My 2nd 5k ~ Benefiting Coyote Hill

April 27, 2013 ~ I have made it a mission to change my health for the better. I am not a health nut nor will I be one but instead I am trying to make slight changes along the way to a healthier me. I am still enjoying things I like and just making sure it's in moderation.  I don't go to a gym but rather try to be active as much as I can.... for those of you that know me you know my little feet are always on the go! (I am pictured with Elizabeth Tate and this was her second 5k also!)

I signed up for the Coyote Hill 5k sponsored by Veterans United Home Loans and benefiting a great organization here in Columbia, MO.  Coyote Hill Christian Children’s Home exists to provide a professional, yet traditional home environment for abused and neglected children. Through licensed counselors and full-time Home Parents, the children of Coyote Hill are ensured a safe & healthy place to grow, learn, laugh and love.  Come and see for yourself why Coyote Hill is called… “A Safe Place to Be a Child.”  You can check out their website at  http://coyotehill.org/

 When I woke up it was raining. It would have been so easy to stay in bed but that wasn't an option. I signed up to do this and I wasn't going to use any excuse to keep me from it. Although it was cold and wet outside I slipped on my Bass Pro rain gear and headed out the door. (I was worried I would be cold since I would be there an hour before the race started to get checked in) It wasn't pretty but I was determined. I got my t-shirt, race bib and a little thing to put on my shoe that would keep my time from start to finish. (Pretty cool as I had wondered how they kept track of everyone's time at various races)

I took this picture from Veterans United's Facebook page. I am not sure of the exact count of people that participated in this event but I was told around 300. We were all ready to get started! 

This is another picture I got from Veterans United's Facebook page. It's not pretty but I got the job done! I started out speed walking and then started jogging in between. I am trying to build up my lungs (so I am not so winded) and be easy on my knees so I don't trash them. My whole goal was to complete this 5k under 45 minutes. I'm not going to lie.... I had to dig really deep to make this happen. Not sure if it was the rain or being restricted in rain gear but I wasn't giving up! 

I completed this race in 43:25:71 and was proud. I will continue to push myself throughout this year with additional 5k's and hopefully get my time down to completing one in under 30 minutes. It's just a goal and one I will focus on. Thank you to everyone that has supported me on this journey. It's not easy but I felt I was worth it (and maybe it would get rid of some of this crazy energy I have!) Just remember... if you don't start today to a new you, then when will you?