I had another opportunity to run with  The Kyle Pease Foundation at the Charles Harris 10k this past weekend. My athlete was Lizzie, who loves going fast! Oh oh, fast and me don’t go along together but we were going to have a grand time!        

Charles Harris 10k is advertised as a fast course for the Peachtree Road Race qualifier. And Brent had said that it was an easy course with gentle rolls. And honestly, I’ve been training well and I wasn’t worried.

But what an humbling experience. 

The course didn’t feel fast at all! I was energetic all throughout, but my lungs deserted me (can I blame lingering chest gunk from allergies?) and I had to walk quite a bit up the hills. Not all walking though – this is where my ex run/walk days came to my help and I would do 30 seconds :: 30 seconds run/walk intervals. 

The first mile was ok, the next 3 miles not so much with long inclined stretches. The 4th had a nice stretch of flat/slight downhill before rolling hills of the last mile. We were not even close to anything that can be labelled fast (compared to the Heart and Soles 5K where I was going “fast” in some sections), and I didn’t want Lizzie to be the last finisher. I was so disappointed with the lack of the fitness level I had estimated that I had built up, but Lizzie kept me going. There was but one goal – to finish strong and for Lizzie not to be the last. 

We weren’t the last. We finished in 1hr 21min and there were about 20 people behind us. Lizzie was a trooper and was so patient with me. And fist bumped with everyone at the end.

I’m very grateful for the opportunity to run with the athletes of The Kyle Pease Foundation. I can only imagine how painful it is for my athlete to sit longer than everyone else and slower than they are used to, and yet both Aiden and Lizzie have been cheerful and I’ve loved this experience. And The Kyle Pease Foundation has continued to give me this chance to run with them in-spite of my pace.

Next up is the Georgia Publix Half Marathon. Last year, The Kyle Pease Foundation took 28 racers to the start line along with a host of volunteers. This year will be 40 athletes and their teams. And I will be there with Naomi, her mom Tina and Mr. FauxRunner – making up Team Naomi. 

With your generous support, our teams have raised $37,000+ for the foundation!  With your support, other individuals will get to participate in road races, triathlons & many other sporting endeavors. Every dollar helps and is 100% tax-deductible! If you would like to support me during the Georgia Publix Half Marathon, please consider donating at https://www.crowdrise.com/team-naomi-at-georgia-publix-half-marathon/
We are extremely appreciative of your continued support. 

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