This has been (and technically still is) a long winter of one treadmill run after another. Every time I was ready to head out on the weekend for a long run, we got another freaking snowstorm. And I’m not hard core enough to run in the snow. All the races on my schedule seemed sooooo far away.
But all that changes on Sunday.
I am kicking off the 2013 season with a 5K I’ve never done before: the Rás na hÉireann 5K in Somerville, Mass. From what I’ve heard, it’s a fun, festive (think Irish and lots of green!) and large (nearly 5,000 runners) 5K, complete with post-race party sponsored by Harpoon Brewery. And for once I am not running alone. I’m so excited to be joined by my friends C and L who will be participating in their first 5K race! To be honest, I’m not expecting much on Sunday, considering it’s my first race since last October and I just want to have fun with it.
My next race is the following weekend, and is one that is near and dear to my heart: the Shamrock Shuffle, a 5K fundraiser for our Parent Teacher Organization. Not only am I running the race, but as a PTO volunteer, I also coordinated all the publicity. Even better? Dr. G and I will be running this one together. Also, it’s a course I haven’t run since October 2011, when I first dipped my toes back into running 4.5 months after Mimi was born. I finished then in 31:47. Next week, I am hoping for that elusive sub-25 5K that slipped through my fingers last fall.
It’s funny: If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be this revved up to run a bunch of road races, I would have thought you were crazy. But somewhere along the line I fell in love with the sport, and it’s the competition and the pride and the feeling of accomplishment that comes when you push your limits that keeps me going.
So in honor of the return to the racing season (and my six-month “blogiversary”), I thought I’d revisit some of my favorite running-related posts:
- Dealing With Treadmill Boredom
- I Needed That
- My Solo Turkey Trot: Running When Traveling
- An Accidental PR and a Big Day for B
- Tufts 10K for Women Recap: Third Time’s a Charm
- Race Recaps: A Day of Firsts
- Favorite Things Friday: Running Gear Edition
- Running: A Love/Hate Story
Do you have any races planned for 2013?
Jodi@blushmamas says
I’ve heard the Somerville one is a lot of fun! Good for you for revving it back up. I’m thinking of doing the Gillette 10k in July again…first time was 101 degrees but I heard its now at night. Maybe I will see u there! 🙂
Lollie ~ The Fortuitous Housewife says
My husband, along with a gang from his office, and one of my gal pals is running the Somerville race. Was thinking I might come to cheer ’em on & grab a brewski.
Unfortunately, my broken down ol’ knees keep me on the running sidelines – I stick with cycling, master swims & hot yoga.
Jessica says
I’ll be looking for you on the sidelines 😉 Should be a fun day!! Fingers crossed for good weather.
jen @ keekoin says
I love road races! I’m not a distance runner b/c I only run for the cardio portion of my workout (never more than 3 miles, 4-5x a week), but I’ve entered dozens of races in my lifetime b/c I just love the community support, energy from the crowds of people and the charities they fund. It’s also a great thing to do with friends! I have a list going for this year so far, too: Get Gored for Good (you should join this one, by the way), Boldrdash, CVS 5K, Color Me Rad and two walks- AHA & PurpleStride. The races you mentioned above sound like so much fun!
Jessica says
I totally want to do Color Me Rad! That would be a fun one to do as a big group 🙂
Michele C. says
I am new to races and I can officially say I am in love with them too! I am a new runner and a slow one at that, but the spirit, the energy of a race day is AMAZING. YAY for the start of a new season — you go girl!!!!
Jennifer (Savor) says
Super proud of you and happy that you are so passionate about fitness
Jessica says
Thanks, Jen 🙂
Joanna {Baby Gators Den} says
You’re awesome running all those road races! I swear, every time I read your blog I get motivated to run. I need you as a neighbor to keep up the motivation 🙂
Shell says
Awesome! I have never competed in a race, but you are making me think about it 🙂
candice says
You are one driven Mama! I can only imagine the energy you must have from all of this running. Way to go! Can’t wait to read more about your racing season. Good luck!
mel says
Wahoo! We need to run a race together! I just started!
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
I’ve thought about walking, but never running. Maybe sometime in the very distant future.
Stephanie Kay says
At 7 months pregnant I’m not feeling up to running but I’m definitely ready for some warmer weather to go for walks! Just to take a walk around the block and feel the sunshine would be nice! I’m hoping to train for a 5k this fall after I recover from a c-section this summer. Good luck with your races!!