I hate running 5k’s. I loath the distance. It’s too short to fall into a good running groove. I basically feel like I am sprinting the entire time. By the time I do feel warmed, and I can start holding my paces the race is over. Go figure. Every time I sign up for a 5k I forget I dislike running them. Then I reach the starting line and remember I hate them. I only love them when they are over. I would rather run a 10k or even a half marathon. I love the feeling running a race gives me. The surge of achievement as I across the finish line. In between large races I like to do smaller races because it helps me keep focus on the larger goal. The 5k is the most common, frequent race available to the average runner like myself. So, I continue to sign up for ones in my area whenever possible.
I have not ran a race since the local Rooster Run 5k in June 2023. It was unbearable. At the height of summer in Mississippi. In heat you can’t breathe in and your clothes immediately stick to your skin when you step outside. Basically, it was like I begging to have a heat stroke to run this race. As you could have of guess I didn’t do very well and was happy to have finished. Next race on the schedule St. Jude half marathon in Memphis. In September 2023 in the middle of training, I found out I was pregnant.
We had just started trying for our 4th child. We were beyond excited with the news that we had conceived so quickly. I continued to run during the early months of my pregnancy. I fully expected to manage to run the half come December. However, I developed a severe hip/pelvic pain known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. It felt like my pelvis would fall apart with the slightest of movement. It was a struggle to even turn over in bed. I didn’t want to stop running, but I decided at that point to listen to my body. I dropped from the half marathon, and focused on my pregnancy. It was a hard decision for me to make at the time. Running had brought me so much joy, and I was finally good at it! I promised myself I would not lose my fitness. I would cycle and continue to strength train. (I was seriously delusional.) Between morning sickness, trying to build a house, work, and taking care of three kids already, I was exhausted all the time. I allowed myself to put staying strong on the back burner, and let myself truly enjoy my last pregnancy.
Here I am almost a year later with a beautiful four-month-old, blue-eyed baby boy. I am wondering when my first race will be. I can sign up for a 10k in May that is held every year (Several months away.) This will give me time to regain my strength and my endurance. (Most likely what I should have done.) Instead I signed up for Hope Continues 5k to support breast cancer awareness that was scheduled two weeks away. Perfect. The night shift Aimee who signs up for these races is different. She is not the same Aimee who has to run them on race day. I knew when I signed up for this race, I would be working the night before it. I also knew I would be working again the night of the race, though I have done this many times before and knew it was manageable. Not smart in any sort of the sense, but manageable.
The morning of the race I was exhausted from work. I had worked all night, the day before I didn’t sleep well due to the fact my son is still frequenting breastfeeding. He does not go to daycare and is with me on the days I work. During my work week consistent sleep is not a thing. This set up works for our family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s just a challenge that I work with, and have come to know. I arrive to the race. I watch the tents get set up. The racers in their pink gear gathering in the park near the starting line. You can tell who takes their running hobby seriously by the type of shoes and gear worn. Who is doing warm up exercises, several of them taking laps around the block. Runners don’t come to play even in a local charity 5k. My head is begging me to lay back and close my eyes, but I knew that would be a mistake. So, I sit in silencing and eat my pre-run graham cracker. Helpful tidbit; don’t run fasted. You will struggle, feel heavy, and sluggish. Give yourself some energy-EAT something! I am a firm believer you should never run on an empty stomach.
The race begins and we are off. I start out strong with a 9:50 pace. I hadn’t made it to the first mile when I found myself repeating “I can do hard things.” and “Just don’t stop moving.” I knew running these 3.1 miles this morning wasn’t going to be easy, because I hadn’t consistency run in over a year. This was my first race back. Did I really think that I would PR? With my delusional brain, maybe. I joked with my husband and coworkers about winning in my age group. Secretly thinking “It’s a local race. Small. It’s possible.” Running that first mile quickly humbled me. My expectations of this race, and my goals quickly shifted. Runners of all types began to pass me as I struggled to hold my 10:45 pace. I didn’t quit though I just kept looking ahead and putting one foot in front of the other.
At the last curve a young girl sprints of head of me, joy on her face as she turns around smiles back at her mother. I remember in this moment that running is such a joy. Anyone who is a runner will tell you that. Others may find us strange, but the ones who get it, get it. It’s so much more than a just a hobby. I push myself to pick up my knees to finish strong. I see the finish time clock 33:00. I will finish in this minute.
Overall, the energy of the race was unmatched. Breast cancer survivors lined the streets, ran or walked alongside of me. Mothers, daughters, sisters ran in support of the women affected by breast cancer. Lost loved ones were remembered. Survivors were celebrated. It was an amazing race to run. I stepped back into the running world to find myself again as a runner.
Everyday women are being diagnosis with breast cancer and starting their fight. Early prevention and detection is key to survival. To learn more about breast cancer or if you want to donate to support breast cancer research visit: https://www.komen.org/
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