HIGH FIVE

1) to move or gesture in celebration or greeting in which two people slap each other's open palm with their arms raised
2) greet with a high five

Happy National Running Day! 

In honor of this day, it seems appropriate that I finally get around to talking about the 10k I ran recently: the Snohomish Women's Run. This was the first 10k in a series of three that we have planned before our half -- you know, to keep our training honest. This run was also the first 10k race I have completed and I must say, I really enjoyed it! Not as long as a 15k but not as short as a 5k...juuuuuuust right! It was during this run, I was reminded why I run...

I will be honest, sometimes I run for the goodies (cute bibs, quality shirts, medals, etc.) and I was initially drawn to this run because it had an awesome finishers' medal. But I am glad that I signed up for this run for so many other reasons. This was inaugural Snohomish Women’s Run and other than not having enough shuttles to transport people to/from parking/event locations, everything else seemed to go off without a hitch. A beautiful, flat course out in the country -- exactly what I was looking for!

This was my first all-women event and I really liked the atmosphere. There were super fit racers, moms, pregnant ladies (who ran faster than me), teenagers, grandmothers -- you name it! Seriously, it was quite the spectrum. But we were all there because wanted to push ourselves and we all joined together in this community of runners to do so. 

My all-time favorite moment was in my 4th mile of the race. The course was an out and back loop. As we were on our back route, we crossed paths with those in the beginning of their race. Someone stood out to me: a woman running alone, who was looking exhausted. As I watched her jog, I couldn't help but be proud of the hard work she was putting in. She didn't make excuses like "I could never run a 10k" or "I am tired" or "I don't have a workout buddy". It didn't matter how fast she was going because she was beating everyone who was on the couch at home. She put one foot in front of the other and didn't stop. She didn't over-think it, she just keep going. As we were getting close to passing each other I felt compelled to let her know I was rooting for her -- so I ran across the the course towards her, gave her a high five, and she gave me a huge smile.

I run because I believe in a life of fitness. 
I run because it strengthens not only my mind but my body. 
I run to encourage others -- because I turned "I could never do that" into "I will conquer that". 

Additionally, the Snohomish Women's Run's charity partner is Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County which is a cause that definitely is worth supporting. I had many sorority sisters that volunteer for the Domestic Violence Services in Hillsdale County, so it made me feel as though it was my chance to help the cause. 

All-in-all I had a great experience (I ran in 59:19). We had a blast exploring Mukilteo at our packet pick-up the day before and enjoyed an amazing brunch after our race at Arnie's (go there...seriously). This run makes me look forward to my next two 10k's and then my half! Until then I will keep running and keep giving HIGH FIVES!