This photo was taken this morning after I finished the Top Pot 5K and moments before I inhaled the free doughnut we got at the finish line:

It was a perfect morning for a run – sunny and warm! Here’s hoping this great weather actually decides to stick around for the remainder of spring and summer.

This race was actually part of my 1/2 marathon training — the schedule I’m using calls for running an organized 5K race. And when I was researching options a few months back, this one was the winner by a long shot for two reasons: it’s 2 blocks away from my house and you get a doughnut at the end. Done and done!

Mmmkay, stop wiping your computer screen already.  You read that correctly — I’m running my very first 1/2 marathon this summer. Once upon a very long time, I actually enjoyed running. In fact, I was the captain of my high school cross country team and was the female MVP my junior year. Then I went off to college, gained a few (ok more than a few) LBs and swore on my [faux] Louis Vuitton that the only way I’d ever run again is if I was being chased by a crazy ax murderer.

Fast forward to present day: I’m done talking the talk and am ready to make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. And since my germaphobia and claustrophobia don’t mix well with the gym, I recently decided to give running another shot. I’m not gonna lie, the first few runs were really rough — I’m pretty sure if they could, my lungs and muscles would’ve given me the finger. While I normally would have quit at that point, I decided to challenge myself with a goal to work up to: the Rock ‘n’ Seattle 1/2 Marathon on June 25th. This would give me several months to train and build my endurance and, more importantly, regain my confidence as a runner.

Despite a few injuries along the way, I’m happy to report that training has been going well. I’ve even experienced runner’s high on a few occasions. Up next: Nordstrom Beat the Bridge 8K on May 15th. Wish me luck!

PS: I’m also raising money for the Pike Place Market Foundation as part of the 1/2 marathon. If you’d like to contribute, please visit my personal fundraising page. Thanks!