This fall in celebration of my being in remission from stage 2 cancer, and 5 years out of treatment, I will be running my first 5K. I started training last fall, and continue to run daily, rain or shine. Boy is running in this cold New England weather been challenging. Every time I step outside to run and feel the bone chilling cold and wind against my skin, I want to turn around and go back in the house where it is warm. But, I am determined to run this 5K from start to finish, and know how important training for it is.
When I came up with the idea of running a 5K, my family thought I was crazy. The last time I ran was when I was in high school. Yes, I would run around the track in college come exam time to relieve stress, but I haven't run since, unless you consider me chasing after my girls. :-) And, I could tell when I went running for the first time last fall. A few minutes into the run I was winded and had to stop due to cramping. I had forgotten to warm up and stretch. I also forgot that I am much older now and not in the same shape I was before, so I couldn't just start running and at a fast pace. Instead, I would have to ease back into it, until I found my rhythm and my body got used to running around.
Luckily, my 5K race is not until early September, so I still have time to prepare. Right now, I am able to run 3K without a problem. Hopefully, in the next month or so, and as the weather warms up, I will be able to get to 5K. I know that I will be able to, it will just take proper training and time. And, thankfully, just like when I went through my cancer treatment in 2008, my family and friends are supporting me 100% and pushing me to continue when I have those off days when I just don't want to run, or think this is a crazy and unreachable goal.
So many people I know have taken up running and compete in 3K, 5K and marathons. While many know they have no chance of winner, they all know that they are doing it to prove to themselves that they can, or for a worthy cause. I am not out to run this 5K in record time. Instead, as I run each mile, I will be proving to myself that I can conquer anything. Cancer was one tough batter which I won, and this 5K will be a piece of cake compared to what I went through during my cancer journey. And, as I cross the finish line to greet my family and friends and receive their hugs and kisses, I will be checking off yet another item I added to my bucket list back in 2008 when I found out I had cancer.
With 2014 being a new year, why not consider doing something now like taking up running? Like I said, you don't have to run to win a competition. Instead, run for the fun of it, run in someone's honor, run to celebrate a milestone in your life, or run to get back into shape. Whatever the reason, please don't give up on those off days. Instead, take a step back and remember why you started on this journey. Then, get out and have run. It really is refreshing to run and have the wind blow against your face. Each and every time I add a new mile to my running, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. And, I can't wait to see all my hard work and training pay off this September.
How about getting your family involved in a fun run? I recently heard about The Super Run,which I think is a great idea. The Super Run is a family-friendly fun run that supports local non-profits raise funds and awareness for their organizations. It is superhero themed event where all registered participants will receive an official superhero cape! From Maine to California, Michigan to Florida, The Super Run is currently has 20 + event dates schedule throughout the USA – with more being added daily. What separates The Super Run from other events is that you can select the non-profit that you’d like your fundraising efforts to benefit.
To learn more about The Super Run, check out this informative video at Indiegogo.com.
The inaugural Super Run® event will be held in Detroit, Michigan on April 26th 2014, a few days prior to April 28th -- National Superhero Day.
Note: The Super Run is an event management company that will handle all of the details and logistics of planning an event in your area. You provide the volunteers for the day of the event and we’ll handle the rest! A portion of the registration fees PLUS 100% of sponsorships and funds raised go directly to your organization!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab friends and family and sign up for The Super Run today, and help raise funds and awareness for a non-profit that is close to your heart. Click here to see if there is a Super Run heading to a city near you soon --- http://thesuperrun.com/locations/.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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