Hill Country 5K November 13, 2010

My goal this year was to complete four 5K walk/runs.  Our first 5K was in February and freezing cold.  The second 5K was in May and hot and humid.  Our most recent 5K was last weekend and the weather was really nice.  A tiny bit cool, but it warmed up nicely.  The course itself was a hilly trail race.  When they say hills, they mean hills!  At one point, we were literally leaning into the "hill" and walking up as wide-legged as we could so we didn't fall over.  I really enjoyed the scenery but I don't think I'll do it again.  I think I'll stick to the road races.  

My goal was to complete 4 races this year.  We did 3 and I feel really good about that.  It's just too hot in Georgia to be running in June, July and August.  So maybe 3 runs a year isn't too bad.  We're already talking about doing another one in February or March of next year.  I can't believe I'm saying this, but I really love to race, even if I don't come in first.  I get this great feeling deep inside each time I cross the finish line.  I almost cry each time.  My daughter attended our last one since it's near my hometown.  She told me afterward that "water was coming out of her eyes when I crossed the finish line"...isn't that so sweet!  She's 4 years old and just as tenderhearted as can be.  

Here's some pictures from the day:

This was my friend Alecia's first race.  I promised I would walk with her since this was her first race and neither of us had really done any training.  We started off by jogging intermittently the first mile.  After that, we walked.  By mile 2, she was pretty much done, but after a little coaxing and motivational words, well not exactly...  At this point, she had thrown up and sat on the ground.  I told her she needed to get up before her heart rate slowed down, or we'd never finish.  I'm not sure if that's true or not, but it sure sounded good!  Then she told me to "LEAVE ME ALONE!" and I didn't.  I just kept saying you can do this and we're almost done!  And then I told her about the lady who swam the English Channel but quit just before the shoreline because she couldn't see it.  I guess a switch flipped and she was ready to finish the race.  I was really proud of her and I know she was super proud of herself for finishing.  I kept my promise and never left her side more than 10 feet ahead or behind at any given time.  

What a great day!  Can't wait for the next one!

Enjoy!