Never Say Never

I learned at a young age to literally never say never. I was doing well with never say never until I started running a few years ago. Over and over, I heard from veteran runners that I should take an ice bath within 30 minutes after long training runs to help reduce soreness. To this advice, I always responded that my first ice bath will happen about 30 minutes after hell freezes over. Basically, never. So, guess what I did for the second time in my life this week? I took an ice bath. Yep. That's two ice baths for me. Plus, plans for future ice baths after long training runs.

For all of my non-running friends, an "ice bath" can be a tub of just cold water with no ice that covers you nearly to your waist. To make myself more 'comfortable' sitting in 50 degree water for 10-15 minutes: I keep my running shorts on, wear a long sleeve shirt, and bring an interesting book to read in the tub with me. It is cold but I definitely notice feeling less soreness.

I Won Without Winning

Saturday, September 25

The Women's Distance Festival is an annual 5K event for women only to benefit Interact. Even though I do not like running 5ks. I love this race. I sign up for it every year.

The main reason I love The Women's Distance Festival is because the energy at this race is amazing. This race is the first event for a group of women who complete a 10 week training program to run their first race, a 5k. I enjoy mingling and listening to the amazing stories of these women and how they got to the starting line. Starting to run is life changing for many them.

I have run this race every year since 2007. My course record was set in 2008. In 2008, I completed the course in 25:58. For the last 2 years, I have wanted to set a new course record for myself. This year I completed the course in 28:36.

I do not know if I will ever set a new course record for myself. However, I will definitely sign up for this race again next year!