Sunday, July 29, 2012

For the Run of It

This is a non-craft related post so if you don't want to hear my blabbering....just skip over it :)  

Today, I participated in my first 5K race in about 3 years.   I used to race a lot before my last two children were born (competing often in 5Ks, 10Ks, 10 mile races and even a marathon).  My husband and I would compete with each other to see who could win the most medals!  But, I stopped running a lot when life got so busy with numerous military moves and lack of energy and drive----what I assume I can attribute to an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis) that zapped me of my energy to run consistently.

In May, after years of battling chronic fatigue and a goiter, I was sent to an endocrinologist who put me on medication after the blood tests confirmed that my thyroid was attacking itself.  By my symptoms and visible appearance, she presumed that my thyroid has been sluggish or ineffective for years

After a just a month of medication, I had lost some of the unexplainable weight gain (particularly in my neck and face) and felt so much better.  With the increase of energy, I could run a lot more regularly (like the good ole days)!  And....I realized how much I missed it.  Running had become mundane and I really tried to find excuses to go to the gym or hit the sidewalks.  Feeling exhausted so often made me dread my workout days.  Not anymore...I cherish my runs and love the time to myself to unwind and just think about things.   Some days I run fast, some days I run slower...but the important thing is that I run.

A few weeks ago, I decided to register for a 5K race to keep me motivated.  That race was this morning.

I was super lucky---the weather here has been crazy lately but this morning it was beautiful---the sun was shining and at race start it was 78 degrees.  (Perfect!)

Before I left, I insisted that my husband and kids NOT come to the race. It was only a mile away but I really did not want to have any pressure to do well and if I did have to stop or ran slower than I usually did....I didn't want to disappoint anyone but myself.   It was too long since I had done this so I didn't know what to expect.

Well, he ended up bringing my two youngest (the oldest is spending the week with her dad.) I didn't know they were there until after I ran through the finish line.  It was so fun to have them see me doing something that was such a big part of my life before they were born.  And, they were pretty impressed to see their mom in a race.  They didn't care how fast or slow I was...just loved seeing me do it!

My son (a TOTAL details person) ran up to me and said "Mom, you were the fourth woman and the 20th finisher overall.....I counted!" Ha!  He expressed an interest in trying to run a race soon as well :)

Although, the race field was not super competitive or large,  it was good enough for me.  I was thrilled with my finish* and was just happy to finish feeling good.

Here is my medal---2nd place in Female 31-40 age group. (Yep, even though I finished 4th overall for women, the third place finisher was also in my age group...drats! )  I am really proud of this one because I could not have done this just a few months ago.

After the race.  (Thank goodness this is not a scratch-and-sniff picture! SWEATY!)
 
*For my running friends out there, here are my official race details.
Finish time:  23:35 (7:35 min/mile pace) ; 4th place female overall; 20/150 overall finish; 2nd place female 31-40 age group.

Off to put my feet up for awhile and watch some Olympics!  Thanks for stopping by!

24 comments:

Starla said...

GOOD FOR YOU!! In my life before kids, I raced mountain bikes. It has been over a year since I have even been on my bike (I think I would need training wheels at this point!). I, too, just find fatigue and lack of energy zapping me of any desire to ride (hmmm....maybe I should get my thyroid checked!) But, last week I started a VERY basic training plan for running a 5k (it's the Color Run training plan) You know, run a minute, rest 90 sec, run a minute x 8 for the first week and progressing the run time each week. I've got a private goal of maybe doing the 5K at the school's fall fair. We'll see!
But I can almost guarantee that my time will NOT be as fast as yours! LOL!

reflections:0) said...

I am so happy for you congrats!
It is not how fast can you be for me at all it is the getting up and getting out there and just doing it. I am in no way as fast as you but, I have done five 5K's this year and one 10K. I really would love to do the half coming up in two months but I am not sure I can do it right now I am think that my body is not ready for it, I am 340lbs. but I do them and I am proud of the fact that I do them and only once have I finished the race last and that was my very first 5K but, I did it.

reflections:0)

Patti J said...

