Slow and Steady



The boys saved their money this summer to buy two turtles at the beach.

They reside on our counter and are a constant reminder of a slower pace.

It's been said that slow and steady wins the race. In my case, slow and steady finishes the race. My fourth race was the Fitness for Literacy 5K in Grant Park. My performance wasn't pretty but it was for a great cause and temporarily cleared my mind of all the noise. September has been a crazy month for me. The crazier my days, the less time I set aside for myself. In fact, if it wasn't for the challenge of 40 races in my 40th year I would not have run at all this month. This was a wake up call for me. As fast as I've been going at work and home, I would've preferred a running pace to match but I had nothing left in the engine. I got the message loud and clear.  I plan to set aside some time this weekend to delete the unnecessary in my calendar, get organized and add weekday training runs as if they are doctor's appointments. With any luck, my running pace will increase and my daily pace will be more slow and steady.

My Pillow's Deep

My fourth race was supposed to be on Labor Day but it wasn't meant to be. I woke to the sound of dueling alarms and loud thunder. Although I felt a bit like the character in the book, I am Not Going to Get Up Today! by Dr. Seuss, I got up anyway. I got dressed and was ready to go but was talked out of it by my husband who plans his day based on the weather channel. I'm sure I would have been  fine but instead, I went back upstairs, crawled under the covers remembering the words in the book..."The alarm can ring. The birds can peep. My bed is warm. My pillow's deep. Today's the day I'm going to sleep."


3rd and 10

 

I completed my third race, Run for the Park, on the 25th. I love Grant Park but it was not the cool crisp morning it was the previous Saturday. Instead, it was hot and humid. The August weather finally caught up with us in the south. My sister decided to join me which was a real treat. She hasn't run in over 10 years and her gift to me was a race a month in my 40th year. After taking a decade off, and originally planning to do the Vinings Downhill, I hope she is still excited for the next 11 months.

 

A few highlights...

• I saw first hand the super fit mom, who pushes a TRIPLE jogger, bob and weave her way to the front of the pack. Her reputation proceeds her and I knew I was bound to see her at a race. I'm guessing her children are between the ages of 1-6 and she's pushing close to 100 lbs. You go girl!
• After completing the race, I enjoyed seeing the Parkview High School ROTC cross the finish line. The group ran in formation the entire way keeping a steady pace until the last 25 yards where it was an all out sprint. Fun!
• I got to cheer my sister on as she completed her first 5k in her 40's. Way to go!