I never considered myself a good runner. I ran maybe once a month for about 30 minutes and then I wouldn’t feel like doing it again for awhile. I teach several Zumba Fitness classes a week so I find it hard to find time for more cardio activities each week. Until 2 months ago. A girl at my office arranged for us to run Tampa’s Miles For Moffitt, a 5k to help raise money for cancer research. She brought this up right around the time my Grandfather passed away from lung cancer. This fact motivated me to start training and to find the time to get out there and run!

Living in Florida, I have the luxury of picking beautiful locations to go for a run. Near my apartment is a road called Bayshore Blvd. The sidewalk along this road sits right next to the Tampa Bay. This sidewalk is actually the longest stretch of sidewalk in the United States. Interesting right? Here is where I started my training.

The view while running on Bayshore is breathtaking. The wildlife sightings are incredible. It is not rare to see dolphins, manatees, stingrays, jumping fish and even the occasional gator while running this trail. This alone was great motivation for me to keep coming back to run.

I started my run by walking from my apartment to Bayshore Blvd. This allowed me to stretch out my legs from sitting at a desk all day. Once I made it to Bayshore, I did a few quick calf and hamstring stretches, started my stop watch and began to run. I tried to run for a straight 15 minutes at a time. Once 15 minutes hit, I turned around and started to walk. After 2 minutes had past, I picked up my feet again and ran for another 15 minutes. This process seemed to work great for me. I was able to pick up momentum during that last stretch by taking that quick 2 minute break. I started running 2x a week this way. This run plus all my Zumba Fitness classes a week seemed to be enough preparation for the 5k. (*Note, I never ran on the same days I taught Zumba).

So this past weekend I laced up my old running shoes for the 5K race. I made sure to proudly represent my loved ones who had passed away from that horrible disease by placing photos of them on my shirt. I miss you so much grandma and grandpa. But I know you are looking down on me.

It was great to meet up with my coworkers before the race. This helped calm “the excitement” that was about to take place. After a few quick photos and words of encouragement, it was time to run!

I started off pretty slow due to the crowd in front of me. I felt like I was in a maze, weaving in and out between groups of people. As soon as I got past them, I started my pace. I glanced back and noticed I had taken the lead from my group. Oh how that helped me keep trucking away. About 15 minutes into the run, we made a turn and started to run uphill…towards the sun! OH BOY. I was not going to let this bring me down. I peeked down at the photos on my shirt and went for the kill.

Feeling a bit tired now, I knew I could not give up. I used all my energy to keep my legs moving. Then it hit me.. That second wind! Oh yeah, I’m on a roll now. Nothing can stop me now. I see the finish line ahead! People are cheering and clapping all around me and I give it that final push…& TOUCHDOWN! I made it past the finish line in just over 27 minutes. Way-to-go me! I did it!

That feeling of accomplishment is so rewarding. Running for a cure and some training  gave me the motivation I needed to get through this race. I am ready to sign up for the next 5k!