Race Report: Cupcake Classic

My version of a race medal

Wait, what?

Yes, my first "real life" race is in 13 days. But today I participated in my first virtual race, the Cupcake Classic. The intention was to make it a dress rehearsal for the Great Pumpkin Run, but my costume isn't quite finished. I'm hoping I will get it in time to do a practice run.

At least Wonder
Woman was
represented

But back to this race.

Man, but the humidity was killer. First mile was glorious. Ended up walking a bulk of the second mile. Third mile a combination of the two.

Finish time: 0:39:27--a new personal record.*

I felt weird about getting myself a medal, especially since I haven't run a "real life" race yet. After the 27th of October, I expect to feel differently, though. I did splurge on the race t-shirt because, well--cupcakes, that's why.

Addendum: I got my cupcake at church.

Level up!

* Mister and I are actually arguing about the time. When we examined Runkeeper, it looks like I went beyond the 5K distance in the recorded time. My race time may have actually been closer to 35 minutes, but I'm going to err on the side of caution.

Today's Run OR Slowed Down by Compassion

Amazing run today. So many factors could have made it bad--head cold, hormone fluctuations, 95% humidity--but they didn't. I kept up a great pace throughout the run.

I did slow down near the high school.* I heard a wailing. My first thought was to keep going; but if I took a risk on bringing home a dog, how much more does a human being deserve my time? (Although, how am I going to explain this one to Mister?) I didn't have my glasses on, but I saw what was the shape of a stroller. As I approached, I saw there was a young woman sitting next to the child, and she was the one crying. I asked her if she was okay, if she needed me to call anyone. She said no. Did she want me to stay? No. So I headed home.

So I essentially did nothing. I was no practical help to her. But I did SEE her. I stopped and asked. I don't say this to mean I did anything important or pat myself on the back. On the contrary, I'm wondering if I should have insisted that I do more.

I do want this interaction to color my behavior today. I want to see. I want to act.

If you're the praying kind, say a prayer for this young woman and her child, whatever their need is. If you're not (and even if you are), consider a action of compassion today. This is an area in which I know I must always train.

* Why do things always happen near the high school? Maybe I should change my route.

Shiny Races: Is it Real or Is It Virtual?

Medal for National Veterans Day Run
for both real and virtual 11K finishers.

In a perfect world, I'd like to run a race a month starting in October. And in the process of looking at races that fit my schedule and budget, I've noticed a trend toward "virtual races," or races that you run on your determined path, by yourself or with others, within a prescribed series of dates. The caveat is that you have to submit proof of your run (like the kind I get from Runkeeper) and sometimes a picture. Some times these are free; often there is a cost. If there is an entry fee, it's usually to benefit a specific charity, and you can get a medal/shirt just like a Real World Race.

I admit this sort of thing has a certain appeal to me. I'm obviously very comfortable in a virtual setting.* The external perks are the same for the most part. Plus it fits very well within my schedule. The down side is missing out on the whole race atmosphere; it almost feels like a cop-out not to go with other people--isn't that just a ... run?

Is the bling worth it? Maybe a little. I probably can get Miss involved in "awarding" me (although she will probably want to run off with the medal herself). I think I'm going to do a blend of both Real and Virtual races this year just to keep me moving.

I will definitely Run My Birthday.

* It's how I met my husband and completed the bulk of my graduate degree while working full time. Don't judge me.

Today's Run OR Developing Strategy

First off, I love how vanilla my runs have become. I just don't think too much about going anymore.

I've shortened up my run intervals. I'm less likely to skip them that way. I felt like I covered more ground more quickly.

I also tried running with wearing a headband instead of a ponytail. It's a silly thing, but I knew I needed to get used to the sensation for the costume. It was not unpleasant. Granted, I'm not that aerodynamic to begin with, but there was a wing quality to it. And I didn't overheat.

I also think that I should keep tapering to a minimum--getting back into it after a break day was icky. I have to make sure I at least walk the day before my 5K if I'm going to keep the time decent.

Today's Run OR The End of the Formal Training

I wouldn't blame anyone
for making a sign like this for me.

Today was the last day of the formal 5K training program. The weather took a sudden turn, as will happen in Texas--temps in the mid-50s with wind. I didn't bother with a jacket, so I was shaking at the beginning.  Didn't take long, though, for my core to warm up, followed soon after by my extremities. About halfway through, I really found my stride.

All said and done, I finished a 5K in 41:11--a completely respectable, middle of the pack time. In fact, I managed to shave off 6 minutes from when I first attempted this in August. From here on out, my personal training plan will be to continue to work on sustained running during the week, and at least a 5K distance during the weekend.

Unrelated, but a titch worrisome: I seem to have developed a head cold. Yay that I still made good time despite a stuffy head and medication, but I sure could use a nap this afternoon.

Nineteen days.

Raising a Wonder Girl

Even before I started on this fitness journey, I had a rule for  my daughter--I didn't care what she chose, but she had to participate in an organized physical fitness activity every school year. I can tell that she already lives in her head a lot. A LOT. I didn't want her to neglect her body "in favor of her brain" (a lie I frequently told myself throughout the years).

I also wanted her to become comfortable in her own skin before Princess Culture really messed with her. Already this feels like a losing battle. It kills me that her current favorite princess is Sleeping Beauty. I want her to realize that waiting for someone to save you is useless--in the end, you've got to wake yourself up.

Ultimately, I don't want my daughter to think of herself as a pejorative.

Anyhow, the past three years, Miss has participated in dance and tumbling. Last year, she seemed to lose the joy in movement.* Actually, it was a rough year all around; we struggled with epic meltdowns, often as a result of her own perfectionism. Whenever something became difficult, she fell apart. Because she's a smart cookie, she gets most intellectual things pretty easily. But the physical and social aspects can be tough. All the more reason for my rule.

This year, we talked a little bit about dance, but I was worried about the baggage. Thankfully, soccer caught her fancy. ("Momma, one of the coaches is a girl!") We also got a flier from her school about a karate program. Since she's a huge fan of Kung Fu Panda,**  we presented  this as another activity for her.

Last night she had her first lesson. She came home excitedly chattering away and showing me her Stranger Danger defense moves. I'm hoping this will not only give her strength and confidence, I'm also hoping it will give her more techniques to still herself emotionally.

When we were cuddling in her bed, I said, "I'm proud of you for trying karate."

"Momma, I'm proud of myself."

* I think it was more the time of day rather than actual ability in retrospect.
**  Viper is her favorite of the Furious Five.

Today's Run OR Doggerel

The weather was perfect--slightly cool and still sunny;
The kind of the weather that makes me feel runny:
Runny nose
Runny legs
Runny feet
Runny head
It was time for me to get out of my bed.

The dog was with me, my legs stretching long;
I was hitting my marks, I was feeling quite strong.
Runny nose
Runny legs
Runny feet
Runny head
I was very glad I got out of my bed.

About halfway through in the shade of the trees,
I struggled for breath and I started to wheeze.
Runny nose
Runny legs
Runny feet
Runny head
I wondered if I should have stayed in my bed.

Then, near the end, as if meeting a dare,
I looked all around--there were cars everywhere!
Runny nose
Runny legs
Runny feet
Runny head
I was afraid I might land in a hospital bed.

But still I moved on, and I made some good time;
Just an every day run in a really bad rhyme.
Runny nose
Runny legs
Runny feet
Runny head
I'm glad I got out and instead of staying in bed.