Mission Accomplished

Dedication: To novice runners everywhere!

A few weeks back I shared my goal of completing my new year's resolution of running a 5K. I'm proud to say on Thanksgiving Day, I completed the Run Miami's Turkey Trot.

(Me before the race) 

At 5:00 a.m. sharp the alarm went off. Following Coach's orders, I was sure to hydrate and eat a light breakfast, a slice of toast with peanut butter. At 6:30 a.m. I was at the race site picking up my registration packet. I have to say I had an amazing support team by my side, my two biggest fans Mami and Patrick. Both stood by me, helped me stretch and gave me the traditional bendicion before the count down. Once the countdown started, it was game time. It was just me and the songs that had filled my numerous runs.

In training for this event, I had run more than 26 miles, took up spinning twice a week and ate healthier than I had in a really long time. I ran in 40 degree weather, in the rain, in the sun, in the morning, in the evening and in the afternoon. It was a lot of work, a lot of dedication and a huge accomplishment. My goal was to run without stopping and under 40 minutes. I'm happy to announce I finished the race in 33:45 and did not stop - not too bad for a 4'9 girl!

(3.1 miles later-a very sweaty Grace) 

Now that I've got one race under my belt, I'm looking forward to the next. I think I'll complete another 5K and have set a new goal to run a 10K next year.

Thanks to all for the support, encouraging words and advice!

Hasta next time,
Grace

Bracing the Elements

Dedication: To the world's greatest coach, Coach Rudy.

A few weeks ago I shared how I was inspired to fulfill my new year's resolution of running a 5K. Please know this has not been an epic fail, on the contrary, I've been rigorously training for the race. I'm not up to a 9 minute mile or remotely close to it, but I'm running without stopping. Trust me when I say this is a big deal for a 4'9 girl who always comes in last.

Training hasn't been easy and juggling it with my crazy school schedule has been even harder. However, I have an amazing coach (shout out to Rudy Fernandez), who although he's miles away does everything possible to inspire me to keep going (i.e. text, email, call, etc.).  This weekend as winter decided to come early, I thought how does a girl from sunny South Florida run in the cold?

This is how....

(Me with way too much clothes!)

I swear it was a tough run and the longest I've ever done without stopping!

I'm in for an interesting few weeks as the weather will only continue to drop, but no worries. I got lots of gloves and headbands (courtesy of Nikki and Katrina) to keep me warm throughout my runs.

Hasta next time,
Grace