FUN RUN 5K IN COSGRAVE PARK

I am obsessed with running. I dream of trail running. I listen to a podcast about ultra running (distances greater than 42.2 km, often 100 to 160 km).  I talk about running. I think about running. I blog about running. I even put a hold on a book about running . What I do least of is actually run! But I have run a little, and I guess it's time to confess to how the plan to run a marathon is shaping up.

In short, the chances of me running a marathon this year is exceedingly unlikely. I don't even know if I can run the half marathon, or even a 10K without worrying about paying for it. I should be able to finish a 10K run for sure by September, barring no injuries, but running on pavement results in me getting out of bed the next morning unable to put my heel down without a spike running up through it, resulting in a pretty big limp!

My personal story of injury, this time, is a typical one, I think. Plantar fasciitis has plagued me for months, preventing me from running on road, which was why winter running was so liberating because snow cushioned it all.

I really was discouraged since the snow melted and had only been running the 3-4 k route in Terra Cotta, when my daughter, who is more of a sprinter, asked to sign up for the fun run. There were two distances, 2 and 5 k. I thought we would run the shorter, but she really wanted to run the 5k, and since it was in a local park I knew, I was happy that it was all on gravel or trail, and figured we'd both be walking for big parts of it.

I was happily surprised. The morning 2 k was in pouring rain and cold (we wore 3 layers which was ridiculous but the sunny afternoon), but we started just as the clouds parted and the sun came out. There were a few puddles to run around, and we had some delays registering so we missed most of the warmup, and then we were off.

There were cadets marking the way, and the first lap they were so enthusiastic that they encouraged us to sprint, when really we were only 2 k into the 5 k run that was two loops and then a very long leg, before heading back to the finish line for the third and final time!

There were some itchy legs, peeling of layers, meeting up with friend, walking and running. It was a great way to spend some time, and the longest run Rebecca had ever done. When I think about cross country running in high school, I think I only ran 3 km! Quite an impressive feat for someone who doesn't "like to run". Thanks Baby Girl! Let's do it again soon!