Penguins can't fly, but they sure can run!

Penguins can't fly, but they sure can run!

Saturday, January 27, 2007

And so the journey begins.

I am so excited to get started on this journey. I can't tell you all how touching it was to see all of those purple singlets on the road with me during the Disney Marathon. People running in memory of loved ones, in honor of loved ones, and for those they have never met. The team spirit of all of those who participated with Team in Training was contagious and inspiring, and I am honored to be able to say that I am now going to be running with such amazing people.

This morning I decided I needed to run away for a little bit (some weeks are more stressful than others when you have 4 little kids), so I popped on the computer and found a 5K in St.Augustine. It's about a 45 minute drive from here, but oh the joy of not having to listen to The Wiggles while I drove (sorry guys, love you, but one can only sing, 'Toot-Toot, Chugga-Chugga so many times).

My time wasn't great (32 minutes), but it wasn't my worst either, so I'll leave it at that. It just felt nice to get out and run.

There are some amazing people out there. There were runners in their late 70's (who totally whooped me I might add), and as young as 6 (also whooped me). There was one adorable 7 year old, blond pigtailed little girl who won an award for her time. When they presented it to her, the gentleman handing it to her told us a story about what happened to her before the race started. She was at the front of the pack, and a man told her she should move towards the back. She informed him that she ran a 19 minute time. He said, "Yeah, 19 minutes a mile!" Well, I am thrilled to report that she got plenty of egg on his face, as she completed all 3.1 miles in slightly over 19 minutes!!!!! I hope whoever said that was there at the awards presentation and felt thouroughly humbled.

If there is anything that I have learned in the year since I started running, it's that size and age has NOTHING to do with ones running skills and endurance. Never judge a book by it's cover, that's for sure.

I guess that's it for now. Please check back, and I'll update as often as I can.

Thanks!

4 comments:

Colleen said...

Rock on Ali!

Unknown said...

Go Ali Go!!! You are amazing!

Gina said...

Nice job honey! I'll have to update my links section now.

mommy3 said...

Hi Ali,
Thank you for the link to Friends of Allie. If it's okay, I'll check back to hear more about your training and fundraising for LLS. I think it is awesome you're doing TNT!