Just a few days until my first 5K of the year: The DONNA 5K & Family Fun Run.
I’m pretty excited. I haven’t done a 5K in a pretty long time and it will be good to get back to basics.
I’ve also been putting a lot of pressure on myself, and I’m not entirely sure it’s been reasonable or fair. I am definitely seeing the fruits of my labor from the last few weeks, and I’m darn proud of that. However, for this particular race, it’s not really about any of that.
While I have never run any of the DONNA races before (you know, because I wasn’t running before), I am preparing myself for an exceptionally inspirational event.
Founded by Donna Deegan, a Jacksonville native, local news anchor and three-time breast cancer survivor, the 26.2 with DONNA (and its associated half and 5K) has evolved into an amazing community event, drawing 12,000 registered runners from all over the world. With proceeds going to benefit the Mayo Clinic and to The Donna Foundation (a local organization designed to help breast cancer patients in need of financial assistance), the race has helped raise over $2 million and helped over 7000 women.
The story of this weekend is going to be the amazing feeling of running with these strong survivors, and their families and friends. These are people who haven’t quit, who haven’t surrendered, and who are refusing to back down. It will be a privilege to be a part of it.
All of this has made me realize that my attitude needed a big-times adjustment. I’m usually pretty positive, but my last few runs have been peppered with inner whining and complaints. When I went out on Sunday, I realized that it needed to stop. Immediately. It was counterproductive and self-indulgent and getting me absolutely nowhere. It was a good reality check for me and put a lot of things in perspective. I need to hold on to those feelings.
Are you running with DONNA this weekend?
What helps put your attitude in perspective?
By the way, if you’re in the area and looking for a great race, for a wonderful cause, you can still time to register for the 26.2 with DONNA (or the half, or the 5K). It’s going to be a beautiful weekend, in every way.
You know what? I love how you worded this. “I realized that it needed to stop. Immediately.” I’ve been having a similar conflict, and you’re right, just stop the inner whining! Do it or don’t, but quit complaining about it. I shall try and remember this tonight on the treadmill.
Good luck at your 5K, what a great event!
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Apparently it’s Monday.
I mean, it’s ok to not be doing backflips about getting out there, but if all I focus on is that it’s too cold or my foot isn’t feeling 100% and on and on and on, it slows me down and wreaks havoc on my psyche. No more of that nonsense.
I agree completely! It’s helped me just to turn it off, so thank you for the advice!
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Thursday’s Threads
Happy to help! Sometimes, those voices in our heads get way too big and we just have to turn them down.
runswithpugs recently posted…tutu time
I would love. I run the Susan Komen 5k every year for the same reason.
Darlene recently posted…Day Off and Icicles
It’s going to be great. I’m so caught up in the excitement already and I have no idea what to even expect!
I am running the Gasparilla 5k this weekend with my daughter. I’ve never done the Donna. I’ve thought about making that my first full marathon. It’s such a great race and cause.
Haley @ Running with Diapers recently posted…Valentines Weekend Recap.
I want to do Gasparilla next year! We looked at it for 2014 but it was the same weekend, so I’m staying here. I hope you have a wonderful run!
I will be at Disney for Princess Half weekend but this race series is on my to do list!
Kristen @ The Smith Summary recently posted…We Go Together – February Jost Running Medals
I really want to do the Princess one of these years! Have fun!
runswithpugs recently posted…tutu time
That sounds like an amazing race! Charity races are my favorite kind (and really the only kind I’ve ever run, except 1). Have a great race!
jan recently posted…Record-Breaking Winter
I run a mix of them. I have some really amazing charity runs coming up, and I’m proud and honored to be a part of them.
I love meaningful races! Always makes me feel better than when I’m just giving my money to some big corporation. I hope you have a great race – you’ve been working so hard!
Diana recently posted…Down The Rabbit Hole
I’m pretty thrilled for it!
Can’t wait to hear about your 5K
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Can I Afford a Running Coach?
I’ll be back to share all about it 🙂
runswithpugs recently posted…tutu time
Good luck in your race this weekend!!
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…Runner Spotlight – Let Me Introduce Stephanie
Thanks, Kristy!
Have fun! I love races that involves charity! 🙂 Update us! 🙂
Ja @Ja on the RUN recently posted…20 Weeks! Halfway There!
I will do!