Spooktacular Run

Today I ran the Spooktacular 5K in Mantua. I had never ran this one before and it sounded fun since I am HUGE Halloween fan. I mainly wanted the shirt, but they ran out because they weren't expecting such a large turnout and so they promised to mail them. I didn't decide to do it until yesterday. It was either this or a long run today. I thought this sounded much funner!

I was pretty jazzed though because I took 1st Place in my age division!!! And 18th overall.

My time was 27:08 which isn't my best for a 5K, but I wasn't surprised because the altitude is higher in Mantua (in the mountains) and the first part was pretty rigorous with some major and looooong lasting hills! I was definitely struggling more to breath on this race. It was one of (if not thee) hardest 5k's I have done so far due to the hills and altitude. The temp was pretty chilly. I think at race start time it was somewhere in the high 30's. Brrrr...... Can I just say once again that I am NOT ready for winter! Bring back the heat!

Julie also ran it. Here we are before the race showing our muscles toughness.


Running through the campground.

CHEESE!!! Look at that hair! What a boof!

It was a beautiful course and a gorgeous (though cold) fall day.

Julie nearing the finish line.

My 1st place ribbon and the cookies I won. Yes - cookies! Wouldn't want those calories I burned during the run to not be immediately replaced now would we? Hmm....seems like granola bars would be more appropriate! Oh well, I was just grateful for anything since I didn't get my shirt! It was well organzied and they had a great turnout. I would guess about 75-80 or so runners in the 5K and about 40 in the Kids K. There were about 10-12 in my age division...(age 40-49). It made me excited and motivated to get planning the Memorial Run for Tyson!

We did it!

It really was...

What a Slacker!

I can't believe what a total slacker I have been about posting on here, as well as reading all my favorite other running blogs! I think without a huge goal in mind (aka MARATHON!), I just didn't have a lot of motivation to post.

BUT, I have still kept up my running. I probably average about 20 miles a week. Some weeks more and some less. This week will be fitting into the less category. I pulled a muscle in my back at the gym on Friday morning and so that has put me out of commission for a while I am fretting. I guess I can't complain because it was PERFECT timing considering winter decided to show up early this year...yeah like on FRIDAY! It snowed this weekend and today's morning temperature was 27 degrees! YOWZA! That is a bone chiller morning. I have to admit I was glad I had a good excuse not to attempt a run this morning. I know I am not even close to being climatized and I dread getting used to running in the cold again. Didn't I just barely DO that? Summer just flew! Mainly because where I live we didn't get spring. Winter decided to ENDURE and ENDURE until about June, when it suddenly decided it was time for summer. Now, we aren't getting our fair share of fall! It seriously went from being in the 80's to almost overnight in the 20's! It only confirms to me I really hate winter! So WHY do I live in a place that has winter for nearly six months out of 12? Who knows? I'm crazy that way I guess. If I could I would be a running

for those six months and only run when it's warm! But, then I would miss some of my favorite things that occur ONCE I am climatized, like running when the snow is softly falling, feeling the peace and quiet of a winter morning, and being able to be outside and soak in that little bit of sun that does shine through every so often. I have come to NEED the time I spend outdoors, no matter the temperature. Being outside just somehow restores my soul and gives me what I need to feel good inside and out. I can tell a big difference in my mood when I am not able to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Just being outside for even a short walk does my mind and body wonders. Sooo....I will quit my griping about the cold and just focus on how much better I will feel after I force myself out in those freezing temps! I promise...At least once my back feels a little better! Who knows by then maybe it will have warmed up some!!! I can always hope!