Liberty By The Lake....errr....Furniture Mart

The Liberty by the Lake 5K holds a special place in my heart for many reasons.  This was the first race that I ever ran back on July 4, 2008.  I had no intention of ever running more than a 5K and I felt so proud of myself when I finished!  My goal was to run the whole time and I finished in about 34 minutes wearing a cotton shirt and some terrible shoes. I was so ridiculously proud of myself; however, I had no idea what a life changer the decision to run that day would be.  I reached another milestone in 2010 as I earned my first ever age group award by finishing 2nd in my age group.  I was so proud of that small eagle trophy that I carried it around in my purse for a solid week.

Life changing stuff right here, y'all.

And in 2011 one of my most favorite holiday traditions was born as we hosted the first annual Waffle Party.  The idea for waffle party came about when a group of us were standing around after a trail run, trying to plan a good time to get together again.  A plan emerged: run the race then everyone would head over to our place and Mr K would serve up delicious waffles and bacon (so much bacon). Life, Liberty, and Waffles is a highlight on our summer calendar and I have defined it as my "Running Thanksgiving" as it gives me a chance to look around at all of the frunner faces filling my home.

The traditional group photo (pic: Mama C)

Texas is a place of extremes and we ended our record setting drought with record setting floods.  This has played havoc on the summer racing schedule around here causing many cancellations and postponements.  Lake Lewisville is still at least ten feet above normal and Stewart's Creek Park, home of the Liberty by the Lake, is completely under water. Fortunately for us, the new Grandscape/Nebraska Furniture Mart development could accommodate the 30th Liberty by the Lake 5K/10K on July 4.  The perimeter road for the store is almost exactly 3.1 miles around - not the most exciting 5K/10K ever but way better than a total cancellation.  I'm sure that the race staff was especially thankful as this was the 30th anniversary of the race.  Pretty cool!

Pretty sure I might die right about here....(Pic: Byron)

I found myself super nervous as I made my way over to the furniture mart for the race.  The 5K is an especially tough race distance because it is all out for the entire 3.1 miles.  No cruising or finding that "all day" pace - it is go time, y'all.  I think that I'd rather run a half marathon that a 5K, I find them to be that uncomfortable....which is exactly why I need to run more of them.  I had a couple of successful 5Ks during the spring as a part of my triathlons, but I had not done any speed work since I started training for my Half Ironman in early June.  My runs have all been based off of heart rate and have been very slow and steady.

A handsome man with a tray of bacon, doesn't get better than that!

It was crazy easy to find everyone and after some pre-race chats and the usual photographs it was time to run.  It was especially cool to see my friend Ray.  Ray and I went to college together at Sam Houston, but other than cheering for him as he ran by in a recent half marathon, I haven't seen him since I finished college many just a few years ago!  Ray has made a commitment to fitness and recently finished his first century ride.  I was honored that he joined us for the race and for the waffles.

Look y'all - I found Ray!

I took off hard with the plan of holding on as long as I could, but also not knowing what to expect.  My first mile came in at a speedy 8:11.  I didn't think that I could hold this for two more miles, especially with a slight hill ahead, but I kept pushing finding it to be as much as a mental game as anything.  The second mile was probably the most challenging - it had the slightest hill, the breeze was at our backs, and the sun was beating down so hot.  I ran a much more realistic 8:29.  There was a slight out and back in the beginning of the 3rd mile and it was a welcome distraction to search the crowd for friendly faces.  Like a horse to the barn, I dug deep and cranked out a consistent 8:27 for the last mile.  So thankful to see the finish line, I was certain that I might die! A check of the results showed that I ran it in 25:21 and was second place in my age group.  Not bad at all!

It is always a thrill when they call my name! (Pic: Mama C)

After the race we headed back to the house for the aforementioned waffles and bacon - and they did not disappoint!  Mr K outdid himself this year, I was amazed when I realized that we destroyed 6 pounds of bacon!  I absolutely love looking around the house and seeing it filled with so many frunners.

These faces!!

I always try to take a moment to reflect upon all that running has brought me in the last seven years.  It hasn't always been easy or fun, but I will take the good with the bad because it has brought all of these amazing friends into my life.  I am very lucky to count myself amongst such an extraordinary group of people.  They are constantly pushing me to take on new challenges and to be a stronger, better person.  July 4th is one of my favorite days of the year, all because I took a step outside of my comfort zone and signed up for a race....