Before we begin talking about my comeback, let me begin by welcoming you to the first ever Runners’ Roundup!
We’re so excited to bring you this new linkup! Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, we’re back with a new lineup of co-hosts, fresh ideas, and a lot of fun! Keep reading for the details…
I have had a tentative comeback date in the back of my mind for quite a while now, maybe even as soon as I was released from the hospital. I wanted a familiar 5K, close to home. Ideally, it would be before summer and it would have every single bell and whistle. Motivation is important to me, and I love races that offer all the perks.
The 6th Annual Sweet By Holly Cupcake Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Cake Walk, benefitting Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida on April 4 in St. Johns Town Center checks every single box.
On Monday, my PT might have mentioned something about starting me on a treadmill at our next session. I’m feeling good and strong, and I can’t help but see possible training plans emerging over the next eight weeks.
The beginning stages include focusing on my gait. I need to concentrate on keeping my hip and foot aligned under my body. My foot has to roll from heel to toe. Every day, I have to watch my turnover and make sure I’m not favoring my injured leg. The elliptical will help a little, and the treadmill a little more.
From there, the plan is to start “walking for exercise.” We have a beautiful neighborhood with plenty of sidewalks. I can make that work. And then we will see if super speedy walking can turn into some run/walk intervals, or even a Couch to 5K situation. I’m not making any promises, but I am committing to work hard and daring to hope.
Recovery is starting to lead places. It’s pointing to my comeback. I can almost taste it, like the Sweet by Holly cupcake at the finish line of that 5K.
The Sweet by Holly Cupcake Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Cake Walk is absolutely friendly for all ages and abilities. It’s a competitive, gun-timed race, so everyone is represented accordingly and the flat course makes it perfect for the comeback runner, too. I may not be lining up at the front of the line, but I’ll be lining up.
I’m excited to earn some swag and bling again. I miss that feeling, and can’t wait to see the goody bags at packet pickup! Participants of the Cupcake Run are treated to so many race amenities: a Sweet by Holly Cupcake at the finish, vouchers for two more free cupcakes and a frozen yogurt (use these when picking up your packet at Sweet by Holly), blingy medals for both Cupcake Run and Kids Cake Walk, technical race shirt for 5K participants (cotton t-shirt for Kids Cake Walk participants), custom bibs for early registrants, and FREE race photos!
Most of all, my presence at this event supports Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida. This amazing non-profit inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experienced-based curriculum to creatively integrate running. Our kids deserve positive outlets full of support and enthusiasm and Girls on the Run provides exactly that.
This comeback means recapturing the feelings and sense of accomplishment I had after this race five years ago, and I am so ready to get back to that!
Are you ready to register and join me for this comeback moment? Click here to join us for the Sweetest Race in Town! For more details about the race, check out this post.
And now, back to the Runners’ Roundup!
Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!
Have you ever had to plan a comeback event?
*This is a sponsored post. I have partnered with Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida to promote the Sweet By Holly Cupcake Run 5K and 1 Mile Cake Walk. I have received compensation in the form of race registration for my own personal use. All opinions are my own.*
I’m so glad your recovery is progressing quickly! And I’m so happy about the Runners’ Roundup!
Debbie recently posted…29 Things You Should Do the Night Before Your Big Race (Printable Checklist)
Me, too! And me, too!
runswithpugs recently posted…strategies for coping with injury
This is so exciting! It will definitely help to keep you motivated if you have a race planned. Even if you can’t run the whole race it sounds like a fun event!
It’s been so long, and I have had to let so many races go to DNS over the last few months. I need this.
runswithpugs recently posted…strategies for coping with injury
You got this.
Yep. Been there.
5 months after the ankle incident. An accidental 5k. Planned to walk it but ran and cried.
Awwww 🙁
runswithpugs recently posted…strategies for coping with injury
I love that you have your comeback in sight! I did the same with a 5K that I run walked in December. Having a goal to work towards is always motivating. Of course I love that your race benefits GOTR too.
The GOTR connections makes it extra sweet!
That’s my kind of comeback!!! Sounds like so much fun and a cupcake at the finish is almost as good as a beer… :p
it’s such a great race for a great cause and I’m happy to get to be part of it.
Sounds like a great race! I love that not only do you get a free cupcake after the race, but also vouchers for more free cupcakes later! It also seems like you have a good plan for your come back 🙂
Chaitali recently posted…Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole
They’re really good cupcakes. I have no shame in using those vouchers!
I’m so excited that you’re at the stage where you are thinking about racing again! You are going to comeback stronger than ever!
I’m excited, too! I hope it’s more encouraging towards my progress, then not.
Love reading this! I’m so glad you’re working toward this goal, and have total faith that you’ll crush it! If I was closer, I would totally come run this with you!
Well. Let’s not pretend this is going to be a full run! If I can get a mile before I have to walk, it will be a win.
Yay! This is great news! I know this has been tough for you. But there’s an end in sight, lady!
Definitely an end in sight!
What a great race to stage a comeback! I had a fun race for my comeback, too…though there were no cupcakes involved LOL
That’s ok! Not every race can have cupcakes! This one is for a great cause too!
Will run for cupcakes! Jenn I’m so excited for you!!!
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie recently posted…Weekly Eats: Getting By
Heck, yes!!!! Cupcakes are the perfect motivator!
I’m really glad that your recovery is going well!! That cupcake run sounds like fun (and yay for frozen yogurtttt!!!) + that medal is adorable!
It lights up, too! I didn’t post video of it but it’s so cute!
Sounds lie a perfect comeback race. Good luck I hope all goes well.
I think it’s going to be great!
Yay!!! This has been such a tough journey and you’ve handled it so beautifully. I also just love how you’ve been so honest about your feelings along the way, the good and the bad. This sounds like the perfect race for your comeback (plus that gorgeous cupcake medal is everything!) 4th April is also my dad’s birthday so you get some extra luck from my end of the world!
I’m trying. I don’t want to come off as ungrateful or bratty, but this also hasn’t been sunshines and roses. I always thought after the initial pain of a break, the rest was just mild discomfort and inconvenience and that has not been the case. I am so appreciative of the support and the help we have received to help me recover, but it hasn’t been easy either.
I love the extra luck from your dad’s birthday!
I think my comment from yesterday disappeared in mystery internet land…
I wanted to say that I would definitely run that 5k with you if I was still in Florida! Cupcakes are the best! And that medal would get a special place in my home!
Catrina recently posted…Battling with the Wind
<3 <3 <3 I appreciate the love and support so much! It's dizzying to think that I might really be ready for this!
This sounds like the perfect race for your comeback! I would love getting a cupcake after a 5k (well, I have to admit I need a bit more than a 5k to feel I’ve really earned it, but I’d enjoy it anyway).
Good luck on your comeback journey!
If it helps, these are closer to mini cupcakes, so definitely earned! 🙂
I’m excited!
Yay for your comeback and yay for a good race! I think ALL races should have cupcakes at the finish. Revel Rockies had Pie! And a local women’s triathlon has chocolate fondue.
Right??? Cupcakes are very motivating. I love getting yummy treats after a race!
Hooray for getting back on the treadmill. You are getting closer to your comeback. A cupcake run is definitely the way to comeback!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…How to Survive Treadmill Running.
I knew it just had to be this one!
runswithpugs recently posted…strategies for coping with injury