Sunday, December 11, 2011

Race Recap: The Jingle Bell Run 5k, Tulsa, Ok

This was a very fun run for a good cause, The Arthritis Foundation!! It's a little known fact that I have psoriatic arthritis, secondary to psoriasis. It can be as severe and crippling as rheumatoid arthritis but I am determined to not let it beat me!!.  I run now in case I can't later.  I don't take any medication for it, other than ibuprofen and some days are better than others. Yesterday was actually a bad day--my hips were hurting especially the right one, which is new. I had to walk some but I kept going and finished. Close to the finish, I noticed a  little girl who was beside me. She kept walking and looking around like she didn't know what to do.  I was walking, due to the pain in my right hip, but I knew what I had to do. I gave her a little encouragement. I told her she was almost done and asked if she could see the finish line a couple of blocks ahead of us. She said yes and I told her that I knew she could finish. I said "You got this, girl. Come one, let's go." I kicked it into gear and ran across the finish line with her, high-fived her on her finish and sent her on her way while I waited for hubs to finish.

The course was relatively flat, the weather was perfect.  It was fun seeing so many kids and people in a festive mood, lots of cute costumes!!  :) I wore my cute little Team Sparkle skirt. Got lots of compliments and the PR was just a bonus!!

3 comments:

  1. What an inspiring little 5k! Way to finish strong and be a great role model to a little girl. "I run now in case I can't later", you are awesome. And you looked darn adorable!

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  2. Thank you Katie!! That's what I love most about the running community, they are always helpful and encouraging. I have gotten some much help and advise from the more seasoned runners in my area and would absolutely love an opportunity to pay it forward. My dream is to someday be a coach at one of the local running stores. :)

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  3. I love your positive attitude and the "I run now in case I can't later". I always love it when someone gives a little encouragement when they run by, it really makes me feel better (especially during a tough race)!

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