Baltimore Women's Classic 5k!

 Even though this was my third 5k, this one was on purpose (the first one I just meant to walk and the second I meant to do the 2 mile fun run and never saw the turn around) and it was the one my 3 sisters-in-law and I had agreed to train for and run months ago. We all trained separately for the most part but were all ready and able to finish the race! And, at the last minute, Chris' mom joined us too!!  She did awesome!  We had an awesome, BIG cheering section which was really nice-all the husbands, my Father-in-law, all 6 cousins, and my SIL's parents!  I think my favorite thing about this race was the random guitar player/singers who serenaded us t different parts of the course.  Oh, and the cold towels at the end.  That was fabulous.  Chris might have to hand me one of those when I get home from running in the mornings from now on :-)

I'm definitely proud of this accomplishment but I'm wavering between signing up for another race (10k? trying to do a 5k faster?) and being done with running.  Here are the pros and cons (no promises to how shallow or silly they may be, keepin' it real):

Pros: Feels good afterwards and occasionally during
Good for weight loss efforts and overall health
 I've invested in the clothes :-)
 It's very convenient (right outside my front door, no equipment)

Cons: I'd have to figure out some other form of exercise which might require paying for something or leaving kids with strangers
I can't wear my hair straight (I have to wash it every time I run and it takes WAY too long to straighten it every day or even 3 times a week)
It hurts
I get bored and think of all the things I could be doing if I was at home


I don't think I'll quit but this race being over has definitely decreased my motivation. But, Chris reminds me that if I went from not running to 3.1 miles in a couple months, I can certainly continue to increase my distance and speed if I keep going.  And it would be exciting to do a 10K....we'll see :-)  For now, the pics.
 

And we're off!  about 3000 women ran

See that little dot of pink up in the top corner?  That's Uncle David holding Ella.  Quite the good view of the race!

Almost done!

That's Chris' mom finishing and Uncle Matthew and the kids cheering her on on the sidelines

Nancy, Ping, me, Amy, Julie (post race) We did it!!