Donut Run 5k (Tuesdays on the Run Edition)

This past Saturday, as part of my at least one race a month, I participated in the Donut Run 5k.  There was a short window to pick up packets on Friday night, but since I worked till 8 PM, I missed the window.  Thankfully we could pick up our bibs before the race. 


There was a kids race at 8 AM and then the 5k started at 9.  I got there right before the kids race started and picked up my bib and shirt.  I was able to see the kids run.  I swear, they are all so cute!

I walked around some and checked out some of the booths.  They had Belle from Beauty and the Beast and the local baseball mascot, Nutzy, as well as the VCU mascot.  I have to admit I did stalk the VCU mascot some, as that is my alumni and I wanted a picture with him.  I actually was wearing my VCU jacket and he got all excited.


I headed back to my car to put the shirt away and get myself ready for the race.  I headed back and realized the bathrooms were inside, so of course I had to try and go.  Once I made it through the bathroom line I stretched a little and headed out to the start.

There were tons of people lined up.  There were no waves, so I just stepped in where there was room.  The MC mentioned that there were 1000 people signed up.  Wow, that was a lot of people.  Though as I looked at the results and only 600 finished the race.


The race started out of the track area and on to the streets.  I realized that some of these same streets are the ones that I have run over and over with my 10 mile route.  Since I hadn't trained for a half or longer in a long while, I haven't been on those roads in awhile.  It was nice to be on the same roads, but not be the same route.

I had only run twice since my last race, the Ashland Harvest 5k, where my knee really started hurting.  By that race, I had worked my way up to a 30/30 run/walk.  Since I seemed to have a set back, I went back to 30s run and 1m walk.  My knee wasn't bad, but it was bothering me for the last couple of miles.  The course was rolling hills, and my knee really did not like the uphills.

The best part of this race was that there were munchkins at both of the water stops.  Yum!!

During the last mile we came close to the finish line.  I even passed my car on the street.  While I wasn't tired and my knee was holding up, I didn't like getting so close to the finish line without finishing.  It was just a mental thing I guess.

I did finally get to the finish line and was happy to be done.  I went over to one of the younger girls and asked if she could put the medal around my neck.


I grabbed some water and a donut and headed out.  I had some errands to run and an appointment to get my hair cut.  Then I went home and took a 2 hour nap.  After working 60 hours this week, that was the treat of the weekend.

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

Diwali Celebrations (Friday Five Edition)

In my area at work, most of the people I work with are from India.  Because of this, there was a huge Diwali celebration this week.  I've learned a lot about the holiday and was welcomed into the celebration.


Diwali is a five day celebration, also refereed to as the festival of lights.  This is because Diwali coincides with the darkest night in the Hindu calendar.  During this celebration temples, homes, and offices are brightly lit with candles, lanterns, and other festive lights.  It lasts for five days, which includes cleaning, decorating, eating, fireworks, and visiting loved ones.  It's like 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all rolled up in one.

While Diwali was last week, we celebrated in the office on Monday.  Most people came dressed up in their best Saris and Kurtas.  I even bought myself a Kurta to join in on the fun.  Sadly, I never got a picture of me in it.  Next time I'll make sure I get one.

Last week everyone decorated their area.  There was even a contest for the best decorated area - and we won!

There was also dancing, games, and music.  Unfortunately, I was too busy with work to join in on the games, so I don't know what was played.

And then there was the food.  I think everyone that is from India brought in some sort of homemade dish.  I admit, I did go back one or two times to try more.  Everything was so good.


Everyone that has been here for a few years kept saying that this year's celebration was the best by far.  I cannot wait till next year's celebration.

Have you ever celebrated Diwali?  What is your favorite holiday celebration?

I'm linking up for Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness

 

Short Update (Friday Five Edition)

So I have been MIA the last couple of weeks.  I got added to another team at work and man have I been busy.  They have been trying to get a release out for the past few months and are now up against a very tight deadline.  It's been crazy, but so far a good crazy.  Here are a few things that have been going on beyond work.

After my Ashland Harvest 5k, I have been giving my knee a rest.  I shouldn't have pushed it the way I did, but I think I'm glad I did.  But it defiantly relapsed a little with my knee rehab.  I am OK with taking it easy right now. :)

I have my November 5k next weekend.  I'm excited about that one.  It's doughnut themed and who doesn't like a doughnut? :)

I took a training class for work this week.  It wasn't too bad, just have to get through the exam to get my certificate.  I am so bad at taking exams....bleck.

In the past few weeks I saw a couple of plays.  One was a local small theater play called "Gutenberg! The Musical!".  It was put on by two men who was trying to sell their play so they "acted" it out for a bunch of to-be producers.  The way they distinguished the different characters was that they had a table full of baseball caps with character names on it.  It was just a very creative play.

Then we saw Les Misérables.  I have seen it a couple times before and I still loved it like the first time when I saw it.  Though I wasn't sure if I remembered the stage having a round movable part.  I may have dreamed that, who knows.



I do have a funny story and cute picture to share.  I was doing laundry the other weekend and I placed a load on the couch to fold and before I knew it, Aiden decided to crawl underneath it.  Not on top, under.  Totally under.  So weird.

Well that's all for now.  I hope things calm down a little after next week's release.  Hope all is well with everyone else.

I'm linking up with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for Friday Five 2.0