Runs for Cookies Virtual 5K

This morning my husband, Millie and I participated in Katie's 3rd Annual Runs for Cookies Virtual 5K. Katie started this race as a way to celebrate her 31st birthday - 3.1 miles to celebrate 31 years. It has now become an annual event. Happy Birthday, Katie!!

The temperature was a balmy (for January) 43 degrees. There was a slight sprinkle at times, but the ground was quite wet from overnight rain.

To be honest, I did very little to prepare for the race. As a walker, I was completely confident finishing the race would not be an issue. However, training would have made a huge impact on my time. My husband agreed to walk with me instead of running. It had been since the beginning of November since we had done a race. This event turned out to be a nice relaxed way to race and a good reminder of how much I enjoy walking.

I had only printed two bibs, so my husband graciously gave his to Millie to wear. We pinned it to her collar. She didn't seem to mind at all.

The first mile I tried to get a good fast pace going. But knew immediately I was not going to be able to hold the pace for the whole race. I decided it was more important to complete the race and enjoy some family time than to hurt myself pushing too hard. Like I said, I have not been walking consistently and that lack of training could not have been more obvious. The first mile was 15:01, second mile 16:33 and the final mile was a blistering 18:03.

We didn't even come close to my 45 minute goal. That, my friends, is what happens when you don't train and get distracted taking pictures like these....

Nothing good about oil spills on the road - but it sure makes for a pretty design. 

I couldn't resist a picture of Millie sitting in this circle painted on the road.

But we did put our feet to the road and finish. I am proud of us for that :)



I was all "teched out" this morning with the Garmin Forerunner 10 I got for my birthday and the Fitbit Flex I got for Christmas.

My final stats according to the Garmin.

3.10 mi

Distance

51:47

Time

16:43

Pace (min/mi)

247

Calories

86 ft

Elev Gain

It was the first time I had worn my Fitbit for a serious walk. Oh and I don't really weight 150 pounds, but I am not ready to face telling the truth to the world yet :) I think this will go a long way to getting my 10,000 steps today!

Time to get serious about getting my buns out of bed in the morning and walking again. This morning was a good reminder how much I miss a serious morning walk. Not only is it good for my body and mind, I enjoy it. What more motivation could I possibly need?

Thank you, Katie, for this fun and motivational event :)