Run Like Robot 5K

Today I ran the "Run Like Robot Virtual 5K". You might ask, did you virtually run? No, I actually ran. The "Virtual" part of the 5K is that the organizer was in another city. She made shirts for several runners, in all different cities, to run a 5K, then post the pictures to her blog: http://www.katandkarl.com/

This was my first 5K since I got plantar fasciitis almost a year ago. I wrapped my foot with medical tape before the run and that seemed to help quite a bit. I also ran in the grass, which also made it easier on the feet.


We chose to run at a lake close by. It was early in the day, but it was already hot. We dropped a cooler with water along the trail so we could stay hydrated. It was an out and back trail, so we could stop for water twice along the way.


The lake was beautiful, and not too busy yet since it was still early in the day. The people watching was fun! There were a few boats, a few family groups preparing for lunch, and a game of cricket being played by guys dressed in all white! What a weird looking game! There was a guy with a metal detector whose wife sat looking bored while he "hunted" in the playground. There were other people out walking/running. There was a bird watcher who was incredibly close to a crane.

My husband is a real runner. I'm a not. He runs, I come out to support him. Unlike the metal detector man's wife, I actually subject myself to the activity, running (I enjoy it a little, the people watching is the best!).

Real runners are fast, calculated and competitive. He had a personal record breaking time... My time was a personal record breaker in the OTHER direction. He's a dedicated, self motivated speedy robot. I'm an easily distracted turtle robot! Either way, we both finished, alive.

It was so hot, that it was miserable. I started dry heaving about half way though. I got to the water stop the second time and I took the ice packs out of the cooler and put them on my head and back. I thought I might pass out. By the end of the run, we were both tomato red!

After the run we went to Sneaky Pete's, the closest restaurant on the lake. The service is always horrible (the waitstaff is all about 18), but the location is fun! There's a few volleyball nets and a pool out on the deck. One can park their boat and walk right into the restaurant. Those of us who don't have boats can swim on the other side. Most of the people there have on swim suits and are sunburned, but somehow, we still looked a little out of place!

Thanks, Kat, for organizing one of the most memorable and fun 5Ks I've ever ran! I had a lot of fun! I'm definitely in for another Virtual 5K!

Father's Day

I used to think my dad was kind of a super hero. He can do anything he put his mind to do. Go back to school when he already had kids, windsurf, learn to dance, or fix any broken household appliance. Now I know my dad is a super hero.

One of my earliest memories of my dad is watching him windsurf on a lake in Orlando. It was like he just picked it up the first try and he had it! Earlier this year, we went to a bridal fair together and he decided he wanted to learn how to ballroom dance for my wedding. A few months later, he and my mom were wearing ballroom dancing shoes and looking like they had years of practice! On my wedding day, he was the best dance partner a girl could ask for!

My dad is a my hero in the sense that I want to be more like him. He loves those around him, he sacrifices what he wants to make other people happy. He's gentle and kind, committed and ethical. He's a godly man; altruistic in his kindness, and conscientious.

One time, my brother said to me, "You ever notice how mom and dad are always trying to make each other more comfortable? That's what I want in my relationship and that's what you should look for." That was very good advice, brother.

My dad used to do projects around the house and let me hold the flashlight. It made me feel helpful. Now that I'm a homeowner, I realize just how incredible his apt for fixing stuff is! I wish I had that talent... Oh, and the athletic ability would be nice, too! And the kind gentle, servant-like character... Once again, he's someone to look up to.

My dad works like a robot, loves like a puppy. He is SO dedicated to his job. A very hard worker who always provided for his family. And loving. He used to give me a hug even as he was taking the keys from me in the middle of the night to ground me for coming in past curfew. It was hard to be mad at him at the time, because he was loving.

My mom loves to watch my dad run. She always says, "Look at him run" when he's running back to the car to get his jacket, or go pick us up because it's raining. She admires him, too.

That's another thing my dad got right. He loves my mom and is committed deeply to her, which says a lot, but that's only the half of it. He chose someone who is very strong, very determined and who loves him. That was a smart move! They are also friends, which is something that I can say I have found myself. "Happiness is being married to your best friend."

Happy Father's day, Dad! I wish I could give you a hug in person!