Armed Forces Day 5k

It's Armed Forces day!

A few months ago I saw that there was to be an Armed Forces Day 5k, so of course I had to sign up. Plus it was at Blanchard Woods park - which, before my injury, was a place I had really wanted to check out since I was looking for new running spots. Having never been I didn't really know what to expect. It's a park here in my county which has some soccer fields and I think it may have had football/baseball fields too. Then there's a trail that goes through the woods that surround the park. But more on that later.

I got there nice and early, with plenty of time to snag a pre run picture...

My goal for today was just to try my best. I wasn't really sure what that would mean for me, since I have not been able to train consistently for the past 2 months due to my back problems. 

I was out there by myself today since my husband now works on saturdays. But I got a chance to talk to plenty of other runners out there. Oh, this was funny too. There were maybe 150 people at this race. Right before the race started the announcer asked how many military members were there. A whole bunch of hands shot up. Then he asked how many spouses there were. I raised my hand and looked around - mine was the ONLY hand up. I was so surprised I was the only one... then again, I'm just gonna come out and say this - most military spouses I have personally seen are not exactly "fit". Anywho. The race started in the soccer field, then we entered the woods for the trail portion. This wasn't a "nature" trail, it was one of those trails that had gravel and decent sized rocks.. not my favorite, but my foot only rolled one time due to stepping in a hidden hole, and I was able to save it quickly. 

So. This course. THE HILLS! Oh man. Before the race started I had heard some people talking about how hilly the course was. They weren't lyin. I would say this was not one of my better runs. The hills wore me out, my stomach has been upset since yesterday, and I got that abdominal cramp that has been showing up since my back problems started. I took more than a few walk breaks. Plus I have just been out of practice in general. This seriously felt like the longest 5k of my life. There was one point where my motivation got pretty low. But I snapped myself out of it and hustled on. I reminded myself that I was out there running with super fit military members - even OUT running some of them. I had to show them that spouses can do it too! By the time the finish line was in sight I knew I would not PR. I wasn't expecting to, but kind of secretly hoped I would! 

28:13 was my time

Almost exactly 1 minute slower than my PR. Mind you, my PR is from January, was on a flat course vs today's hilly trails, and the fact that I'm not in top shape right now. So... I'd say considering all that, I did pretty damn good. Heck, I'm happy with it.

Me in my car, post run. 

I liked this race alot... everyone was in good spirits and it was all for a good cause. It benefited the Augusta Warrior Project which helps veterans. And I'm sure that when I'm in better running shape I will come back out to run these hills again...despite the fact that they make me want to die! Hill training is needed in my life.

Race shirt, complete with a paracord bracelet. I also won a raffle drawing for a gift card to Bonefish!

Finally, this is a flyer for a race I want to do in the fall. It also supports our military and has a 10k option, which hopefully I will be fit to do by then. Plus it's on my birthday! What better way to celebrate a birthday than with racing?