10+3.1+6.8

Remember a couple of posts ago when I mentioned I'm due for a rainy race? Yep, happened today! But that's cool, because I got to run with more friends, fun even in the rain!! The Freedom 5K took place this morning at the lake, and despite the cool temps and steady precipitation, there was a good crowd that came out to support what Route One Ministry is doing in the Greater Boston area.

Here are (most) of the Grace Chapel runners: Ryan, Jared - recognize him from Smuttynose?, me, Sarah and Josh. Not pictured: Robert and Beatriz.

This 5K was not the only running I did today - I don't typically run only 3mi with a Camelbak. I started the morning by leaving the house at 8am, getting in a full 10mi before getting to the race. Sarah and I ran the whole thing together, that was super fun. :) After the race, I hung out long enough to tell these guys, "Good job, that was fun!" before heading out for another 7mi.

Today marks 22days until NYC and it was now or never for these 20mi. I wasn't excited about doing it in the rain (and 45deg temps) but I figured if Nov 2nd is rainy, it's good practice. Despite the rain, I was stoked to get the mileage in - and to feel good nearly the whole time! I started feeling rough around mile 19, nearly at the finish. And it wasn't even like a wall, it was just that I'm-getting-hungry-and-am-starting-to-not-feel-my-legs type of rough. 

After such a good looooong run, I'm feeling more ready than ever for New York. I seriously cannot wait - and you might not read about much else these next three weeks. My apologies in advance. :)

oct 11th

So, um, hey...whaddarya doin' tomorrow morning? If you're local and are looking for a way to get outside, get some fresh air, and get active - I've got just the thing for you!!

The 4th annual Freedom 5K will take place in Wakefield, MA around beautiful Lake Quannapowitt. It's a flat, fast, fun course with the majority of the race taking place right on the lake. You can walk, jog, run, heck - you can skip if you want to! No matter how you get around the lake, it's sure to be a good time.

Oh, and there's prizes!! There are prizes for the top male and female finishers; and there are a bunch of raffle prizes. So when you come, bring some cash with you to get raffle tickets - each one is $1, or get 6 for $5. Lots of cool stuff to win.

So, I know you're thinking, "She never runs 5Ks..." and you would be right. I very rarely do, but this is one I have done every year since it began. It's an organization that is doing work I very much believe it, and they are the only ones doing it in this area. The organization is called Route One Ministry. They work with women and children in the sex/trafficking industry to help them see their value and worth. This is their vision:

The vision of Route One is to minister to women exploited by the sex industry on the North Shore and around Boston. Through building relationships with the women, we hope to be the light of Christ and provide for physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Providing for their physical and emotional needs might include helping them leave the sex industry and securing employment. Further, our goal is that they have the tools to establish a healthy lifestyle, redeem broken relationships and have a fuller view of who they are as women created in the image of God. Ultimately our desire is that the women would experience the breaking of chains and healing of wounds through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Pretty cool, right? Well hey, if you're not doing anything around 9am tomorrow morning, come on down to Lake Quannapowitt. Registration will be set up near the bandstand on the green by Church Street. I'll be there, hope to see you!

freedom 5k

If you are in the Wakefield, MA area on Saturday, Sept 15th I highly encourage you to join me in attending, running, walking, strolling, or somehow participating in the Freedom 5K. It is an easy loop around the scenic Lake Quannapowitt - I know you've read of my love for this lake and route. The cost is $25 and all profits will go to Route One Ministry - helping women in the sex industry for 4years.

Not only will we be racing a loop around the lake, we'll also have a cash raffle for things like gift cards to local restaurants, a signed Red Sox baseball, gift package from Starbucks, a massage, and much more! The kids can participate, too! Our kids race begins at 9:15am.

Find out much more information HERE, but feel free to ask me about any more details in the comments! I'm on the planning team so I've got the inside scoop!

this saturday

Readers!  My friend Bonnie is the co-founder and director of Route One Ministries.  Here's a brief synopsis of what they do:

Mission

The vision of Route One is to minister to women exploited by the sex industry on the North Shore and the greater Boston area.

Through building relationships with the women, we hope to be the light of Christ and provide for physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Providing for their physical and emotional needs might include helping them leave the sex industry and securing employment. Further our goal is that they have the tools to establish a healthy lifestyle, redeem broken relationships and have a fuller view of who they are as women created in the image of God.

Ultimately our desire is that the women would experience the breaking of chains and healing of wounds through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Essentially, they love people.  They show women Christ's love with no strings attached and pray for them to be released from the bondage that this industry holds over them.  It is said more eloquently in the mission statement above than I could ever say it.  But this is something that I fully believe in and fully support.  

How do I support it?  Good question.  What does this have to do with running?  Even better question.  This Saturday, Route One Ministries is hosting it's 2nd Annual Freedom 5K Fun Run and Walk!!!!  And guess who is welcome to come?  EVERYONE!!!  If you're a runner, a jogger, a wogger (jog+walk), a walker, a waddler, a mos-ier, no matter how you get from one spot to another (save for on wheels), you are invited to come.

Here are the details:  

When - Saturday, Sept 30th at 10am (come by 9:30am to get registered)

Where - First United Methodist Church in South Hamilton, 391 Bay Rd.

What - a 5K run/walk (duh...) but there's more!  A cash raffle will take place, there will be lots of food, and prizes for the top male and female.

For more information and a registration form, email Bonnie at routeoneministry@gmail.com.

And if that doesn't entice you...check out how much fun we all had at last year's inaugural race.