Ever since my celiac diagnosis last August, I have been planning a comeback race. After feeling weak and tired for so long, I couldn’t wait to start training for an event. Any kind of event that would show the return of my strength, the return back to normal. First I planned to do an Urbanathalon 5k in the fall, but my back went out. I thought I could at least plan far enough in advance to do the Warrior Dash in April, but my hip refuses to get better.
When the opportunity came up to participate in a 5k fun run at my church, I thought there was no way. Then I found out that I could get sponsors to raise money for widows in Guatemala to buy commercial-grade sewing machines. A micro-finance project that would benefit an entire community. How could I say no?
The race was yesterday. I knew my instinct would be to try to run a little as the crowd got going so I enlisted a friend to keep me walking. Christine and I walked the 5k in 57 minutes. Humbling for sure. As a much older woman skipped over the finish line in front of us, I couldn’t help but be frustrated about my hurting hip. But as money continues to come in from sponsors for these amazing women in Guatemala, I have to be thankful that I was able to walk. Thankful that I could participate in some way, even if it wasn’t what I was hoping for.
I spent the rest of the day refueling and reading the 2nd book in the Hunger Games series. I could not put it down! I know I’m a little late to jump on the bandwagon, but the books are so fun and I can’t wait to see the movie!
Lunch was an assortment of fresh veggies with Mary’s Gone Crackers, hummus, avocado and an orange. I’ve decided that snack plates are definitely my favorite way to eat lunch.
I will be updating you with a total on our fundraiser in a few weeks. Our goal is to raise $3300 for 3 commercial-grade sewing machines. We are still accepting donations. If you are interested in finding out more, shoot me an email at inspiredrd @ gmail.com.
I love the whole idea of your race! I wish my church would do something like that- get exercise, community building, and charity work all in one! Although my church has a large portion of old people who are no longer too quick on their feet, so maybe not, heh. Love the microfinance idea, though: empowering women is where it’s at!
Thanks Lele! Maybe your church could do a shorter walk or something…you should organize it!
That is a great cause, agree….and look at that beautiful refuel lunch! Avocado and hummus??? YUM, my 2 favs!!! Book two is the best book, I think! I slowed down on reading and have been on book 3, 3 months now!!!hehehe!
[…] March, I realized just how grateful I was becoming for any stretch of good health, celebrated by walking a 5k to raise money for sewing machines in Guatemala, and finally made it over to the local […]