Against my better judgment, I’ve entered a 5K running race. UGH.

It’s not the cause I’m against… it’s the actual “running” part.

The cause is actually a REALLY good one. I’m running the Gary Papa Run 4 Your Life, that supports prostate and breast cancer research. The father of a good friend of mine has just finished his chemo for Prostate cancer. She decided to form a team for this race, and I really wanted to help the cause.

So here I am.

The race is on Father’s Day and I’m already preparing.

The big UGH at the beginning of this post is because – I really hate running on asphalt. I’m not a good endurance athlete, and running and steady state cardio are just not my favorite things to do.

Plus…

I’m scared.

I’m super afraid that I just won’t be able to do this. What if I get out there and can’t finish the race? What if I can’t run even 5 minutes straight? What if adrenaline kicks in and I sprint for 30 seconds and then that’s all I got?? What if I trip and skin my knee?!?

I tried a race a few years ago and I hated it. I couldn’t run the whole thing, and even though I felt like I trained pretty good, the time I posted was terrible… GEEZ – am I hard on myself or WHAT?!? Yes, yes I am… but that’s a story for another post *ahem*

What it really boils down to is, I’m afraid of disappointing everyone… and myself.

But – in spite all of that – I’m going to do this. Mostly because I love my friend and her dad, and this is truly a wonderful cause… and they know I’m all into fitness and what-not so how can I NOT participate?!?

In that light, I’ve begun the preparation.

I’ve upped my cardio – I’m now doing heavy duty cardio intervals 3 times per week and I’ve added a 45 minute trail run (which I love and adore) on Sundays.

Part of the insight I’m gaining so far is, I think I can do this. I think.

I’ve already increased my running time to 8 straight minutes of running. And, on Wednesday, I noticed I wasn’t as winded during my cardio intervals. This coming Sunday when I get out to run, I’m going to see if I can run 10 straight minutes.

And, I’m pretty sure on race day, all that will matter is my participation… whether I make a complete fool of myself or not – this is a great cause – and THAT’S the real focus here.

Shameless request for a donation for the cause!!

If you’d like to donate to the Gary Papa Run 4 Life it would be much appreciated. Simply follow the link above and you’ll be all set.