Tuesday, March 05, 2013

#146. or, I just felt like running. (the K&K virtual 5k.)

  I probably didn't talk to you all about this as much as I needed to, but after 3 months of intensive and rigorous training, last Saturday morning, (March 2nd) I ran a 5k marathon. Quite possibly the very first annual, K&K virtual 5k marathon.

  Alright, it wasn't exactly rigorous, OR intensive training but I did make an effort to at least not come across as totally inept at trying to finish this thing. And while I wasn't able to run the entire distance, I did run 23 of the 25 laps around the track above the arena in town to complete the distance. That's better than I had ever done before and at a time of just under 33 minutes and 28 seconds, faster than I had ever ran the distance as well.

  So, I'm pleased with that. But I can't say that the reason I did as well as I did was solely from my driving desire to be the best. Because I don't have that. AT ALL! It's because this time, I was competing with friends. Not physically there running with me at the track in town, but friends in different parts of the globe, who had committed to the run or lent their support, via the internet, and were with me as I did those laps. That's why, when I would have normally backed out of my run to walk a lap or 2, to catch my wind and let the pain in my side die down, the knowledge that I had the support of a handful of first class individuals was the difference that made this time better than all the rest.

  These people need to be recognized:

  First, there's the other "K" in the K&K, name of this run. Kianwi, from Simply She Goes has been my partner in this venture right from the beginning. And truthfully, without her, I know this run wouldn't have been nearly as successful as it was. I'm pretty sure that most of the people who joined up, did so because she's so darned good at schmoozing the masses. No matter who's blog that I stop in on, she's already been there and left her comment. If you ever need any blog PR done, she's the one you should turn to. Also, it was so motivating, knowing that she and I were doing our runs at the exact same time on opposite sides of the continent. Our times were almost the same and she made this run fun. So many thanks to her.

  The rest of these people who participated did the 5k in their own particular fashion. While most of them ran, others were unable to run and did whatever they could to cover the distance. Which is impressive in it's own right. Because getting out and being active is what this was all about when it comes right down to it.

  Jules, from My Mom's A Whack Job, who incorporated her portion of our run into a different run. An Urban Warrior Dash, that was so much more than anything I was able to accomplish. Cause she's awesome like that!

  My awesome friend, Carrie, from The Slow Dripped Life, did her run while she was in Florida picking up her equally awesome son from his mission trip to Africa. The only thing that kept her from running the entire distance was that she had to stop and take some pictures of hammocks. And if you know Carrie at all, you'll excuse her for that.

  Annika, from Life as I Know It, who is a new friend that I've made that did her run in a completely different hemisphere, as it was getting dark out. Which is exactly what the virtual part of this run was all about. Bringing people from different parts of the world, linked together through one form of social media or another, toward a common goal. Thanks for that.

  Janie Junebug, from Women, We Shall Overcome, did her part to get the distance covered by taking her dogs on 2 separate long walks around the neighborhood. That fit into the guidelines we had laid out for our 5k, so it counts completely. (actually, there weren't really any guidelines, other than to just cover the distance.)

  Heather, from Stretching My Wings, covered her distance by spending her day out and about a festival in her town. Sounds like a good way to spend the day to me. Thanks for joining in Heather.

  Vapid Vixen, from A Vapid Vixen, The queen of brilliant segue's, did her run on a treadmill at the gym after her own method of intense training which included Vodka before the run. Something I'm seriously thinking about incorporating into my next 5k. Although, Vodka before 9 in the morning is something that I may have to train to do anyways?

  Christie, from Outlaw Momma, who said she was inspired by our run which is sort of cool, because she's a pretty inspiring runner herself.

  Stacie, from Snaps and Bits who ran her 5k outside in the cold with her dog.

  And Bryan, from A Beer for the Shower, who, even though sick, ran a freakishly good time of just under 21 minutes. While sick! Through snow and mud, while dodging Canadian Geese! Evidently I need to start drinking beer in my shower?

 ...........also, a shout out to the Pickleope, who didn't run on the day because he was ill as well, but had run a 5k earlier in the week anyways. So he gets included for almost being there. Close enough for us!

  So, if I missed anybody, please drop me a line, and I would be happy to add you to our list. Maybe you had trained in secret and didn't get a chance to say anything to us? Whatever the case, we'd be happy to add you.

  To everyone who joined us or cheered us on, Thank you! I would certainly rate this run as a success. Even though each of us ran our races alone, the community of the blog universe connected us all together that day. And even though my time wasn't really anything spectacular, it was the sense of community that made me dig a little bit deeper than I normally would on those days that I trained by myself and it's because of that, that I turned in my best time to date.

  .........a time which I plan to shatter next year. I hope you all come along again.





