Running Towards Fifty

One week from today, I will turn 49 years old.  One week from tomorrow, I will begin my 50th year. I have decided that during 2015, I will complete 50k - Ten 'official' 5k to 10k runs. (50/50 2015) Key word "complete".  I am not a runner.  More accurately, I am barely a runner.  My hubby, CpnRusty, walks as fast as I run... for now.  Hopefully, by December of next year, I will be able to finish a 12 minute mile.  Not even worried about a 10 minute mile, as that is the standard for my 29yo daughter, SgtChar, for the Army Reserves.  Not gonna worry about it!

I haven't registered for any races yet, I'm still getting the calendar together.  Hoping to travel around the Central Texas area, including Bastrop, New Braunfels, Bandera and San Antonio.  I know there's a Wounded Warrier 8k (about 5 miles) in San Antonio in September, our church is hosting a 5k in February, Kyle kicks off New Years Day with a commitment run - that sounds like a good one.  I might start a bit early - there's a 5k "stroll" over in Gruene on Dec 21st.

One thing I'm wondering about - CpnRusty and I are very active with Relay for Life, to support the American Cancer Society.  Each run I participate in requires an entrance fee, so I will be raising funds for many organizations throughout the year.  So - I'm wondering if I can "double-dip" and get Sponsors for 50/50 2015 and raise $$ for Relay for Life whilst I'm running towards fifty?

I know I want to have a specific running shirt with odometer numbers rolling from 49 to 50 and a list on the back of each event I complete.  Hey - maybe I can make a t-shirt quilt out of all my event shirts!  My other "thing" is sewing/quilting.  You will see both 50/50 2015 and S/Q on my FB page.

I also know that I need to train better.  This month (December 2014), I have challenged my Facebook friends to 20/20 - at least 20 minutes of exercise-like activity for 20 days.  I found Denise Austin (my fitness hero) on Amazon Instant Video and have done the Boot Camp workouts.  I WILL master a "Spiderman" (do a push up while bringing knee up beside the chest)!  Today I pedaled on our recumbent bike while breakfast was baking.  Saturday morning, one of the running pages I follow is having a training fun-run at Landa Park at 7am.  Hmmm....  sounds like a way to make some running friends, and also stay accountable.  

Cpn Rusty asked me what I want for my birthday, and it came to me about the same time as the new title for this blog - Running Gear!!!  I could use a decent foul weather jacket - room to move, water proof, wind proof, and good ear cover - ear muffs are kinda dorky.  Recommendations Welcome!!

So anyways - this is where I'm at, where I'm starting.  I will try to post once a week - Thursday or Friday - with updates on progress and upcoming events.  I'd love for you to join my journey. Literally - dust off your sneakers and find a 5k to enter, or Figuratively - follow vicariously, and find your own thing to "run towards".  

What do you want to be when you grow up?  I'm still trying to decide.....