly called its race "Joggin for the Noggin".
They were both on pretty tough courses so I struggled through them. As one does when racing. Have I mentioned how much I dislike 5Ks? Not that I dislike them, per se, more that I don't like being uncomfortable. To be "competitive"... or at least competitive with yourself for a personal record one must push her limits. On the quest for a personal best I find my lungs burning, breath short, stomach upset, and legs begging me to stop pushing so hard. This is not a good feeling. But, yet, I still do it to myself because no matter how much it hurts...it still feels good. Many of you runners I am sure will agree with me on this one. We may hate every loving minute of it but we will still do it again and again and again.
As I said in an earlier post, one of my goals for 2012 is to get faster. Therefore, I have incorporated more speedwork into my week. Right now I am doing a lot of 400 and 800 intervals because I have just been doing 5Ks. I want to add back in the mile repeats because they teach me to reach a level of sacrifice and stay there. That's my downfall in the 5K. I can get it there but I have trouble keeping it. I give up some times but I really just don't have it others. I have to learn to live with that feeling for 24 minutes because that is my goal 5K for now. I need to get in the 24s and I will. I was only 27 seconds away at Joggin for the Noggin which was a new PR for me. Only by a few seconds, but every second counts, especially on this course. I'll take it. So, if you pass me when I am running a race, yell at me. I need it.
On another note, my mom has signed up for a 5K program and I couldn't be prouder. My dad ran a 5K with me last year for my birthday and he was awesome! I'm so excited because I see a family 5K in the future! ;) I love sharing my love of running!!
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| Dad and I before Blue Plum 5K |
Happy Running All!
I feel you on not really enjoying 5k's. They hurt!!! It sounds like you've got a winning plan with your speed work. Way to go, Niki! Keep up the good work!
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