Skirt Chaser 5k

Yesterday was the day! The day that 20 new runners, run/walkers and walkers crossed the finish line of what was for many of them their first 5k. It was such a privilege to be part of their journey. For many of them it was a journey back to themselves, for some a journey to a whole new self. I hope that they have all been changed by this experience in some way. I know I have. It was as much a journey for the motivators as it was for the racers. Many thanks to Nicole DeBoom and Skirt Sports for sponsoring such a great program.

As usual the weather in Colorado can do anything and we had an absolutely beautiful, if a little to hot (85ish degrees!) day. The race started at 3 which was a little different experience for me. We arrived a little early for photos and interviews. Rebecca had a goal for running the whole race so that's what the plan was. I had no doubt that she would be able to do it. She had put in the training and was a very motivated racer!

Me and "my racer" Rebecca

Nicole DeBoom gives us a little pre race pep talk

One of the other personal motivators, Sammy, and I looking a little matchy.

And we are off!

Just after the start headed back toward the stadium.

A little over 1/2 way looking back at the stadium and downtown Denver.

Rebecca looking strong and still smiling as we run around the field.

We finished the race strong and completed the goal to run the whole way! We were able to push the pace a little and finish in 38:33 according to my watch. Official time was 39 something, I think that must have been gun time.

After the race we enjoyed some music from "That Eighties Band" and a little food and a few drinks. It was nice to meet Rebecca's husband and girls as well as have the chance to chat with a few other racers and personal motivators. It was a great day!

Motivation

I have mentioned a couple of times that I was picked to be a personal motivator for the Skirt Sport Kick Start Program.(See an article and photos here.) Skirt Sports started this program last year to go along with their Skirt Chaser 5k. Which is a fun race where the women start 3 minutes ahead of the men and as the name would suggest, chase them. Skirt Chaser chose 20 racer and 20 personal motivators to participate in this year’s race. I feel very privileged to have been chosen to help motivate someone to start to incorporate exercise into their life either by walking, running.

We had our first meeting last Saturday. It was both heart breaking and uplifting at the same time. The racers are for the most part are having some kind of struggle in their life right now. They are of all ages and come from different backgrounds. Many times I heard some say the phrase. “I just need to get control”. The motivators are as diverse as the racers. Some have been running all their lives others like myself are newer to the whole thing and two of them were racers last year.

I love the idea of this program. Women helping women. We women tend to be much more self conscious then men and it’s often hard for us to try something that is so far out of our comfort zones. Having the support of other women who have been there can make all the difference in the world. If I can motivate one woman and she in turn does the same. What a huge difference we can make.

Go out and motivate someone!