2023 Winter Burke Lake Race
A glimpse at how I returned to running, after being away for many years, and my first event of 2023.
How many times have we decided to make New Year's resolutions at the end of the year, only to lose steam after a month or so as life gets in the way? There have been times when I have been successful with some and failed miserably with others. Like many people, my resolutions almost always include some form of working out, eating more nutritious foods, making more time for me (I am a wife and mom of two very energetic boys, with a full-time job), enjoying the great outdoors, and slowing down and being present in the moment (life is short, so every moment is a gift). But life is full of twists and turns and doesn't always coincide with our agenda.
Well, my resolutions for 2023 still included some of the items listed above, but this year I decided I was going to get back into running. Specifically, I was going to train for and run in at least one 5K race. For some this may seem trivial, but for others 3.1 miles is quite a distance to run. Now in fairness, I have run a mile or so, off and on, here or there, as a means of cardio, but I haven't run over two miles, let alone a 5K race, in over 18 years. So, when my colleagues and I were discussing our New Year's resolutions they were either dumbfounded or applauding the endeavor. It seems the word 'run' can have a polarizing effect when discussed. People either love it or hate it, live for the next mile or dread it, and find it either exhilarating or exhausting just thinking about it.
So how did I arrive at this decision you might ask?
It started November 2022, when my extended family gathered for Thanksgiving, and my sister asked if my family was interested in participating in a Thanksgiving morning fun run/walk at the 7th Annual Pilgrimage in the Park in Nancy, Kentucky, at Pulaski County Park. My sister's children would be participating, and she was wondering if my kids would like to run it with their cousins. Now, before I had kids, I had participated in a few Thanksgiving Day runs, and even ran the one mile run while my then boyfriend, who became my husband, ran the 5K. Everyone was excited about the fun run, and we signed up for the event. My sister though was running the 5K, and after we returned home to enjoy our Thanksgiving feast, we discussed how we should all plan to do the 5K next year. I was like... "Heck Yeah!"
As the Christmas holidays were drawing to a close, I began thinking about how I was going to accomplish my goal of getting in shape for a 5K in 2023, and my reading and research on running began. What I quickly noticed through my research, was that this journey back to running was going to provide me with a platform to also accomplish several of my other resolutions. If I did this right, it would also lead me to eat more nutritious foods to fuel my runs and recovery, it would give me some more "me" time, help me spend more time outdoors, help me keep up with my kids, improve my sleep, and help me deal with stress. I can definitely tell you that I am a much more relaxed individual on the days that I run.
Let's get started!
I knew how much running would benefit me, and I was psyched to start. The one major problem, I knew I needed some sort of coaching to get back into running so I wouldn't overdo it and get myself injured or just get burned out and deflated. Then I thought to myself, "There has got to be an app for this sort of thing, 'cause they have an app now for everything!" I was right and after more research I decided on the Couch to 5K Runner by Fitness22 LTD. There are many apps out there. I chose this one because it clearly coaches you through your runs, and sprinkles in words of motivation throughout, to get you to push through the workout. The other feature I really like is that it allows me to listen to my own soundtracks, and the coaching and motivation come through clearly. Not all apps have this feature, and to hear the coaching you can only listen to their soundtracks. I prefer to listen to my music, so that was the deciding factor for my choice. The app is also easy to understand, and as soon as it is installed you can begin using it right away. I have to say this app has made a world of difference, and through the GPS it tracks my distance, plots my runs on a map, and tracks my times. It also has a feature where you can schedule your run days and times and it will send you reminders. Please note, I'm not affiliated with the Couch to 5K Runner app or Fitness22 LTD in any way. This app however has been very helpful in achieving my goal.
Staying Motivated...
After running consistently for several weeks, I decided to see if there were some races in the coming months that I could train for and look forward to. It always helps me to plan for a race or event to motivate me to stay on track. What I found was an abundance of races all around the DC metro area, ranging from a 5k all the way to full marathons. In narrowing my search to a 5K, I came across the 2023 Winter Burke Lake Race sponsored by Bishop's Events. I love the trails around Burke Lake and decided this was just what I needed to gauge my current running physical fitness.
On the day of the event my husband, and two kids accompanied me to the race to support me and cheer me on. I couldn't actually believe I was running a 5K after so long and was looking forward to it despite the cold.
Not just for adults!
The start and finish of the race was located next to the playground in Shelter A at Burke Lake Park, which was great as it provided a place for kids to play and stay busy while parents tested their running abilities in the 5K, the 10K or the Half Marathon. My kids played there for a bit before, during, and after my run, along with several other children.
And we're off!
The race started, and I felt the rush of adrenaline coursing through my body as I waved to my family and followed the crowd winding its way between orange cones, leading us down to the trail next to the lake from the parking lot at Shelter A. As we kept winding our way down, I realized that this was the same route I had to travel to get back up to the finish line. "Wow", I thought... "that is going to hurt on the way back".
Determined not to dwell on that thought, a smile bloomed on my face as we traveled into the woods right next to the lake. I focused on finding my stride and let myself settle in for the run. Through slightly teared eyes from running in the cold, I looked out at the lake where geese were honking and splashing as the sun was rising, casting a beautiful sunrise on the water.
I still couldn't believe I was here! My one goal was to run the entire distance without walking. I knew that based on the 5K Runner app I had only run a little over half the distance of a 5K and had walked the rest. I was wondering if I was setting my expectations too high at this point, but I was going to do my best. I felt so alive, and it was amazing to be out there with all those other people. There was an air of comradery present because we were all united in running. I found my pacer in front of me and decided that I would try to keep up with them, and if they slowed down and I passed them I would choose a new person to be my pacer. I passed a few people and was passed by a few as well, but I never stopped running.
At the turn around point I really started to feel the run setting in, but just knowing I was half-way there was a motivator. An even bigger motivator was when I saw my family had walked out to a section of the trail to meet me and cheer me on to the finish line. When I rounded the last curve by the lake, I knew the final hill awaited. I had run farther today than I had in a long time, and I was determined to finish strong. Digging deep, I kept placing one foot running in front of the other knowing I was almost there. Around the last curve I saw the finish line and I smiled. I had done it! My first 5K of 2023.
To my delight I was handed a medal as I crossed the finish line. I had not expected to receive anything besides the race shirt, and as I put it around my neck, I realized I want to do more of these races. Continuing to use my 5K Runner app I will pursue my training, striving to become a stronger runner, with the ultimate goal of seeing my times continue to improve.
2023 Thanksgiving Day Pilgrimage in the Park here I come!