13 Races in 2013

     I have never been considered a runner, but this year I set out to change that. 13 races in 2013!  What I really love is that though there were many races, I can still remember something special about every one. It is like a snapshot of what was going on in my life every month.  Here is a recap of how Rani became a runner.

Resolution Run 5k

     There are not many 5k options in January.  I understand why now- it is cold!  Still is was a beautiful morning and the course was along the Sacramento River. This was my first 5k in a loooong time and my only goal was to run it- no walking.  I did it! I bought those socks, just so my outfit would be complete :)

Davis Stampede 5k

     I really liked the race course through downtown Davis.  About 10 minutes into the race, I regretted all my bad nutrition decisions- I felt it! Still my deal with myself was running, no walking. So I ran as best as I could. Though I knew I was struggling, I thought I was keeping it inside, but the picture tells the truth...this is work/toruture. I will never eat bad again before a race (fingers-crossed).

Lucky Run 7k

     This is a popular race. So popular, I had to park a mile away, run to the start line and still did not make it on time.  Then I spent 15 minutes trying to get past all the walkers. I was not feeling lucky, but I did eventually settle into my pace and found that 7k (4 miles) is a nice distance to run. I will probably never do this race again though because of all the hassle.  But I did get to rock the crazy socks again!

Running of the Elk 5k

     This race was a party!  It had big sponsors (Kaiser, McDonald's and IHop, etc).  There was music, pancakes and a fitness person who did a pre-race warm-up!  You even got a tech shirt upgrade as part of the regular registration.  The swag and race atmosphere were so good, I don't even really remember the running part?  I did get a picture with an Elk- see how cool  this race was!

Capital City Run 5k

     What I will always remember about this race is that it happened a week after the Boston Marathon attack. Instead of wishing me luck, people told me to "be safe."  Race crowds are usually pretty friendly, but there was definitely and extra sense of comadaire in the air. For some reason, this was a tough race for me. I struggled a  lot? Then towards the end of the course, there was a stretch through Old Sac on cobber stone. I had visions of breaking my ankle.  I made it injury free, but a little beat up mentally. Some days are just like that and you push through them.  I ran the whole thing- that was an accomplishment.

Run with Nature 10k Trail Run

     After 5 successful 5k, I thought I am ready for a 10k.  Then I saw it was a trail run and thought- I love trail runs! The race started late, because the trail was on fire- that was exciting! I completely underestimate this race. The first 3 miles were amazing and I enjoyed the trail run. Around mile 4, I started to struggle and by mile 5 it was a hike not a run.  I spent the last mile eating humble pie. I have never been so happy to see the word FINISH. I do love trial runs though and will totally do this again next year, but maybe as a 5k.

Run 4 Independence 5k

     This race happened two weeks post my box jump injury, so there would be no running for me.  Still, I did the best I could and walked it. My gracious sister joined me to keep me company and tame the competitive Rani, who wanted so badly to run! It was a nice community race event and a man in a bunny/tortoise costume lapped me while doing the 10k- hey I was injured :)!

Davis MOOlighting Run 5k

     I tapped up my shin, but I still couldn't run. Fortunately, I had a support team- my sister and my 2 pals from CrossFit Abbey and Gideon.  It was nice to have company and conversation  We grabbed some dinner from Sophia's Thai kitchen and then walked it off.  Walking is just not as fun as running, but I committed to 13 races, so I did what I could.  I also got my Tour de Fit Part 1 finishers medal :)

Davis Labor Day Races 5k

     This was my return to running after my infamous box jump injury.   I woke up to rain in September? So I got out a hat and jacket and prepared to run in the rain. It did sprinkle a little, but that just made me run  faster. This was in  my old stomping grounds of Davis, so I met up with my friend Monica.   The race shirts were a fabulous color and it felt good to run again!

Rock the 80's 5k

     Neon, headbands, wrist bands and side ponytails- oh yeah this was a 1980's celebration!  The day before it poured rain, but race day was just overcast.  I felt very good and found the first 1.5 miles actually enjoyable. The next 1.5 were work, but it got done.  I did spend most of the race thinking about an outfit for the Octobrewfest race though.

Oktobrewfest 5k

     I can now say I've run in a tutu.  I had extra tulle and creativity from my DIY Halloween costume, so I got into character for this race. Honestly, I did not feel like running this race, but I did it. I think I've finally come to terms with running. I can do it, but I don't like to run.  Still I am going to finish- only 2 more to go!

Clarksburg County Run 5k

     Is it over yet?  Sorry, but by now I am sure I don't like to run. Thankfully my friend Lauren joined me on this run through vineyards and country roads.  I focused on breathing and not giving up and 34 minutes later I was done!  I realize that every run- I think about the next run. I wonder what I will think about on the last run?

Davis Turkey Trot 5k

     It is fitting that the last race is the first 5k I ever did, way back when.  It was a cold but beautiful morning and I ran without much struggle.  As I spotted the finish line, I thought "this is not so bad."  I almost allowed myself to think about doing more runs- almost. I crossed the finish line and collected by Part II finisher's medal feeling accomplished.

     Someone asked me if I will be doing 14 in 2014- no thank you!  Racing is fun, but it takes time and money. I am glad I did the Nor Cal Tour de Fit series because it exposed me to races, I probably would not have chosen to run.  Overall, my times were consistent, between 30-35 minutes. What really improved was my mental game!  I used to say "Rani doesn't run."  Now in all honesty, I can say "Rani doesn't like to run, but she can and she did."  I am officially in running retirement.