Hello loves! Ayer was the big day….I ran the Forest Park 5K in memory of my dog Koko who passed away last month.
I started prepping for the race the night before by creating a new playlist…
The weather was a little crisp in the morning but I didn’t think anything of it….We got to Forest Park a little early so that Hailey could participate in some of the events for the family.
Crossing the finish line at the Kids Fun Run
As most of you know, when you have a dog they become part of your family and I was so happy that my family came out to support me and Koko.
Me, Hailey, Hannah, and my cousin Joseph Me and my fabulous primo Joseph!
Mom, Sis, Me, Homefries, Me, and Little sister
Me and my daddy! Btw note that he is wearing converse (always has!) I am definitely my father’s daughter!
I decided to wear green at the race since Koko’s favorite ball was green and yup I took the ball with me!
At 9:55 the crowd started to form at the track and before I knew it, they blew the horn and we were off.
I immediately felt the cold air going into my chest and the burning sensation that it was causing but I tried to ignore it and just push through. Mile one went pretty fast, I actually remember thinking “Already?” when I saw the Mile one Marker and the man yelling 9:45! That was my fastest mile ever. By Mile two we started to hit some hills, I started pumping my arms…I didn’t even want to look at my HR watch because I knew it was way up there. It was getting tough but I usually find someone that is in front of me and have a personal race in my head. I have to admit that I walked for 1 minute when I was going up some hills, they were horrible but thankfully this my local park so I knew what to expect. Before I knew it we were back in the track…I tried to sprint but then I just got exhausted and slowed but then I saw the clock and I noticed that it was 30 minutes….and I sprinted again! I wanted to break my PR! I love that my dad handed the ball to me when I crossed the finish line!
I beat my Coogan’s PR! Which was 33:06 10:40/Pace….
After the race, I went to a Dominican Diner with my family to celebrate!
I enjoyed a couple of these…made my throat and chest feel so much better!
And dove right into this plate…Mashed Plantains with Cheese and Onions…
This was an incredible day! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family who is always there to support me even if it means sitting in a park on a crisp Sunday Morning!
I have more pictures on my Facebook page if you want to check them out…have a great day loves!!!!
Namaste…
