5K: numero tre
5K #3 – The Red Ribbon Race in Lake Forest, IL.
This race supports LEAD (Linking Efforts Against Drugs) – a local area “organization dedicated to parents and other adults and their role in the promotion of healthy family relationships and the prevention of alcohol and other drug use and risky behavior by youth.”
Our sweaty “after race” faces!
I just realized I never tell you guys what the races we run are actually benefiting. Honestly – and this is going to sound really, really bad – I usually run them to benefit me, and my health. The fact that my entry fee goes to support something else is basically a plus. There have been a few races that support causes I really wanted to run, but haven’t worked out with my schedule.
There is one race that I am really excited about though – the wondergirl 5K sponsored by Girls on the Run, on November 15 in Bridgeview, IL. This organization supports running for girls. Check out this description from their website:
The bi-annual WonderGirl 5k is the culmination of the Girls on the Run-Chicago 10-week season each spring and fall. More than 1000 young girls aged 8-13 will celebrate their “girl power” by running 3.1 miles together with their parents, teachers, and community members.
Girls on the Run-Chicago is a non-profit after school program for 3rd through 8th grade girls. We use running to help prepare girls for a lifetime of self respect and healthy living. The character-building program focuses on building self-esteem, confidence and improving physical and emotional health. Over the course of a 12-week season our volunteer coaches teach life-skills lesson such as handling bullies, dealing with body image and the media, making healthy decisions and contributing to the community. Along the way, the girls train together to run in a 5k (3.1 mile) run, the WonderGirl 5k.
I read about this in a magazine and wanted to look up when the organization was racing in Chicago, and forgot about it until today – there was a flier for it in our race packet! The race sounds like it will be crazy, but a lot of fun. I love the idea of running a race that supports a group like this. If I had a daughter (or a son!), I like to think we would run it together. I am wondering if I can convince a fellow blogger to run this with me… (yeah, diane, I am talking to you! Maybe we can convince Tori to join us?)
I’m surprised I am even thinking about another 5K right now. Today’s was not so great for me. Steven did very well. He finished in under 26:00 minutes. We will have to look up his time when the scores go up this week (can you believe he didn’t look when he crossed the line?!). I finished at 27:04, 4 seconds slower than last time.
We did a great first mile – an 8-minute mile! I kept repeating in my head “You feel good. You feel good. You feel good.” And I generally did feel good, I just can’t figure out my breathing lately.
About half way through, I started to get a really bad stomach pain, like I was going to throw up. “You feel good” turned into “Keep running, you can do this!” and “Ignore the pain.” I didn’t have the watery taste in my mouth (that one you get before throwing up), but my stomach just didn’t feel right.
Steven went ahead of me (obviously) and I am happy he did. I could see him up ahead and I was thinking about how proud I was of him for running so hard. It didn’t bother me that we split. I don’t think we would split up on a longer race, but on a 5K it’s no big deal.
I sprinted the last .1 mile to try to beat my last time, but it just didn’t happen. Oh well. Now I just want to figure out why I have this stomach pain. My stomach still hurts right now, as I am typing.
If you want my body and you think I’m sexy… JUST KIDDING!
I don’t think the pain is any big deal. I just want to figure my body out – what to eat before a race, how to breathe, how to pace myself. Blah blah blah. I signed us up for a subscription to Runner’s World. There are a lot of good tips in there. I think I will be doing a lot of searching on the internet too.
Themocracy
That is awesome…. and that pic of you and Steven… so cute together. And look at you in that stance…. way cool.
Figuring out the whole breathing, pain and endurance issue isn’t easy, but as you start to see where your body has limits, you get it used to doing more. At least that’s what I remember from previous working out and what I’m planning on for this work out program I’m doing now.
Look how skinny you are! I hate and admire you at the same time 😉 I just wish I could get my butt in gear and stay motivated.
martymankins – Thanks 🙂 I am definitely figuring out where my limits are! I worry that i will not figure out my breathing because I am abusing the treadmill and not going outside as much. Time to toughen up!
Jenn – Thank you, you are so nice 🙂 It sounds like you’ve been into running before… what is holding you back now? 🙂
You two look so cute!! There are a lot of reasons you may be having stomach pain when you run–from dehydration to eating the wrong foods to not stretching the muscles around your stomach. I did some reading online when I was having the same problem. It really ends up being a process of elimination.
Runner’s World is great–I got a free subscription with my CARA membership.
I am thinking about the 5k…not sure I can easily get to Bridgeview that early but I will think it over this week!
I love that last photo of you – too cute with the attitude! That is a great cause for you to be running for. My sister in law also has gotten sick during a race. She is a runner and runs quite a bit. I will have to ask her about it.
diane – The more the day went on, and the worse my stomach felt, I thought maybe it was caused from me taking my vitamin right before I ate my oatmeal. I had that “vitamin-y” taste in my mouth. I bent over at home to pick something up and almost threw up. It was weird. I feel better now. Let me know what you decide! 😀
teeni – Thanks! Please do ask! Anything I can do to prevent this again would be wonderful 🙂
GRATZ!!!!! Oh and the girl race sounds like fun!!!
first- i love the picture at the top of Data!!!!
and you and Steven look too cute together!!! (as always!) and i am so proud of you for running another 5k, that’s awesome!!!!
you look excellent in your picture where you’re “posing”!!! you are so inspiring and motivating!!!!
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Felicia – Maybe they will do one of those races in TX!
CourtneyInControl – Thanks 🙂 I have a hard time deciding if I like photos enough to put on the top 🙂 Thanks for all of your nice comments! How is your exercise routine going?
i love that one of Data!!! personally i think you have an exceptional photo collection!!! it’s going… i’m still waiting for the “feel good” endorphins to kick in so that i want to exercise and it makes me feel good… i still dread it! if i can ever remember to bring the camera cord i have a pic of our october calendar. lol.
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CourtneyInControl – Pretty soon, the exercises you are doing now will feel easy and you will start to crave it! Or at least not dread it 🙂 The more I exercise, the easier it gets and the more I love it!
There’s definitely a science to running. You’ll get it figured out. I think running a race to benefit anyone, be it yourself or someone else, is great all around, and the fact that you’re doing both is wonderful!
And, you look fantastic in those pictures. You’re glowing. 🙂
Jillian – I signed up for the WonderGirl and am hoping it brings me one step closer to figuring out that science. And thank you! You are too nice! 😀