I love virtual races because they are good motivators during my training. The downside of living on Maui is we don't have a ton of races and sometimes I can't make them due to conflicts with other priorities in life or the need for childcare. However, a virtual race can be done anytime, anywhere, and I like that!I especially like the races hosted by I Run4 Michael (as well as another source but that is a post for another day coming up real soon).
The latest virtual run for I Run4 Michael was the Run Like a Hurricane race which raised funds for epilepsy. Every virtual run through I Run4 Michael raises funds for a worthwhile cause as this group matches runners with special needs kids and adults. Learn more here and sign up to be a runner or get a match for your child.
For this race series you can select your distance and since I like to push myself, it has to be double digits and ideally a half marathon. Things don't always work out as planned though.
My goal was to earn my medal for myself and my buddy (yes, the race comes with two medals!) on my long run on Friday, April 22nd. I had the time but little did I know I was going to be a moody, emotional mess since my mom left town just the day before.
I started running on the treadmill and ended at 1 mile feeling completely depressed and broke down in tears. Darling daughter asked me what was up and I told her. She gave me a huge hug and told me not to be sad as I would see my mom again in just two monthss. I asked her to going running with me outside a few minutes later thinking she would say NO as she often does but....she said yes! So we hit the hills for another 2.15 miles and enjoyed some mother-daughter time. And she knew I would want to run more and I did. When we got home I ran another 3.1 miles on the treadmill bringing me to 6.25 miles. Phew! I made it to a 10k. I know the race has a 10k option but like I said, I like double digits and use virtual races to push myself.
The next day I was still blue but tried again to get some good running in between chores and horse lessons for darling daughter. My day started with 3.25 miles on the treadmill, then another 4 miles, and then another 3.1 miles. I would have had less runs to get the miles in if I didn't sit sulking so long in the morning before finally lacing up. And yes, darling daughter got me moving. Total miles: 10.35. I was pretty happy with that.
And with my Friday-Saturday miles totaling 16.6 I was feeling pretty good saying I earned the medals. After all, if two triple run days back-to-back didn't qualify as running like a hurricane, what would?
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for darling daughter.
Daily Bible Verse: But for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. ~ Joshua 24:15
