Off to the Races

I have pretty much decided to run a half marathon...eventually. I was really excited and even picked a race, the Hartford Half, that fit perfectly into my training schedule but it falls on Logan's birthday and the day after a friend's wedding in Atlanta so that's out. Sadly, I think the race might have to wait till spring because when I run when it's super cold my lungs feel like someone is stabbing them with tons knives, plus it's hard to find races up north till April. This unfortunately presents a conundrum because if I do one in the spring that means I am training in the winter so unless Connecticut gets some global warming up in here really fast I am a bit screwed. I have been looking around at other states so we'll see what happens. I use Running in the USA to look for races, it really helps since you can search by state and type of race.

I actually stumbled on a 5K race that is on July 17th-the GE Road Race which benefits the Petit Family Foundation. It is a really sad story that most Connecticut people know, at least the ones in my area...a family was attacked at home and the husband was injured but the wife and two daughters were killed. The Petit family was really active in charity work so the funds from the race go to help their chosen charities.

Description from website:

     The Petit Family Foundation honors the memories of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit, and Michaela Rose Petit by continuing the kindness, idealism and activism that defined their lives. The Foundation's funds are given to foster the education of young people, especially women in the sciences; to improve the lives of those affected by chronic illnesses, and to support efforts to protect and help those affected by violence.

After a home invasion on July 23, 2007, Jennifer Hawke, Hayley Elizabeth, and Michaela Rose Petit tragically lost their lives. Hayley, and later on Michaela, were dedicated to community service and charitable giving, especially with the MS Society in support of their mother's illness. After their deaths, the Foundation was created as a means of continuing on their work and spirit.

All proceeds from this event will go to the Foundation.

This will be my first 5K race that I actually plan to run. I have done some walks but the idea of running one is much more scary. I know that I have been doing longer distances than 3.1 miles but doing it in front of other people (who are much faster than me aka move faster than a speeding slug) is a bit more intimidating.  I convinced my husband to do it with me so at least I'll have someone to get a piggyback ride from when I get pooped.

Plus you get a shirt....a shirt and an opportunity to pay someone to run?!? count me in.