Earth Day 5k

I completed my first post-baby race this past Saturday. It was almost a full week after Earth Day, but hey, who's counting?! When I did this race a few years ago it was followed by a nice event with local vendors and businesses doing 'green' things: education, giveaways, promotions. It was a good time, and when I signed up this year I looked forward to taking G. She stayed home with Grami but at least the race fees went to something I feel strongly about.

 Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and I almost didn't go at all. It was in the 40's with gray skies that spit rain right up until race time and the crowd was rather small. Maybe I was just looking for a way out since I was nervous I wouldn't finish without walking (not that there's any shame in that!). I did zero outdoor running to prep for this and it is certainly climate controlled-to some degree-in the basement where the treadmill is located so the cold wasn't fun either. Of course I warmed up once I got my butt in gear!

I did feel crappy at first, but once I got going I felt pretty good. This is a nice (flat!) rail trail along the river and the scenery is lovely so that helped! I have added a watch that gives your pace to my wish list; that would have helped I think. I kept trying to catch the woman in front of me but since I never knew how much further we had I probably didn't push myself as hard as I could have. I still finished in 30:47, just under a 10 minute mile pace and considering my only real goal was to finish without walking I'd call that a success :-)

Here's the best part though. We stuck around for raffle drawings since so few people showed up to run due to the weather. I ended up winning a package with a Carhart shirt (gift for the hubs for coming along and taking pics!) a gift certificate for a rafting trip (so excited to use that this summer!) and a gift certificate to a tattoo parlor! I'm thinking about adding a little flower in G's birth month near the sun I already have on my back. Just a subtle ode to her and everything that went into being able to have her. Can't wait for the next one...race and baby both ;-) Haf marathon training officially begins next Monday. For real this time!!!