This running business was much harder than I expected. I had to find time to train, and the pain of it! The pain of it! When I started to train, I could only run about 500 metres before stopping, gasping for breath; my legs on fire; and I thought, how on earth am I going to run 5K!?
Each week, I saw a slight improvement in my time and fitness, and the encouragement from you all, here on the blog, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, spurred me on. I saw running in the Bridge to Brisbane an opportunity to raise money as part of World Visions Multiplying Gift Appeal and you can read more about it here. My relationship with World Vision started last year when I became a WV Blogger Ambassador along with a lovely group of bloggers with a heart for social good. One of the Blogger Ambassadors, Eden Riley, had the opportunity to see first hand the work of World Vision in Niger, Africa. Since then, I’m always looking for opportunities to use my blog for social good where I can. It’s a privilege for me to do so.
Race Day
Sunday 3rd September marked the day of the race, the day I would run 5K. I was excited about the race, but I had a few doubts niggling in my mind whether I could actually run the entire race without stopping. You see, in my training sessions, I had not been able to quite do it all without interspersing the run with walking periods.
Three Goals
When I started out on the this journey, I set three goals:
1. To run an entire 5K
2. Run 5K in under 30 minutes (this was more of a wish than a goal)
3. Raise $500 for those in need
Well, I ran. And I ran. And I told myself during the race: You must not stop. This is your chance. You must run. And I ran. And I didn’t stop. And I finished.
I can’t tell you how amazing it felt to get to that finished line. How proud I felt and running the entire 5K. Do you know what? I CAN RUN 5K! Something I haven’t done since high school! And my time? I smashed my PB and came 2 seconds under 30 minutes. WHOO HOO!
Official Time
My official time: 29.58 minutes.
Money Raised
I’m pleased to say that in total, $700 was raised! The fundraising page is open for the next month so you can still donate here.
Will I Continue Running?
I’ve noticed quite a few changes in my body since running. My headaches have reduced 70%, I have more energy, I sleep better and I feel better. Plus, I’ve lost a few kilos too.
There is something very free about running, and I love it. I will continue to run. Because I can.
It’s amazing what you can do when you decide to. Three goals. Tick. Tick. Tick.
Thanks so much to those of you who have followed this journey with me.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Kelly,
I just found your blog via Pintrest and love it! You have some great posts! I just finished running a Half marathon after having 2 kiddos and totally know what you mean…it takes some time to get back into it. Way to finish!!! My twin sister and I have a blog over at welovebeingmoms.blogspot.com we would love for you take visit. Have a beautiful day!
~Heather
Hi Heather. So glad you found your way here. Don’t be a stranger. I’ll pop and visit now.
Congratulations Kelly on your run and your fundraising. I have an injury at the moment and haven’t been able to run since Friday – I miss it so much!
So sorry to hear about your injury Nic! Hope you recover and are back on you’re running feet very soon. xx
Awesome!! So inspirirational and thanks for the no nonsense this is how to do it & not die technique you shared in previous posts.
Thanks for your support Karen!
Congratulations Kelly, you set out and achieved your goals. All that hard work paid off! I run quite a bit & do half marathons when I can, as I say to my kids “Running makes mummy happy & energetic to keep up with you kids!”. Keep up the good habit:) Nx
Thanks Nicole I will. x
If u love to run check out Parkrun Australia. Just google it. It’s a free timed 5k run and there is probably one near you with more popping up each month. Great friendly atmosphere an very well organised! Our family loves it.
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