So yesterday was my first 5K for October. It was the Oktoberfest 5K hosted by Maryland’s own Jost Running! The charity for this run is the Midwest Food Bank. There was a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon option. As you can tell, I just opted for the 5K option. I’ve only been running again for a month. I doubt my body is ready for a 10K. Maybe next year!

My time came out to 36:45, which is slower than my last 5K time. However I had a few elements going against me. It was COLD! Last week we had gorgeous weather in the 80s. Yesterday? 50s and cold! Actually towards the end of my run, it started to rain. Cold rain. So not the best conditions, and that may have slowed me down. However the point is I still finished!
Okay, I admit… I was not familiar with the Midwest Food Bank when I signed up. As you know, most charities I run for help benefit the military, veterans, and first-responders. Look at that medal though! That is some cool running bling right there! Plus it’s a bottle opener LOL! I can’t wait for it to arrive. So I get a cool medal with a bottle opener and a the Midwest Food Bank receives a donation? Win win if you ask me!

So remember how I said I was going to cut back till my knees felt better? I lied. I ended up signing up for another Wounded Warrior Project race (The Heart of America), as well as another race to benefit the USO. So with those two, I have another Wounded Warrior Project race, the Warriors of Steel for The Semper Fi Fund, and then I’m also running in the National Veterans Day Run to benefit Folds of Honor Foundation.

So I think I might actually buy one of those cool medal and bib hangers/holders I see on etsy and other online retail shops. I think I might be addicted to charity runs. Not only am I getting a good workout in, but I’m also giving back to the community and helping others at the same time.

I know I always say this… but if any of my readers are runners, I would love to hear your suggestions on how I can reduce or prevent any pain.  I’m still icing, so that helps ease it a bit. I mean my knees aren’t in horrible pain, however less pain would be nice! Thank you!

All opinions are 100% my own.