Running update

Well, training is in full force this week. Since being back from vacation I've had to kick it up a notch and stay focused. The first "tester" race is Saturday, May 2nd. This is a "tester" because it's a 5K. I run 5K's all the time in the gym and recently started running them once a week through the hills of Greer ranch. But, never in my life have I run an actual race with other people (unless you count those jog-a-thons as a kid in elementary school).

Knowing that I wanted to run a 10K (6.2 miles) on my 36th birthday, I figured I'd better at least try a real 5K first. I'm pretty excited about the race in 8 days. I'm not expecting to finish anywhere close to the front of the pack. More likely the middle of the pack. But, it'll be good to get it under my belt before the 10K the following week.

This is the 5K race: http://www.wildwomenofwinecountry.com/

On my 36th birthday I am running the 10K in wine country. http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1658094&assetId=f19ef97c-58cc-4351-86c8-744d9f3a6933

I am doing this to celebrate my one year of working out and my 26 pound weight loss. I've been pretty focused on my training for the last year and never in my life would have expected the results I got. My friends have all been so supportive and motivational to me. I cannot imagine going through the training without their support. I know I would have fallen off the wagon long ago if it weren't for friends pushing me along the way. Even little comments and recommendations have lifted me on those days when I thought i just couldn't lift another pound or run another step. My personal trainers actually "trained" me and for that I realize I am so lucky! I think I had two of the best personal trainers a girl could ask for. Thanks Dan and Romeo.

This week my cousin Julie contacted me and said she'd love to run the race with me next year. Knowing that Julie is already in shape and somewhat of a runner I invited her to run with me this year (thank goodness for Rami's Southwest Airlines Frequent Flier miles). She agreed and she is flying to Southern California for 4 days and we're going to run the 10K together. I am so very excited to share this experience with her. Jennifer is coming in from Burbank and is our cheering section.

I should also thank Jennifer. A couple years ago she asked me to run a race with her. I laughed at her and said something along the lines of "this girl doesn't run unless she's being chased". She ran the race anyway and she finished and I was so proud of her. Then, a few months later my friend Lori, who had recently lost some weight, also ran a 5K. I did my first ever 5K that day (I was on a treadmill, while Lori was running in the race) and feeling that connection with Lori made me realize that I could run. I had been training for 5 months at that point and was definitely stronger than I had ever been in my life.

I'm so happy to be able to share this experience with my friends and my family. My kids are getting the running bug lately and I hope to infect more people with my enthusiasm. Weight loss is a state of mind. Hopefully, I can encourage everyone who I touch that they can achieve whatever goals they set with the help and love and support of family and friends.