St. Patrick's Day 5k

   The weekend before St.Patrick's Day I ran in the annual 5k race.  As I have mentioned before, it was the first 5k I ever did, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.  I have honestly not ran a race since last June I think.  I have been running consistently and just trying to put in miles and get stronger as a runner.  I have also added in lots of strength training in the last few months.  I was very anxious to see how it would pay off.  I honestly had no expectations and just wanted to run based off how I felt.
    I really tried to concentrate on not going out too fast which is a major problem of mine.  I started out steady and managed to keep that pace the whole race.  I felt so strong.  Stronger than I have in years.  I guess I should have listened to all those Runner's World articles on the importance of strength training years ago!!! Ha ha.  I ran hard, but didn't feel like I was killing myself and I was very, very happy with my time.  I did a lot better than I did last year.    I feel myself getting closer to where I was about 4 years ago which is when I was my fastest.  With three kids, I can't devote my life to running, so for now I am going to keep on running and trying to improve as I go.  The mental and physical benefits can not be beat! Since I am finally seeing some improvements, I really got me excited to sign up for a few races this spring and summer.
   The weather was absolutely perfect.  No wind and not too hot or cold.  Joey and the kids came and cheered me on.  I can't tell you how much it encourages me to keep going when I see them cheering me on.  

My cheerleaders

Always brings her paper and pencil to sketch

Joey and Jacob

My brother in the yellow running by

Me running by

After the race.  Feeling very tired!

My girls and I