Hunger Walk/Run 2012

This doesn't really have to do with cooking, recipes, or dessert but it does support the Atlanta Community Food Bank which feeds many, many, many mouths across Metro Atlanta.

I set a goal to run a 5K in 2012.  I did not reach that goal yesterday but I had a good time trying.

I knew I wasn't going to run the entire thing.  I have not been training for all that long.  It wasn't realistic.  My goal for the run was to do half of it running and half of it walking.  That didn't happen either.

I have been battling a long term cramp in my left calf muscle.  It's a beast.  It shows up at the most inopportune times.  I'm not making excuses for my lack of running but a cramp is a cramp and there is only so much I can do  to try to fix it before race day.  I tried my darndest.

The other reason I did not meet my 1.5 mile challenge was because I did not spend enough time training outdoors for this race.  Running on a treadmill and running outdoors are two completely different things.  I have learned that now.  I will work on this for the next race.

I do think the ACFB could have worked a little harder though to get a more level race route thank you very much!  :-) Good lord were there slow incline hills.  I hate hills in general but I hate slow incline hills even more!

But the best part about the race was the company.  We say this often but it doesn't hurt to say it again.  Dr. Bob and I have been very blessed to have met some amazing friends in the short time we have lived here.  We are supportive of each others goals, wonderful motivators, and an all around blast to hang out with!  I couldn't have done it without them yesterday:

(The Sunday Funday Crew - we had shirts made and everything)

The race started and ended at the site of the old Braves Stadium.  It's a parking lot now but they paid tribute to the old field by re-creating the original baseball diamond in bricks.

The event had all sorts of activities and entertainment to enjoy.  It was a lot of fun.

That's Turner Field in the back.  For all the Olympic enthusiasts out there, Turner Field was built for the 1996 Summer Olympic Opening Ceremonies.  It later became the new home of the Braves.

The race started on the main road between the parking lot and Turner Field.  We took an immediate left and was able to run past the Olympic cauldron.  I am such a geek when it comes to the Olympics!  It is so fun getting to see the sights even though the games took place 16 years ago.

Between runners and walkers, there were over 15,000 participants.  The crowds of people just kept coming and coming.  It was unbelievable and inspiring!

Word to the wise though - when you are outside for 4 hours in March in Atlanta....don't forget the sunscreen or choose to leave the sunglasses in the car!  Dr. Bob and I are pretty red at the moment.  Oh dear.

So now that reality has hit, I know what I need to work on, how to train a little better, and how to take care of myself a little better.  Plus it also helps that we are meeting our new trainer on tomorrow so hopefully he can help me get some of this extra poundage off which will increase my ability to run exponentially.

The next race I have in mind is April 22nd.  I think my goal for that is to be able to run half the race.  Then I will set my sights on a third race where the goal will be to run the full course.

I'll get there.