The Trusty 5K

Wow, is it ever getting dark early now! I'm having to bring a headlamp with me if I dare to run after 3 PM. It's also getting REALLY cold. Time to break out the gloves and toques!

Since the Ultra, I have yet to be able to do anything longer than a 5k without my hip "yelling" at me. It's a bit irritating, but at least I'm still able to run (be it a bit slower). There's a lot of "pros" with running a 5k, though. Things like:

1. I'm back home and in the shower in under 30 minutes.
2. I don't have to run with a water bottle (as long as I hydrated prior).
3. No need to bring Advil or Gels.
4. Not out in the cold and/or the rain as long. (Hence, freezing my arse off!).
5. I don't sweat as much, so I can stop off at the grocery store after. :)
6. Limited risk of re-injuring myself further.

Another thing is that the 5k race entries fees are not as high as the half marathons+. Although, I'm still skeptical about signing up for a 5k just because it seems not worth it. Some races work out to be over $12+ a km. However, it does give me a goal and something to work towards ...and that alone is priceless. I also have yet to get an "official" time for my 5k race. So on that note, I registered for the GJF Vancouver Historic Half Marathon - 5K next Sunday. ...and at $12.90 a kilometer, I'm hoping it's a decent race... or at the very least, it doesn't rain. lol. Although, if it drags my butt out to Vancouver to run along the sea wall on a Sunday morning, then I'm sure it's worth it. :) It's also an excuse to get my family downtown early enough to enjoy the full day. ...maybe hit up Science World or the Aquarium, afterwards. So, what's on the running agenda for this week? ...you've got it! - 5k's! :-)

As of November 1st, the Grind for Kids program had ended and I raised over $200 - Yay! Thank-you again, to everyone who donated! I have been now looking into what my next fundraising goal will be. Rather than raising money this time, I came across a more innovative initiative to help others during the holidays. An organization called CiaoVan (Christmas Inside and Out - Vancouver) puts together stockings for the homeless in the Downtown Eastside and delivers them on Christmas Eve (along with food and drinks). For more information and how to get involved, you can check out their Facebook page. I will be volunteering with them on Xmas Eve and hope to donate 10 stockings. Below is an example of 1 of the stockings that I put together. It includes: socks, toque, gloves, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, soap, nail clippers, Q-tips, tissue, disposable razor, comb, handy wipes, candy, granola bars, notepad, pen, hot chocolate and instant coffee. You can also directly support CiaoVan by donating to their PayPal account. This is such a great concept and I'm looking forward to being part of it this year.


Well, that's it for this week. Again, thanks for reading! :-)