I Am a 5k Runner! A week of firsts.

I did it! I ran it! I have worked hard over the last year to be able to run a whole 5k without stopping. You all may or may not remember that I had a specific 5k I wanted to run without stopping. My tiny tot has Down syndrome and our wonderful support group puts on a 5k to raise funds for all of the wonderful things they do for us. This group sponsors families to go to the National Congress, National Buddy Walk, seminars, and they hold parent education sessions, maintain a lending library, among other things. We do everything we can to help raise money.

Last year when I started running, I did so with the intention of being able to run this race nonstop. I began by using the C25K app by Zen Labs! When I started the app, I couldn't even complete Day 1. I needed a Bed to Couch app, or something hahaha. Eventually I could run 8x 1 minute. Then I could run 1.5 minutes, and 5 minutes, and so forth. I repeated weeks. I stopped and started over. I went back a week or two after not running for a week or so. I battled injuries. I just kept trying.

I learned a good pair of running shoes is cheaper than physical therapy. I learned that fit is more important than thin. Full disclosure, I weigh more than I did three months ago, but my size is the same. Muscle weighs more than fat inch for inch.

Saturday was the 3.21 Dash for Down Syndrome.  I had never run 3.1 miles non stop. I am not sure that I had done 2 full miles, as I run REALLY slowly. #teamturtle is real! I started running and did not stop. I ran until I crossed the first finish line. After the traditional 3.1 miles, there was an extra .11 mile run for that little something extra that our friends with Down syndrome have. 3 copies of the 21st chromosome 3.21. I ran to the second finish line. I am pretty sure I was dying by the time I finished, but I did it. I felt like I was dying at least. I really wasn't. I was cold, and proud.  I ran in the coldest run of my life. It wasn't the fastest, but I don't care. The week before, I did a faster 5k, but I walked a little. I purposely slowed my pace this week. I wanted to finish without walking. I did. I cannot be prouder.

I have to say that I am also proud of my son. He ran the same race and came in second in his age group! He rocked it for his sister!

I did another thing this week. I got my first tattoo. It is also to honor my sassy pants. It is called the lucky few tattoo. The tattoo consists of 3 arrows, my middle arrow is blue and yellow for Down syndrome. I am lucky that sassy pants calls me mom! Or my my mamamama as it may be. My husband also got the same tattoo. We love our girl!