Emma Creek 5K

Saturday, April 26th several women from Genesis Health Clubs gathered in Heston, Kansas for the Emma Creek 5K walk/jog/run. The significance of this race is to celebrate Women's Health and Fitness. It was my 2nd year of participating and it was my goal to get as many women that I know to participate. Several of my clients were able to go and I couldn't have been more excited.

We arrived early so we could pick up our packets, take pictures, talk (and drink coffee)... Right before the race, people split up with a partner or in groups of people who were walking, jogging, or running about their pace. Those running were right up front of the starting line. All of us took off at the pop of the gun and push forward through the Kansas wind. People were all over the race path encouraging all the participants. Cop cars and race workers lined the roads so that no one got lost. It was absolutely one of the best 5K races I've done as far as being professionally done and no confusion.

Of course I had my own personal goals, it was my goal to actually run the race. For those of you who know me, know that my fitness journey actually started with running. When I started to make healthy choices for myself 3 1/2 years ago, I was embarrassed to do any activity and that's why I started jogging. I was embarrassed to go to a gym. I was embarrassed to walk, jog, slog, run outside because I imagined cars driving by would be making fun of me. However, the more I did it, the more comfortable I became in my own skin. With becoming comfortable in me, the healthier I became, and the more confidence I gained. I ended up running 2 half marathons and numerous 5 and 10 K's... HOWEVER, my last 5K was June 2013. I had changed my cardio to HIIT and teaching spin last fall. I knew my biggest challenge for this race was that I've spent the last 8 months in the weight room lifting my tail off, and not running. I had no idea HOW my legs would react to running a little bit longer distance. Let's just say during the race, it wasn't too bad, my quads were burning... BUT the day after the race... MY CALVES! Holy crap! I honestly can say I've NEVER been this sore after a run. But ALSO, my lifting partner and I lifted legs right after we got back from our run. The pain,
possibly a combo of everything, but I'm definitely paying for it today.

So what did I gain from the whole race day experience beside being completely sore?

A sense of EMPOWERMENT. I've preached since day one that my ultimate goal as a trainer is to EMPOWER individuals. And truthfully, nothing meant more to me than watching people who did the race last year to do it again this year as well watching those who have NEVER done a race. The women yesterday did the race I'm sure for several personal reasons, but to me, watching so many women come together for a common interest, to CELEBRATE THEM, means the world. Taking control of my health was the best thing I did for myself. And that's what I pray for all the individuals that were apart of yesterday. I pray that they all see themselves as strong, beautiful women with nothing holding them back. We are the only ones to hold ourselves back, and so with that said, I hope more will participate next year for the Emma Creek 26th 5K Walk/Jog/Run to celebrate being WHO they are and LOVING themselves.

BeBlessed
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