I am so over this winter weather and all the snow. But I must say that it looks gorgeous outside my backyard, blankets of fluffy whiteness tucking tightly onto tree branches. I am so tempted to go outside and run in the snow, but decided to stay nice and warm inside. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t get a good run in.
I recently signed up for TNT Virtual Races Run Like a Girl 5k, 10k, and 13.1 race. If you aren’t familiar with virtual races, you can read all about them here. I love signing up for races because they keep me motivated, especially during half marathon training when sometimes I get tired and find excuses to not get a schedule run in.
I also love virtual races because I get to compete and only against myself, which makes me feel strong and allows me to push myself hard. I always feel good after the run because I gave it my all and having some bling as a reminder of the accomplishment never hurts.
And this race bling is awesome.
I love the message behind the whole run like a girl trend right now. It first sparked up during this year’s Super Bowl by an ad from Always. The commercial features people showing the camera what it means to do something “like a girl.” Males and even some females run foolishly when asked to show what it looks like to run like a girl. They are asked to fight and throw like a girl as well.
Young girls are then asked to show the same things, and they use movements to prove that girls are just as strong as their counterparts.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIxA3o84syY&w=560&h=315]
To celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday, Always released another #LikeAGirl video called “Stronger Together” that aims to take the negative meaning behind the phrase like a girl.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtk3JTHfWm8&w=560&h=315]
I totally support the message behind these ads. I love being a girly girl, doing my hair and makeup and am obsessed with fashion. But I am also strong. I can lift weights. I can run. I can sometimes run fast. I have completed half marathons and a tough Spartan Race. I am proud to run like a girl because to me that means strength and endurance and giving something all I got with so much heart and passion.
I am proud to be a girl.
So once I saw this race on TNT’s Facebook page, I knew I had to sign up. It was only $17.50 and you can chose your distance and they day and time you wish to run. The race is still open so those who want to dedicate a run to women worldwide (medals ship in 2 weeks.) Proceeds front the race goes to the children of St. Jude, so you get to actually be running for a great cause.
I was originally going to run just a 5k, decided last night that I want to do the 10k. I wanted to push myself hard and allow myself to think about my movements and strides and how empowering running makes me feel. So I spent this snow day on my treadmill and I couldn’t be happier.
I had never done a virtual race on a treadmill and I am slower on it than outside, but actually really enjoyed myself. I finished in 1:17 minutes, which is decent and something I am proud of considering all 6.2 miles was on the tread. I would like to run a 10 in 1 hour so now I have a new goal to work towards.
I placed the medal right in front of me as I ran on, so each time I felt tired, I just looked at the woman on it and thought about my goals and how I can do anything I put my mind to. I now can proudly hang my bling up with the others.
I spent most of the run at a 5.0 and 5.2 pace, which used to be my pace when I was sprinting it out hard. It’s great to see that now this is an easy speed for me to maintain and when it was time to speed things up I can increase to 5.5 and 5.7 comfortably.
Plus it was a great training run of my half only six more weeks away, which will be the More/Fitness Magazine Half Marathon, a women’s race, so more girl power to look forward to!
Did you stay active even though it’s a snow day? What does #likeagirl mean to you?
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