Finishing the Race

I was into running, and thought running the Appalachian Trail Series Race 1- The Long Range Mountains of Newfoundland would be fun.  The race was virtual and the medal was awesome.  Running virtual means that you, run, bike, walk, use the elliptical, and treadmill to rack up the mileage and record it when you register for a run. I asked several of my running friends to join with me.  The race would take several weeks to finish.  The route was 90.1 miles long and I would get an email when I reached a mile marker of the race. The race took place in the mountains of Canada.  The emails I received were of the beautiful scenery along the route.  I was excited that Amy Schooler wanted to do this virtual race with me. 

I started the race May 25, 2016.  I did not complete this race until October 6, 2017.  My goal after my hip surgeries were to complete and get this medal.  I emailed the race director and asked if I was able to finish the race or if the virtual race had ended.  Before I hurt my hip, I was about half way through the race. It took me 538 days to complete.  I used the elliptical, waking, running, bicycling, and daily activities to keep track of my steps to enter manually. 

Amy completed the race.  I was excited when I did and yes, it was a big accomplishment for me.  I had encouragement from a wonderful friend.  We would go to the gym and work out together.  I am very appreciative for this friend.  She encouraged me when I would not have worked out. 

I went on to race in a beach series.  The beach series consisted of the Halloween 5k, Turkey Trot 5K, and Reindeer 5K run.  I received a surfboard medal for all three races.  January I ran the Disney 5k race.  Since then I have ran the Lucky Leprechaun 5K in March. 

I am now working on my core and bone structure, through stretching, weight training, and chiropractic care.  I am not running many races at this time.  I have chosen to do a tortoise virtual run at my pace.  The tortoise run is 155.1-mile run.  I have completed 28.1 miles.  I enjoy the virtual run through the pictures and mileage that I receive in an email.  I enjoy connected with others that are running virtual as well.

No matter where you are in life, exercising is an excellent way to relieve stress.  Finishing what you have started is a great accomplishment.  Finish the race and let the accomplishments be your gift to you.