On Sunday, June 1st, I did my first 5k. I’d like to say that I ran my first 5k, but I only ran part of it. I did finish in better time than I had hoped, and placed at the middle of the pack in all categories. Considering that I didn’t train for the race, my result came as a surprise – especially given that after running most of the first half, I was struck with a pesky stitch in my side that was so severe, I felt like I was being stabbed. No exaggeration! Obviously the second half of the race was spent walking more than running, but I still had a decent result in the end. And hey, I finished!
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| These shoes are made for running ... er, walking ... er, running ... |
When I started thinking about my year of 40 out-of-the-box adventures, I thought a race might be a great way to begin. I was an avid runner in my younger days, but it had been close to a decade since I’d made running a part of my routine. Even so, I figured I’d be able to do it. Since January I had been shedding the extra pounds, and though I wasn’t nearly as fit as I would like, I figured carrying around less weight would make 5k a breeze. My body will remember how to do it, I thought. It will be a piece of cake! Um ... not so much. Good thing the physical achievement became a much lower priority than the opportunity to run for a cause.
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| Getting ready to kick some butt! |
PALS is a fantastic organization that supports people’s physical, mental, and emotional healing through contact with animals. I have seen the joy these animals bring to individuals whose lives are impacted by disability, injury, violence, mental health issues, and age. It takes so little to change a life: the touch of a hand upon a furry head, the sound of a purr, a wagging tail. Week after week, these small things add up. The light returns to people’s eyes. The hurts disappear for awhile. The hope and courage fill their hearts. All because an animal was there to soothe their suffering and offer unconditional love and support.
I have been a volunteer with PALS since 2007 when my cat, Bingley became one of the few feline pet therapists in the organization. Because cat temperaments are not generally suited to car rides, unfamiliar environments, crowds, strange noises and smells, and being passed from person to person, it is difficult to find cats with the right qualities for this program. Lucky for me and for all those he’s visited over the years, Bingley has these qualities in spades. He is friend to everyone and everything, doesn’t mind being on a harness and leash, and loves being the center of attention. He’s not afraid of traveling in the car or carrier; he even has a special kitty stroller that allows him to visit in style! He truly adores the senior residents at the facility where we visit, and enjoys kids, too - of all ages and with all kinds of special needs. Since he passed his initial screening, he has become well-known in PALS as “that big fluffy orange guy”. He has made such a difference, in fact, that I decided to try out my other cat, Fergus to see how he would do. In 2012, Fergus, too, passed the test, and now I have two of only a dozen or so cats in a program with close to 400 animals. I’m a proud mama!
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| Bingley and Fergus are natural pet therapists. |
While all this fundraising was happening, I was training. Or rather, I was supposed to be training. Ha! I ran once, about three weeks before the event. Does that count? If my progress on race day is any indication, then no. But with or without training, completing my first 5k was an amazing experience - as glorious and exciting (and exhausting!) as I had hoped. I even received a medal for finishing! And some great photos! And a sense of accomplishment I wouldn’t trade for anything.
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| Getting close ... |
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| Almost there ... |
- Taking action in support of a good cause is always worthwhile.
- Joining a team can make reaching for a goal more fun, more motivating, and more fulfilling.
- Train, train, train. Having a history in a sport/activity does not mean you can jump in where you left off ten years ago.
- After exercise, STRETCH. My poor hips and hamstrings reminded me every day for a week just how necessary stretching is.
- There is nothing stopping me but myself. This is, of course, the most important lesson – and one that we all should remember. The internal critic can wreak havoc on one’s confidence, but nothing silences a critic more quickly than proving it wrong.
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| I did it! |
You rock! You and Bingley inspired me and Harry so much! <3
Yey, Michelle! Very well done - for others and for yourself! Look forward to that marathon!
Good job! I am IMPRESSED!