What have I gotten myself into.....

The half marathon that I signed up for is just around the corner... I'm feeling good in my training but am slightly freaking out about the tour of Baltimore that I'm going to be taking. Its going to be quite the adventure! And a hilly one at that!!!

I know that I'm able to complete the mileage, I've done 13 miles in my training runs, I'm just getting a bit nervous (AND EXCITED!) about the race in general!

And most importantly... when I finish this race, I can have my Saturday mornings to sleep in again!

New Balance Baltimore Women's Classic 5K

From June 2009

Just got done with the run this morning. The run went really well despite the fact that my garmin decided to freeze up on me and not work at all! How sad! I also managed to miss the first water station and with the heat- I really could have used it! I was also surprised to see that the hill that was on the course didn't bother me as much as it could have- Thank you hills around my parents' house! I also managed to do a headstand over looking the harbor ;) too bad I didn't have my camera to capture it!

Did I mention that I managed a NEW personal best!!! I managed to shave almost 2 min off from the last 5K!!! And... if you compare this run to my first 5K from last year... WOW!

Jun 08 41:24 min (13:06 min/mile pace)
Mar 08 36:36 min (11:21 min/mile pace)
May 08 36:43 min (11:41 min/mile pace)
Jun 09 33:56 min (10:57 min/mile pace)

I'm so happy, no ecstatic that I've improved so much in just one year! Its also giving me more fuel for really getting behind training for a half marathon this fall! I know I can do it! Especially when I've seen just how far I've come in just one year! I'm still not sure if a full marathon will be in my future, but I do know that there will be at least one half!

Kelly St. Patrick's Day Shamrock 5K

Kelly St. Patrick's Day Shamrock 5K
Baltimore, MD Mar 15, 2009

Place Div/Tot Name S Ag Hometown Gun T Net T Pace
2764 549/696 Kim Raginski F 30 Baltimore MD 38:05 35:21 11:23

From Kelly St. Patrick's Day 5k 2009

A personal best for me! Too bad Aurora went and beat me on her first time out! All is well, I'm very happy with my time, I just wish that the weather had been a little nicer. The cold and damp doesn't do well after you've been sweating.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Today was the day of my 5K. Started at the ungodly hour of 5AM to get to DC before the race started at 8.

Had lots of water to help battle the HEAT and humidity that I knew we'd be facing. They were calling for 90 degree temps and I received many warnings about being well hydrated for the race (the cutest ones were from my dad!). I drank so much water that I barely made it through the metro ride to downtown!

We (me, mike, and both of our moms) got there in enough time to find the start line, stretch, and pose for some pics. I still can't believe how many people were there! The moms heard a report of 50 THOUSAND people! All I know is that as we ran past the start line the people were still coming! It was crazy! There was one part where we had to run up a gradual incline and I was shocked at the SEA of people that filled the streets!

The race went really well. It was nice to run on relatively flat terrain. My breathing was good, never really felt winded. I definately enjoyed the people watching (many good looking men without shirts- whats not to like!). This was also the first run without my ipod. I had it with me if I needed it but there was so much going on I didn't even bother. Details on my race can be found here, compliments of my kitties who love me oh so much!


I also had a few emotional moments at the start of the race. I got choked up a few times at all the survivors in their pink shirts running. I couldn't help but feel pride that my mom is a two time breast cancer survivor- an almost 18 year survivor. I really can't believe that it has been that long. And the first round that she had was bad- like 18/24 lymph nodes bad, bad enough that when she was diagnosed the second time the doctor looked at her with shock and surprise wanting to know how she survived it. She just looked up at him and was like, I didn't know that I had any other options.