Amy's Blog

I ran the Mother’s Day 5K Race at Corporate Woods yesterday. The race started at 8:00 in the morning on Sunday.  I admit that I didn’t want to get up to the gray weather after only four hours of sleep.  I had a really full day on Saturday, so I didn’t go to bed until about 2:00 am and woke up with my alarm at 6:30. I put on my running gear, sent a few Happy Mothers day texts, emails, and Facebook messages, and headed out the door. 

 It was amazing that I found parking right away and was able to get to the starting line with thirty minutes to spare.  The race was for women only, and they were everywhere.  The emcee was trying to get the energy going via the loud speaker and made several announcements of the various teams that were present.  One thing that was really cool was the number of mother-daughter-granddaughter teams that were present from all over. For many, this run has become a Mother’s Day family tradition. 

 There were prizes for those who had completed their first race ever, for those under 12, and they even had a “middle of the pack” award.  In addition to the run being a fundraiser for Kansas City Express, a local women’s’ running and walking club, the race is also a way to encourage fitness of all levels in people of all ages, shapes, and sizes.  Recognizing first timers, children, and slower runners were all great ways to get the message out. 

 There were men on the sidelines throughout the entire course cheering on their wives, sisters, and mothers.  I was really impressed at the family oriented atmosphere of the race. 

 I admit, I was a little jealous of those families that were there running together and cheering each other on, as I came by myself. Maybe one day I can get my sister to run with me…we will see….

 After I crossed the finish, I headed for the food tent.  I don’t normally do that after races…it seems counterproductive to run 3 +miles and then go pig out on donuts, bagels, soda, etc. However, I did go for a Krispy Kreme and it was DELCIOUS! After I enjoyed my donut, I headed to find my car.  As I was walking, I passed a sign that said “Be the best you can be” I’m trying to keep that in mind as I continue my workouts this week. The next run on the books is the Jazz in the Woods 5k on June 12.

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