Base Line

I finally ran a race this year. I finally committed to facing the reality of how much slower I have become. Race For The Cure is the 5k I ran last year — I came up short of breaking 20 minutes after some confusion about the course and clock time. This year I wouldn’t get close to that time. Running a 6.25 minute pace for 3.1 miles was not in my bag of tricks. I was avoiding the magic mile with the group because my training was off and I did not want to face short comings. Yea, yea, you’re thinking it’s not a competition, it’s a fundraising effort!
I KNOW THIS IS A FUND RAISING EFFORT ON BEHALF OF BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS.
Still, I want to run strong. Everyone wants to run (or walk) strong.
Strength and commitment is at the core of any successful endeavor. My decision to participate in this training (and money raising) effort for a second year was not easily made. It took a lot out of me last year however, I also realized how much still needed to be done. Everyone that has been through this before KNOWS how much sacrifice is required in order to advance this cause.
I ran the course in 21 minutes — about a minute slower than last year. Not a bad time but not my best time. The important thing is that I ran the race and finished without stopping to walk because I was tired or discouraged. I wanted to stop —
my feet hurt, the lungs struggled and my mind was working against me. I finished.
A base line is established. There will be more 5ks and 10ks. There will be at least one half marathon and then the February 26.2 with Donna Marathon.

Please keep all the kind words of support coming.
I will begin working on a series of final paintings and organizing an art show that will happen prior to the race (hopefully the first weekend in February).
I’ll let you know.