Saturday was the Dorothy's Dash 5K and a big day for Team Starfish. Team Starfish is the walk/run group based out of our Special Education Office. Our building's Collaborative Leadership Team formed several "special interest" groups and asked me to head up the walk/run group. We named the group Team Starfish after our district's special ed motto (from the old story about the man who was throwing the starfish-one at a time-back into the ocean...the "I made a difference to THAT one" story). So far the group has participated in National Run At Work Day and several members were following a Couch to 5K plan in preparation for our goal race--Dorothy's Dash. I am happy to report that we had ten members signed up on our team. I am especially proud of Melissa R. and Shirley W. who ran their first 5K, I am seriously want them to get hooked so that we can do it again! I hope that by guiding this team I can give back to the running world that has given so much to me.
Music Therapists and Runners!
This was only my second 5K race in 2010 and I really wanted to score a person record (PR)and break 25 minutes. My 5K PR came at the Liberty By The Lake 5K. It was so hot and humid that day and I felt like I could take some time off of that one simply because the weather conditions were near perfect. The start line was quite hectic. Don't get me wrong, I love a small town, family oriented 5K but the start line can be a little unnerving! As soon as the race started I ran into people who started at the front and who were walking. This always makes me nervous and frustrated because I worry about tripping over someone. My mind is also telling me that I have to get the heck outta there because the race is so short. It took me a half mile or so to maneuver around all of the slower people and then I settled into a pace. Perhaps I shouldn't say settled....I think that 5Ks are so HARD! It is full throttle for 3.1 miles. I was trying to hit the miles in a consistent pace and I managed to accomplish that. It sure felt like I was getting slower at the end--probably because I was tired of running like my hair was on fire! My intern, Patina, passed me after mile 1 and I just tried to keep her in my sights. Darn her and her 23 year old legs! I crossed the line and checked the time--24:33....goal MET! I was thrilled as this was the fastest that I have run any significant distance. I was also fortunate to take 3rd place in my age group, I don't win bling very often so it is always a thrill. And I was so proud of Mary, Shirley, and Melissa R. as they ran across the finish line.
Patina and I show off some new bling!
For now I must take a few extra rest days...that wonky hip of mine has been talking to me again. I have spent some quality time with my chiropractor and massage therapist and hope to be back to normal soon. Rest is an important part of training, but it doesn't mean that I have to like it. The timing is good as I am headed to Cleveland for the American Music Therapy Association conference. I hope to explore Cleveland on foot with some other music therapy/running friends, but am also glad that I won't be tempted by my usual training routines.
No comments:
Post a Comment