Sunday, April 21, 2013

Sprint for Cancer (#7) & Running Moms Rock 5K (#8)

Race day Saturday was much anticipated for me, mainly because I've had a nagging injury during my last few runs and I wanted to see how my body would hold up.  So, this Sunday morning as I type this post, I don't feel too terrible - a little knee soreness but that's about it.

Sprint for Cancer (#7)

2 great events yesterday with 2 completely different races.  The first 5K, the Sprint for Cancer in Irving, was a family event and when I say family - I mean, I did the 5K with my family.  Taylor, Brady, Campbell, and Piper all joined me on the family friendly run.  I'm a little embarrassed to post a time of over an hour but I met some really fantastic people and it turned into a talk and walk-fest.  It was sooo much fun and Piper really enjoyed herself walking and running the entire race - I was impressed with my little 4 yr old. 

I talked with several people who actually see, first-hand, where the money that was raised will go; it benefits the program they are in charge of.  One of them, a young mother diagnosed with cancer at age 15, couldn't run because of a prosthetic but her spirit and passion for her program, a camp for diagnosed and recovering children with cancer, was apparent.  She was pushing a stroller with her nephew and was using the stroller to stabilize herself as she participated in the run. 

That's just one of several stories I was a part of yesterday in Irving.  I was reminded of those friends I have lost and those who are or have battled this killer.

Running Moms Rock (#8)

Another great event yesterday in Highland Village!  An extremely festive event with a winding course going through residential areas, parks, shopping centers, and jogging/walking trails.  I must admit that it was nice to run through residential areas where the residents were out in force encouraging runners with high-fives, signs, cheers, and water.  The route did have a lot of twists and turns but overall it was a fun run and I must admit a difficult run having already participated in a morning 5K.  I felt as if I walked this entire race but my 10 minute mile pace was sufficient enough for me at the time.  My legs were tight and heavy but I kept moving forward. 

I can't seem to locate race results so I'll post my unofficial results from RaceKeeper:

Race completion time 32:06 ( I'm a little disappointed in that considering last Thursday I ran in 30:01.  I was hoping to get under 30)
My pace was a 10:22 per mile

So, I am hoping by my next race that I will have had more sleep since baby boy Brady is starting to sleep a little better through the night, I think?  Funny thing about being sleep deprived is that I think your mind starts to make things seem better than they may actually be.  At any rate, 8 races down - 32 more to go and I'm feeling good about it all!

Off to clean the house and maybe take a nap (fingers crossed).  Have a fabulous Sunday today!  Until next time - Good Day!!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Hollywood Heights 5K (#6)

After a couple of weeks off to settle in with my new baby boy, Brady, it was back to the 40 5K quest yesterday at the Hollywood Heights 5K in Dallas.  I was really impressed with this event - it wasn't too big, it was a good route with a little bit of a climb the first mile and then a little bit downhill towards the end.  After the race there was a live band, Third Shift Amber Beer (my new favorite), pasta salad, and something else I really couldn't identify, but was delicious.  It was a little cool but nothing a good run wouldn't warm up.  This Saturday I have 2 runs coming up so this will no doubt be a challenge considering the fact that it takes me a couple days to recover.  The first run will probably be a walk as I will be doing this one with the whole family, minus Bash.  Taylor, Piper, Campbell, and Brady - 2 strollers and 3 kiddos!!!  The other 5K is the Running Moms Rock 5K in Highland Village where I'll hopefully be able to run that one.

Now, on to the race results:

  • Finished this one just over 30 mins (30:01)
  • Pace was 9:39 
  • I finished 18th out of 27 (40-44 yr olds)
  • Overall I finished 181 (450 runners)
  • And finally, 120th out of 193 men
For some reason whenever I use RunKeeper I always seem to run 3.24 miles but here are the results from that:  Finish time 30:03 at an avg pace of 9:17.  I don't know???

Well then, until next time which will be Saturday as I try to double up - look for a new post soon.  Until then be safe!!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Champagne Shower Run (#5)

Little Elm's Champagne Shower 5K was the first for Creationsplus and it showed.  Although my race time improved, I may have ruined a pair of shoes - so frustrating!! The Tuesday leading up to this race was the day that my son, Brady Christopher, was born. He was 9lbs even and almost 21 inches long. Needless to say, I wasn't expecting much by way of time for this race, in fact, I thought I might have my worst time on this race due to fatigue.  Brady had good nights and bad nights leading up to the race but it didn't deter my desire to go through with the run. Apparently, there was a storm Friday night that soaked the course for Saturday morning which wasn't bad; in fact, it was easier on the joints but it did turn into a mud run and I feel for anyone who had a fall because it was a tough run. All in all, it was a decent course despite the mud and water puddles and here are the results:

  • Finished the race in 30:37
  • Pace was a little slower 9:47
  • I did finish fourth in my age group (nevermind that there were only 7 runners)
  • Overall I finished 43rd (173+ runners)
  • I finished 25th out of 54 men
Also, here's a pic of my little boy, Brady, who is a week old today!

Photo: Should I wake him up for not sleeping at all last night? Gotta get the days and nights switched!

Now, I'll be taking at least a week off leading up to my big week when I'll be doing 3 runs and 2 runs in one day.  If I can make it through that - I'll be feeling much better about completing this challenge.

Well, I wish you all a very prosperous week and enjoy your rest as I'll be searching for it high and low.