A Passion for Running; A Passion for Pink

If you would have told me ten years ago that I would run a 5k, I would tell you that I'm not a runner, but if you told me that I would run at least one 5k every year I would know you were crazy. I never had a passion for running before I had my boys. I went to the gym lifted some weights and got on the elliptical, but just don't ask me to run. I don't know exactly what happened. I think it might have something to do with giving birth naturally (2x), and then feeling like you can run a marathon.

I started small with the Running Mate program as I pushed my son in the jogger. Every day, a little bit, each time until I was running 3 miles. The program encouraged me to sign-up for a 5k to set a goal for myself. I chose the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k. 

It wasn't a random decision. I knew I wanted to run for something that had meaning. Like the young mom I knew who died of breast cancer, or my Aunt who battled breast cancer with chemo and surgeries, and my own scares of cysts and lumps. It was a disease that affected some many people in my life, and I wanted to make a difference. 

It gave training for the race a whole new meaning. When a steep hill would cause me to slow down, I would remember to keep running for those who couldn't. I would imagine myself running proud in my pink t-shirt inwardly cheering for those fighting for their life.

This year will be my 3rd time running in the Susan G. Komen race on June 14, and this time I have partnered with Cary Heise at Vend Raleigh. We are organizing a team of walkers, runners and sponsors within our community to help raise awareness for breast cancer and money for research.

A special thanks to our sponsors Green Pea Baby, Inked Custom Apparel,  Triangle Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center, Mickey World Travel, North Raleigh Family Eye Care, Fitness 19 Cary, Pam Nogle with It Works! and Hedoepaper.etsy.com  for being our team sponsors. 

Interested in being part of the team as a walker, runner or supporter? Click here to Join the Team

See you at the race!

A Rainy Day Inspiration

 

It's been raining all week, and the kids have been sick for most of it. My gym schedule hasn't gone as planned. So when I went back yesterday, I wasn't sure if I should work my legs or arms, so I did a little of both and talked a little too much. You can't help but talk when you've cooped up with the kids since Monday. Especially, adult conversation. You know politics, events around town, corn-hole tournaments. Did you know that some people don't know what corn-hole is? It's easy to explain it is another name for bean bag toss, but it's hard to forget that look they give you when they think you're speaking prison lingo.

The rain is bringing me down. It's cold too. I'm wearing a sweater today. I jokingly tell people that I run on sunshine, and it's true. So how I do get through on these rainy, cold weeks? Besides hot coffee, pumpkin spice lattes, and Amino Energy drinks; an inspirational story perks me up.

picture by: Paula Fahey Rahill

 



I was scrolling through my Facebook feed, and I found her. I found Katie. The girl that lived up the street and played Barbie's with my younger sister. Katie's not the young, childhood friend I remember. She's a strong confident woman running a marathon. I clicked on the link that took me to Katie's blog-- Hobo Mom. I read about her humble appreciation of everyone who helped her get to the finish line. I love how running makes a wonderful analogy to life, and if anyone makes that point any stronger, it's Katie. Did I mention she's a single mom and mompreneur.

So, I encourage you to read Katie's blog. She'll make you cry, laugh and laugh some more. It's the perfect pick-me-up on this rainy, cold week. I don't know when the sun will come back out, but I do know you might get a smile on your face and some extra running motivation after reading Hobo Mom.