2nd 5K of the year - WOO HOO
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Regardless of my scale ignoring all the healthy eating and increased activity I'm doing - I keep walking, moving, tracking my food, and logging on.
On Saturday I was scheduled to walk in another 5K along the bay front - but it was FREEZING cold - with heavy windy rain and a soaked floody (I make up my own words) course. I had a plastic poncho with me (not a lot of protection but better than nothing) - but still - I almost turned around and drove home due to the weather. And then - a rainbow appeared - literally through the rain. I figured it must be a sign. I slogged my way about a half mile to the starting line, teeth chattering, signed in - and looked around at the hundreds of people there for the same reason. People with their young kids with them - People in their 80's looking like they could outrun a cheetah - People of all ages who were in varying degrees of out-of-shapeness (see? lol) - all with the same determined "weather-schmeather" look in their eyes. I figured, "If they can do this - I can do this."
At about mile 1 - I started looking for a shortcut out of the insanity.
But then I had one of those unexpected Spiritual experiences - where I felt as though my Mother-in-law (who passed away a few years ago - but was always gently, lovingly, encouraging me to get in shape) placed her hand on my shoulder and nudged me on. How could I say no to that? And so I kept going - at my slow, slow, pace. People flying by me - staying dry probably due to their incredible speed - called out encouragement to me along the way.
And so, wet, but no longer cold, I made it across the finish line in 1 hour and 17 minutes...and was so proud of myself.
It makes me tear up just thinking about it.
I'm signing up for one 5K per month. Weather- Schmeather.