Yesterday was my year mark for 12 5k's and sadly I only made it to ten. Mind you ten 5k's is nothing to stiff at but out of 10 I never improved. That's the part that upsets me, I didn't really try. Yes, showing up and taking part is a big deal. But improving and getting better that is the whole point.
After a week of being sick I did push myself this weekend, Friday I specifically did. In order to get my 10 in a year I did 2 5k's this weekend. Friday I did the marine sunset flightline 5k which was awesome. It was the first time ever that anyone was allowed on the flightline that weren't service members. I picked my person and stayed with her the whole way. I am really not a runner, however I am an exceptional sprinter. Intervals were my survival. The group support was so good since it was filled with families and service member's. The only downside was I had no family there or friends. The downside of moving to an island to help your sister then sister leaves to go to the mainland for training for a week, oh and still gets to see all your family/friends, you get stuck on an island alone. I would have said that was heaven but being sick up to the day of my race's made it less heaven like.
Saturday was 5k number ten, it was a nite run. It sounds cool but after busting my butt the night before I was extremely sore, tired of doing group races with no local support (mom cheering via text), and the organization of the event was lacking. I have never heard of a running event without a water station mid way or having water at the end. I am sorry I just sweated my hinnie off and you want me to pay for water? Where am I keeping this money at to pay for this refresment? In my phone band, my boobs, or my socks? Please let me pull out a sweaty wad of money from any of those places to pay you for WATER! Another downside of no physical support during a 5k in a city is parking and no one to hold your stuff. I never go to a 5k unprepared I brought my own water, fruit, and snacks but they were in my car. My car was 3 blocks down and on the second level of a random parking deck.
I still plan to do the 2 remaining 5k's because I want to run the whole way. I want to pick my person and for my person to be an athletic person. November my sister and I are doing the color run so I need to find a 5k for October. I am actively looking for a run that doesn't require a group costume or cheerleaders. Since moving to oahu I have done 3 5k's and have had no local support even though my sister and nephew were here for one of those races. So it seems I should pick a race that doesn't make me feel all on my own. I really do miss my support I had in IA(cheerleader and 5k buddy). It is hard to find a friend who encourages you all the time even if they don't agree with your tactics.
So even though my legs feel like they are going to fall off today my goal for the week is to run a full mile. I now have a set schedule for night runs and different strength workouts during the day. I would say wish me luck but really I need you to pray for my determination/strength. :-)