Gator Bait Trail Run

     Andy and I ran the Gator Bait Trail Run at Huntsville State Park this past Sunday.  We ran in the 5K race, not the 15K.  This was our first ever competitive 5K race as a couple; we ran a half-marathon a couple of years ago.  We had a fun morning, if you choose to call paying to run fun and we do!  The trail was not too difficult... uphill for the first 1.5 miles, downhill for about a mile, and then back uphill for the last half mile.  The course narrowed really quickly at the beginning, so we didn't get off to a good start.  Andy placed 10th in his age group.  The race hosts had placed me in the 60 & over age group for some weird reason, so I would have gotten 1st in that age group.  In my "real" age group, I got third.  I didn't get a medal due to the fact that I was in the wrong age group initially, so I am supposed to receive my medal in the mail - we'll see.  We were not happy with our time (35min 53sec), but we hadn't run in over week and I was battling a pulled tendon in my foot and 2 blisters on my heels (thanks to hiking).  We did get a bunch of goodies for our participation though - 2 mini Clif bars, energy jelly beans, sport drink mix, beer pilsner, and a dri-fit shirt.  We look forward to our next race, whatever and wherever that might be!
      Talking about our race makes me think about just running in general (duh!)...  So many people ask us how we are able to run and then run so far.  Unfortunately, neither one of us really has a satisfying answer for those wanting answers to all of their running troubles.  Andy and I have both been pretty active and have worked out our entire lives.  We have never not run or not been in decent shape, so we don't know what it's like to start from stratch.  Have we been out of shape?  Oh yes, most definitely, but nothing like "I've never run before" out of shape.  For any of you who want to start running to get "in shape," this is what I have to say...  You will hurt but that doesn't mean to quit.  It's running; it's not easy.  If it were easy, everyone would do it and Americans would be fit.  You must experience pain in order to get better.  Run with a partner (or your iPod) - you need motivation and accountability.  Having someone to workout with makes it a little easier and more bearable.  You don't have to run everyday; you can overdo it.  If your pain is so excruciating that you can barely walk, take a day or two off.  If you don't stick with it on a consistent basis, you will never get "comfortable" with running and you will probably end up quitting.  Set goals so you have something to work towards.  I think running is theraputic, so it's definitely worth trying!  Okay, I'm done with my motivational speech - HA!  :)

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