Gina Rae Mitchell

 My First 5K – Awesome 80’s Fun Run

My First 5K – Awesome 80’s Fun Run was previously published on a different blog I wrote in November, 2014. So much has changed in my life since then. I have had ups & downs. I’ve dealt with some health issues for myself. the continuing saga of aging parents, and now reaching the end of life situation with my mother. I thought it was a good time to update this a bit and bring back the fun, happy memories of that day. Currently, I’m nursing a bone spur on my heel so I’m walking in moderation. However, I have a couple of grandchildren that want to do a 5K fun walk/run soon so I have some motivation to get back on the road. I would love to hear some of your goals to get in shape or how you stay in shape. Please share in the comments or connect with me on my Facebook page.

 

My first 5K is in the books. I finished with lots of help and encouragement from all my family and friends. It was fun, enjoyable, an all-around great life moment for me.

I owe so much to my family & friends for the success of today. They challenged me to walk on the days I felt like curling up on the couch, encouraged me to walk just a bit more when I didn’t have enough steps for the day. They cheered my achievements no matter how small. Three of them were waiting right there at the finish line for me. Friends and family at home sent texts and cheers for me. I appreciate each & every one of you. Thank you!

Race/Walk Day

Emily, Chris, Tom & I made our way to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge Park at dawn this morning for the Awesome 80’s Fun Run.

When we gathered at the starting line, I looked around & thought “Hey, I am sure I can keep up with the guy carrying a shower with him”.

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Nope, shower dude was gone in a flash. So was the woman with the 3-legged dog. Finally, I settled in with a group of families with young children & strollers. They were a perfect fit. The pace was right and they were so encouraging to a total stranger. I felt like their surrogate grandmother out for a morning walk.

When I neared the finish line. my personal cheering section was there waiting for me. They finished their race in times that pleased them and had lots of breath left for cheering me on. 

I finished, not at the front by a long shot, but in a decent time for me. What a relief there were plenty of walkers still behind me.

I did not walk into the water,    the mud,   other people,    animals,    or inanimate objects such as poles or signs.

 These are huge wins in my book!

The finish line area was full of people congratulating each other, having some snacks, dancing to the awesome 80’s music, generally just having a fabulous time on a beautiful San Francisco morning. If you ever get a chance to take part in or just go watch an Awesome 80’s Fun Run, I highly recommend it. It is incredible.

Thanks for letting me share my fears & accomplishments with you.

Do you have something you are wary of doing in public? Let me know how you plan to conquer that fear. I can tell you …  It Feels Great!

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