End of Year races

So, last post, I said my season was over.  And, it was - sort of.  However, I have done two 5K events in the past two weeks, and REALLY enjoyed them.  AND, I've been doing the "keep Portland weird" lunch workouts with a good friend.

Working out downtown is so much fun...there are TONS of people doing the same thing, rain or shine, cold and colder!  There is this one guy who wears long running pants and NO shirt, every day.  YIKES - but he's out there!  He probably writes about the gal in the pink stocking cap who runs a block, walks a block every day :)

I've really noticed my time improve, and the ability to run increase.  Plus, I really look forward to going out each day, and miss it when I have a meeting interfere.  THAT is a change.

Last week, I did the Clark County Turkey Trot - a really fun, free family event on Thanksgiving morning.  A friend who I hadn't seen in  a long while (pre-surgery) joined me, and we had a nice walk-n-chat.  We fared better than the poor 40-year-old man who had a heart attack and died just minutes into the course.  (What a sad Thanksgiving for that family!)

Later in the day, I headed East to spend the weekend with my parents at their cabin.  I was so encouraged to be able to help them fall trees, haul wood, clean up branches, etc.  A couple of years ago, I was worthless.  This year, I called it "exercise" and was glad to show them my improvement! :)

Today, I did the Jingle Bell 5K in Portland.  It is a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation.  A coworker of mine has a five-year-old boy with juvenile RA, and our company graciously paid for 25 employees' entry fees to support the cause.  It was a COLD morning, but we had great fun!  There was even a group of BAREFOOT runners...oh my!

I finished with a time of 13:59 min/mile.  That's 7:01/mile off my first race of the season!  I'm still a slow run/walker - but I'm doing great in MY PR department! :)  My friend, Iron Man Mike, was gracious and when finished with his race, ran part way to the finish with me, before going back to walk with his girlfriend.  Just the encouragement I needed :)

I'm truly finished with events for the year.  I plan to work really hard on my run endurance for the next two weeks, then take off six weeks.  In February, I'll start the 1/2 marathon training.

Have a great holiday season - which ever holidays you celebrate.  For me, it's Merry CHRISTmas!

Living my fit dreams...even in the cold weather! :)