Here we are, about the middle of the month, and my 5K a day in May is in full swing.
This is my 3rd year to challenge myself in this way, and this year has a lot more meaning as I’m doing it to raise money and bring awareness to the work being done at My Refuge House through their #Movement4Freedom campaign. What an honor to do this small thing for those precious girls! I was so blessed to be able to write about what I’m doing on their blog.
It’s been very interesting this time as I’m also training for the Skirt Sport 13er on June 14th (wanna win an entry? There’s still time!) So I’m trying to do half marathon training AND a 5K everyday. Which for me, a lower intermediate runner AT BEST, is a huge jump in mileage to what I’m used to.
So here’s what I’m learning:
I’m sore. Not hurt sore, just sore. And miraculously, you can run through that kind of sore and it goes away.
Foam rolling is THE BOMB. (do we still say that? I don’t care). Yes, it’s painful when you do it but it makes a tremendous difference. I’m foam rolling before running, after running when time allows, and in the evenings when I think of it. It’s helping.
Grace is a good thing. I actually missed yesterday entirely and only did 2 miles one day last week due to stomach problems. So maybe I should change the hashtag to #5KalmostadayinMay? No. I’m good. At 44 years old, I know when I’m being a baby and when my body is saying NO. With a race coming up that I’d like to perform fairly well in, not going to kill myself.
As I’ve learned in past years, I LOVE the consistency. No wondering if I run today. I run EVERYDAY (mostly). And I like that I don’t have to think. This is also why I enjoy that I now wear a uniform to work. Maybe I’m lazy?
If you’re joining me as part of #Movement4Freedom, we CAN do this! We’re in the home stretch now! And if you’re not yet, please consider joining us, either with your feet or with your money (or better, BOTH!). Because these girls are worth moving and sacrificing for.
Happy running!
Jen