Yay Cammie! I am so proud of you! My DD is an avid runner, hiker, and biker, and I am always amazed by her. (She hiked 12 miles on Pike's Peak yesterday). I can only imagine the pride that your kids and husband feel when their special lady crosses that finish line! The longest I have ever done was a simple 1 mile, and I walked it, but was very proud to finish. I have about 100 lbs. to lose, then watch out world! Thanks for the inspiration, my friend - so happy for you, proud of you, and love ya!!!

Laurel said...

Way to go! What a great time you had too!

Glenda J said...

A huge congrats to you! So awesome that you have been able to triumph after all of those obstacles. What a fabulous time too... I can't imagine running that fast (I was just happy to finish my 5k in under half an hour). Way to go girl!

Donna said...

Congratulations Cammie! Sounds like you are back in the race. I too have Hashimoto's disease. So glad they have you diagnosed and you are feeling better!

C said...

Congratulations, Cammie. I used to run and loved it. Sadly, I'm paying the price with arthritic knees.

WTG...glad you're feeling better, too!

Lynette said...

Congrats on getting back to running and doing so well in your first race. That's very cool that your husband brought the kids to see you! I think a lot of us have Hashimoto's disease. Sure wish I had more energy, though. (Of course, maybe being nearly 59 and taking care of a 19-month old every day could have something to do with that, too! LOL! I have to be satisfied with walking two miles a day.)

Susan said...

Congratulations Cammie -- how wonderful to be able to participate again in something you love and thought was over! I'm going to look into Hashimoto's as I have been unable to work for 2 1/2 years due to extreme fatigue (and pain). Thanks and have fun running!

Anonymous said...

COngrats Cammie!!!! Anything like that is god for your kids! If you winn then they see you win! If you lose (or don't do as well as you want) they see how mom deals with it- works all around!
Diane Cooper
diane7@rogers.com

Sheri said...

Congratulations! I am so glad your kids got to share it with you too.

Court said...

GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

Jessie said...

Nice job!!! I wish I could ever run that fast!!! How exciting that you are running again!! Enjoy!!

Mary Friederichsen said...

Congratulation 's Cammie! This is so awesome! Sending you prayers for continued healing,and many more races to come!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Blessings and hugs,
Mary

Gabriela said...

What a great post! Congratulations on your big finish. I'm so impressed. What a wonderful example to have set for your two youngest. Good for you!

Deana said...

Damn, girl! That is an AWESOME time!! And you haven't been running lately?! I run all the time & refuse to have to run faster than an 8 1/2 minute mile. LOL

CONGRATS! Very cool!

Janet said...

Congratulations on your achievement. I'm been dealing with chronic fatigue and I'm wondering if you could tell me what test they did....I'm looking for anything that might explain my fatigue. Thanks, Janet

Christine said...

Congratulations Cammie!! So glad that you found out what was going on with your body. I used to run all of the time too and for the last few years have totally not felt up to it. I guess I better get a check up. How wonderful that your husband didn't listen to you. Sounds like it was a wonderful event for your whole family. Looking forward to hearing about more medals you win.
Have a great rest of the day!
xoxo, Christine

Ruth G said...

That's awesome! So glad you got a diagnosis and had such postitive results from working hard afterward! Congratulations and I can't wait to hear more from you about your running successes!

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Cammie what a journey you have been on - well done for persevering and now recovering and running again.
Blessings
Maxine

B said...

Wow! Awesome! Congrats!

Lori Craig said...

Woot! Woot! You ROCKED it! Very proud of you. The most important thing is that you are feeling better, but I'm super excited about your race, as well! Congratulations!

Michelle said...

YAY YOU!!!!!

Sue from Oregon said...

I am so impressed! Good for you Cammie! I need to get of my hiney and move too!