I've taken up running recently. I was inspired by a few friends who run, and I am training for a marathon in February. February 13th to be exact. (Gulp. Nervous.) It's the 26.2 with Donna National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer held in Jacksonville, Florida. For more information visit this website.
The true inspiration behind the marathon and all of my running is my violin professor at Florida State University, Beth Newdome, who passed away on February 13th, 2010. She had been battling breast cancer for five years. I think the date of the marathon is no coincidence, and I can't think of a better way to honor her and celebrate her extraordinary life.
Here we are in London my freshman year:
Beth was not only my teacher but a trusted advisor and dear friend. She was a model for determination and perseverance and will always be an inspiration in my life. She was a spectacular violinist, a lover of art and books, and a wonderful friend to so many.
So, Beth, I'm doing this all for you! It's just a fringe benefit that I'm getting in shape at the same time.
I went to buy running shoes at Fleet Feet. Here are my Adidas Supernova Glides...
...too bad I don't feel like I'm gliding in them most of the time - more like trudging. I'm slowly getting better, though. My first race was the Candlelight Run 5K. Here I am pre-race:
My second race was the Red, White, and Blue Shoes 5K at Furman University. Here I am (gross and sweaty) post-race:
The first and last parts of our course at Furman were down the mall - isn't it pretty?
My third race, another 5K, was this past Saturday at the South Carolina Peach Festival.
They had peaches at the finish line, of course...
...and - the fun news - I took third place in my age category!
I've got quite a fun collection of bibs now:
Hopefully that collection will keep growing.
Look for posts in the near future about my ETSY SHOP and a GIVEAWAY!
6 comments:
I so admire your running! And 26.2. . . is that miles, Emily?? Holy cow!
I have a love/hate relationship with running. I always start and then fall off the motivation train when something else comes up. Having a goal is such a good way to keep going. Good-luck.
omg! you are so inspiring!
thanks for stopping by hiya luv! so happy to have you as a reader!
smiles,
gina
thanks for stopping by! i wish i could motivate myself to KEEP running once i've started but i always fail at it haha
Do you have a goal time for the marathon?
Did your 5k times improve?
You could have replied to your own post. I subscribe to comments if i ask questions so then you can reply here. If I have an email for someone sometimes I email them to tell them I replied. I know a lot of people don't check back.
I'm thinking of doing the Pittsburgh full marathon next year with the same goal "time" as you :) In the past year I have improved my 5k time by 6 minutes... still not elite but those elite runners probably can't say they improved by 5 or 6 minutes so I figure I'm good.
I love running. I'm not that good but I love it as a form of exercise.
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