Do you run for a cause?

How do you pick your races? I ran Ragnar because my husband's cousin asked if I wanted to do it and I thought it would be a fun adventure. I did my first half marathon because the timing was right for me with my training plans and it wasn't too far away, but sometimes I run for a good reason.

A little over a year ago when my running adventure began, a friend of mine said to pick a 5K and that she would do it with me. I wanted to do something in the Baltimore area, so that it wasn't far for anyone. I wanted something with a flat course. Most of all, I wanted it to be for a cause I supported. I picked The Red Shoe Shuffle which supports the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore. I picked this one for a reason, one of my nieces had some strokes in utero and has had access to therapy where they live. Many kids don't have this luxury. Others are in need of more extensive therapies that they can receive at Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical Center, or Kennedy-Krieger. The Ronald McDonald House provides a place for them to stay during these therapies. 

Yesterday, I registered for the Maryland Half Marathon. I knew at the time that it supported the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center and that 100% of the net proceeds go to the cause, which is unusual for a large race. I didn't know until after I registered that I have an acquaintance who's father is one of the researchers there. It is one of top rated cancer centers in the country.

If you would like to support me, you can make a donation here: http://ummsfoundation.org/alyssakendallMDHM2013. My goal is to raise at least $100 for the center. Every little bit helps. Thank you!

Things I love about running

I haven't been able to do as much running as I would like, but would like to share with my readers a few things I love about running on this Valentine's Day.

First of all, I'm a stay-at-home mom 95% of the time. I love being able to get some time alone and either listen to my music or enjoy nature.

Secondly, I like being able to run with a group of friends. I did the DC Ragnar back in September and had a lot of fun with a group of 13 other women. I've continued running with some of them and am running the Cherry Blossom 10-miler in April.

I love the community that running creates. I participate in #runchat on Twitter and it has helped me connect with lots of running friends who share my interests and encourage me to continue running.

I love that you can run almost anywhere. I ran on my vacation last August and when I was visiting my family in December. I only needed my shoes, some exercise clothes, and my water belt.

Lastly, I love that races are often done to support various causes. My first ever race was The Red Shoe Shuffle to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore. I had a lot of fun and raised about $200. I'm currently training for the Maryland Half Marathon which benefits the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center. You can sponsor me HERE.

First 5K down. Who knows how many to go?

Since shortly after Milk Dud was born, I've wanted to take up running again. Several of my friends from my infant and child loss message board had successfully completed the Couch 2 5K program. I wanted to join them, but every time I'd get started with it, I wouldn't be able to get past week 3. I felt like a failure and was resentful of the fact that I didn't have time to exercise because I had a very clingy baby.

Last year, two of my friends from Baltimore Mommies started running. One of them competed in a half marathon in the fall, only 6 or 7 months after she started running and less than a year after having her second child. I was jealous. I wanted to be a runner and get into shape.

Last December, I took my first run on the treadmill with the first week of the Couch 2 5K program yet again. Two of my local runner friends said that I should find a 5K and sign up for it and that they would do it with me. Today, I completed that 5K. I ran in The Red Shoe Shuffle to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore. I raised over $350 for the charity. The event was initially expecting only 500 runners and walkers. They ended up with 1500 and raised over $100K!

I was excited and nervous. Squirty refused to go to sleep until midnight last night and Milk Dud woke up around 4... again... That meant I did this on about 3 hours of sleep. It was nice and cool, but a little humid. I'm not really used to running in the city, so the exhaust fumes started to really irritate my lungs at around 1 mile. I don't know how city runners do it. I had to cough and walk a couple of times. My goal was to finish the race in 35 minutes or less. Yes, I was silly and set a time goal for my first race. I beat that by 2 minutes, crossing the finish line at 33 minutes almost exactly.

I would absolutely do this again. I hope to run another 5K in May through our local Striders club. Hopefully, I can better my time with some more training. Now, I have to go ice my knee. It wasn't bothering me until I sat at a restaurant for an hour and then walked around Old Ellicott City, which is rather hilly.

Me and Milk Dud before the race. He was obsessed with my earbuds.

All done!