twelve months of running | january | polar bear plunge and strut 5k

this year i signed up for my first half marathon. it has always been a big goal of mine to run a full marathon someday. I am really hoping to run the disney world marathon next january(because lets face it... who wouldn't want to run 26.2 miles in the happiest place on earth?) and so here i am, training for a half and then eventually a full 26.2 miles! 

i was inspired by one of my friends on facebook who ran a 5k every month of 2013 and so after a little talking with Wayne, i too decided that i will run a race every month to help keep me motivated and have a little fun too.

my first race of the year was the polar bear plunge and strut 5k. it's a race provided by the special olympics and after you are done running you jump into the freezing and icy cold waters of a nearby lake. i opted to just strut and even though it was freezing cold weather, the run was a fun and beautiful one.

i always get so nervous before a race, so it takes a few minutes for me to relax and enjoy my run at first. the course was pretty hilly and the last half mile of the race was a pretty steep hill but it was still an enjoyable course.

some photos courtesy of the kansas city star
i ran the course just under 26 minutes and even though that wasn't my fastest time, i still got first place in my age group and 2nd female overall. i was so extremely proud and happy that i was able to push myself hard. this race was definitely a perfect one to start the year off with. it is making me excited for my half come April! 

Anyone want to come run a race with me? I would love the fun company!! :)