Run like a Diva

     Let me start off by saying Run like a Diva is one of the BEST RACES ever! As a woman, it was so empowering to be cheered on every step of the way. You get 13.1 style treatment even while running the 5k. Is it a happy coincidence because they are there for the half runners? Yes. Do I care? Not one bit. I think I cried once every mile. Jordan even asked "How long was your run" when I told him I cried 3 separate times. Not crazy crying just tearing up. I'll cry at a dog food commercial so this really isn't a stretch here. Women of all walks of life and every color, size and shape did their personal best for that day. It was beyond inspiring. Some people were running, others walking, and the best part is it didn't even matter. Everyone was proud of everyone.
     I ran with my cousins in love and my sister and had a blast. The only thing I didn't like about this race was the actual start. The finish and start were two separate areas. After walking past the finish and seeing no one huddled near it we knew we needed to keep going to figure out where we should be. This race was very clear that if you aren't here on time, you don't run. Around 6:58 we settled in with the MASSIVE group of runners and took a few pre race selfies. At 7:01 a half runner says "Oh the 5k has already started" WHOOPS. Queue mad dash from millions several others who didn't hear anything. It was like the running of the bulls. No lie. We pushed, "excused me", and shoved our way through until we reached the "parting of the sea" at the end when people finally moved over for fear of being trampled to death us to get through. I was pissed. Normally races decide your placing based on gun time or when they say "go" and not when you actually cross the start and finish. Luckily this race is awesome and goes by your official time. So I wish the would have asked halfers to move to either side while we made our way up. We were also pushing time so I'll let it slide ;)

Pre-Race selfie

      The first mile and a half was like an obstacle run for me. I was dodging slower runners and the occasional runner who slammed on the breaks when she saw a fireman to take a picture with. After that I hit my pace. I felt like I was barely on the ground. It was just one of those races where everything fell into place. My breathing was great and so was my stride. I couldn't have asked for a better run. The only what if's I have from this one is wishing I didn't have to bob and weave so long and thinking about how that might have changed my time a bit. Couldn't have done THAT much better though because I'm thrilled with how I did finishing 65 of over 1500 overall and 6th of 113 in my age group!




My sister Katie and Me

              Champagne Finish with Katie, Lindey and Rachel!                

 

      I can't tell you how proud I am of these girls! They seriously rocked their first 5k and I can't imagine not doing this with them. I will be there next year, I'm thinking I will be in the half marathon. If the 5k was that awesome I think I'd be blown away with the half. We will see!

Oh HEY!

         Since my half I've been really absent in the running world. I've only run two races since then and I have to say I've missed the feeling that came with lacing up everyday after work. A lot has changed since 2013 which has really affected my desire to hit the pavement. I won't say ability because I know that if you want to badly enough you WILL find a way. I've let life be an excuse...sort of, I'm still working out though so that counts right?
         For starters we moved! We had been living with my in-laws who are absolutely amazing. We lived there for a year. Most people never would have survived but we made it fun! When Jordan works now, I find myself thinking about how quiet it is. It's strange and I've had to acclimate myself to it all over again. I don't think I would have picked up running like I did if we never would have moved in with them. There are so many responsibilities with being a homeowner but when you move in with your parents, you don't have to worry about that (thanks Diana and Jed). We organized a nightly dinner duty and I only had to cook one night a week. It allowed me to come home, change and run wherever and for how ever long I wanted to AND be able to come home to food :)
        Apparently when we moved to Johnston county which apparently is the land of snow. Seriously what was up with this winter? I've seen more snow this year than I have my entire life it feels like. I went to college at UNCW then Jordan and I bought a house in Leland and saw zero accumulation of snow. Then came here and are the real life Frozen (Let it Goooooooooo).  You're welcome. Try to get that out of your head now.
        I did start up Jillian Michael's 30 day shred and now moved on to her Body Revolution which I love! It's not repetitive like the 30 day shred so I never remember what comes next. I'm half way through it now and I will probably turn around and do the 2nd and 3rd phases again when I finish; this is because I have a reoccurring issue of paying a gym and then never showing up :)
        Lifting weights has definitely changed my body but I can't even describe what running has done for my stress/mood/overall well being. Running let me release so much frustration and negative energy I had. There just something therapeutic about the rhythm.To be honest running allowed me to let go of things that I have no control over. I'm a self admitted control freak. I want to control every (within reason) aspect that I can. I like to plan, to have a head's up, last minute changes stress me out. Running helps ease that for me. I've set a goal for myself for the rest of the year: one race a month. Super excited about this! My next run is in Myrtle Beach with my sister in law, her mom, and cousins. So excited for this one!