26 comments:

  1. Congratulations Ken and to all who did the run! What a cool idea and getting out and being active is a winning venture to be sure. Especially when we all clock so much time on our laptops! Cheers to all of you and I hope you guys do it again next year. I'll try and join you - if I survive my bike marathon. lol

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    1. Thank you, Linda.

      It turned out much better than I had hoped. Other than I didn't really train as much as I would have liked.

      If we can manage to do this again next year, we would love to have you along. :)

      Good luck on the bike marathon!

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  2. It's amazing what a community of people can do. Congratulations one and all.

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    1. A community that I wasn't even aware of when I started blogging. It's been one of the pleasant side effects.

      Thanks Stephen.

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  3. Times like this I curse the internet for not having figured out a way to give real hugs to people! Great post! I'm all filled with warm fuzzies right now :) I had such a blast doing this, but more importantly, I had so much fun doing all the prep work with you! And you said nice things about me, which makes me pretty happy, too :)

    I was very impressed with how well you did. 23 of 25 laps is AMAZING! And in front of all of your hockey friends :)

    Next year buddy!

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    1. Hi Kianwi!

      I'm so pleased at how well we did and how many joined up with us. It was a ton of fun and I'm glad that you got the fuzzies.

      I hadn't really considered that they would be there that day, but once I got running, it didn't really matter too much. And I got to watch the game while I ran, which made the time go quicker, I think.

      Next year! :)

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  4. By 2015, I should be living in a warmer climate and hope to participate. I'll do it next year if someone builds an indoor track in this area.

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    1. Is that the whole global warming thing? Or are you actually planning a move?

      This time of year, I most likely wouldn't have done it if I had to do it outdoors. So I don't blame you at all. Hope you can find someone to build that track!

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    2. I don't know where I'll be going, but I do plan to move as soon as I get my degree. I'll go wherever the job is...if it's warmer than here.

      You won't see me in Canada.

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    3. Where ever it is, I hope they pay you a ton.

      Don't dismiss Canada completely. We have wonderful indoor facilities.

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  5. Well done, all of you! Like the old joke says, I'm in the "Fitness Protection Program" myself.

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    1. Hi Debra,

      Fitness protection program, I like that. Do you have to change your identity? :)

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  6. Congratulations to you all! Although I have to confess I don't think I got anywhere close to 5k...maybe 2.7 - 3k tops! The weather was so freakishly cold and windy down here that my family barely scarfed down their seafood and took a cursory glance around the festival before declaring it was time to go!

    I hope that I'll make a better show of it next year.

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    1. Hi Heather,

      I'm sure if the weather had been better, you would have made it easily. I'm glad that you tries. It seems that the weather is a negative factor for everyone this time of year. I'm fortunate to have an indoor facility.

      We'll be watching for you. :)

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  7. Congratulations, Ken! You rock!!!!

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  8. I don't even think my town has a gym. I have thought about taking up running, but we have 15 inches of snow right now, with more coming, and I have to shovel out everything ever. So I think I am alright burning calories.

    Congrats on sticking it out and being close enough to an indoor gym. :)

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    1. Hi Holly,

      If anybody is going to give you the pass for having to deal with snow shoveling, it's going to be me. I'm certain that that burns more calories than the running that I did.

      I've been using the track in town above the arena because it's free. It's looking like I should be putting a few bucks in the collection tin every now and then because I'm so lucky to have it.

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  9. I'm seriously so impressed with so many people and YAYYY for your personal best! That's awesome!! And how sweet to give a shout out to everyone who participated!
    That alone was worth the red faced, guppy mouthed gasping. I'm glad you and Kianwi came up with this and I really hope it becomes an annual thing because I seriously need to redeem myself.

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    1. Hi VV!

      It was always supposed to be about getting a whole bunch of people who sorta know each other but have never really met together. The fitness part was a bonus. That being said, I haven't been to the track since I did this, so the motivation certainly helped.

      I don't see why this can't be a yearly thing. :)

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  10. So awesome! Pats on the back to all of y'all!

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  11. This was a blast, and I'm glad I was able to take part in it! I hope you guys put this on next year. Congrats on a great finish!

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    1. Thanks!

      I was very impressed at the time that you turned in! I would like to try to team up next year and do it again. Hopefully, I would be able to improve on my time.

      You've inspired me a bit.

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  12. Hey friend,

    Terrible friend that I am...I didn't even get here to comment on this post!!!! I have GOT to get better about that - work be hanged.

    Thanks for the shout out! That was too fun, and interestingly inspiring knowing that others were running along with me all over the place. Look forward to the next K & K!

    You rock!

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    1. Hello my Friend!

      I know how busy you are. I'd rather you miss a post or 2 and stay sane than go crazy trying to fit everything in.

      We were happy to have you along with us. It looks like this is going to happen again so hopefully we can pick up a few more along the way. :)

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