Fabulous Race, Fabulous Day

Well, what can I say?  Today was awesome.

I woke up bright and early, excited and ready to run.  I had a little less than an hour drive to the Brandon Motta 5k held at Colt State Park in Bristol. The race and the location were a first for me. 

I gave myself more than enough time and got there while the volunteers were still setting up.  I took a little walk to check things out and look at the water.  The fog was crazy and I couldn't see very far.

When 7:30 hit, I registered and waited for Connie to arrive.  I was so thrilled to finally get to meet her.

When we spotted each other, I received the biggest hug and it just meant the world to me.  Connie and I have chatted online and encouraged each other for several months now and meeting her in person did not disappoint.  She was friendly and beautiful and you could just tell how excited she was to be there. 

Connie had set out doing the Couch to 5k training plan and had a goal of doing a 5k before she turned 60.  Today she made that dream a reality!

Before the start of the race, I met her husband, her best friend Sharon of 42 years, and Sharon's family.  They were all so lovely and it was an honor to meet them all.  Everyone was taking part in the race and they welcomed me into their group as if they knew me forever.

This was a very small race, 146 people, and you all know, I love small races. After the National Anthem, we were off! 

The course was along the water and it was beautiful.  The weather was perfect and I know, I was smiling. 

I decided to not use my iPod or a GPS.  I wanted to be able to chat with Connie and her friends and just take it all in.  I stayed with Connie for most of the race.  I enjoyed the view and the conversation.  

However, in the last mile, I picked up my speed and it felt good.  No pain in my hip.  I ran in at 34:50, not my best time, but a PR was not one of my goals today. 

Connie came in about a minute behind me and she looked great!  I am sorry I don't have a picture.  When we started this race, she talked about how slow she was, and well, she came in seven minutes faster than her first time running 3.1 miles.  Her smile said it all!

As for her friend Sharon, she is training for the Marine Corps Marathon coming up in October. Woohoo Sharon!  

Her training schedule called for four miles today, but she decided to just go for speed and just do the 5k. She wanted to break her record of 28 minutes and did!  27:17 for Sharon! She said that it was Brandon who inspired her and kept her motivated.  That is pretty cool.

This race was to benefit Brandon, a 10-year-old boy who has CMT, a neuromuscular disorder.  I was so happy to be able to help with this cause and I hope next year, I will be able to do this with some of my family and friends.  If you would like to make a donation, click here.

The race was very well run.  Registration was easy, the course was great and a super big bonus, no porta potties!  Yes, that's right, real bathrooms. 

At the end, you got a shirt and bag full of goodies.  The tables had fruit, pizza, water, Gatorade and coffee.  There was also a special guest there, Santa Claus, and I am sure he was the "real" one.

After they announced the top three male and female finishers and thanked the sponsors, they had a raffle.  I am psyched to say, I won a gift card to a nice restaurant in Providence.  Thursday will be nine years for Mr. RWM and I, and this is a nice treat for our night out.

All in all, it was a prefect day and I had a wonderful afternoon with my family.  This was a great way to finish up our summer vacation.  

My little boy starts first grade on Tuesday.  I am praying for a good year. He seems very excited and I hope he stays that way. My baby stays home with me for two more weeks and then she will be in preschool three days a week, one of those days she will be there all day.  Wow, I am going to have six hours to myself one day a week.  Is it bad that I am so excited?

I am thinking that my long runs will take place on that day.  I am looking at about five more long runs before I taper.  Wow, I can't even believe it is getting so close to the big day.  NWM is 48 days away.  I am beyond excited. 

Till next time, Run Strong, Think Big!