Today was my 5k run down at the Malecon (waterfront) in downtown Guayaquil. I did it!! and had so much fun doing it ! I’m proud of myself for taking the initiative to train for the race and for encouraging other Peace Corps volunteers to sign up and run with me! There was a great Peace Corps turn out today. Even some volunteers from outside of the city came to run and support us!
It was very empowering to do my first 5k run with all women participants. I’m not sure how 5Ks go in the States but this 5k was Ecuadorian through and through. Before the race started all the participants were called up to a stage to do a warm up / stretches. A tiny Guayaquileña woman led all of us in a warm-up that reminded me of a mix between a jazzercise and Latin dance class. Great fun!
As the race began, everyone was cheering at the starting line and I felt a burst of energy as I pressed play on my iPod. Last night I put together a iTunes playlist for my iPod with all my favorite workout music, as well as some new hits from this past summer/ my senior year at Oxy. The song that got me really pumped up as I approached the last kilometer of the race was “San Francisco” a cover by Global DeeJays, which was originally done by Scott Mckenzie from The Mamas and the Papas. “If you’re going to San Francisco/ Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair/ If you’re going to San Francisco/ You’re gonna meet some gentle people there…” This song reminds me of last spring break, driving around St. Louis with Mariah and my cousins Trevor and Austin.
Overall, today was a great success and something that I plan to do again in the future. I was talking to Michelle about possibly training for a 10k which is hosted here in Guayaquil. My future goal is to work up to a half-marathon, which they have here and in Quito. I emailed my cousin Kim for advice on how to train for a 10k (she is an author of The Best Friends’ Guide to Getting Fit and is a certified personal trainer). Cant wait to read your book Kim! : )
I’m back home now and quite tired from a full day. This afternoon I plan to relax, do some reading and go grocery shopping. Another full week starts tomorrow and I have lots to do to prepare for the presentation I will be giving to US Ambassador Heather M. Hodges on Thursday. Wish me luck ! …… 4 days until Cuenca !!
Caitlin, Jordan, Molly, Michelle, Tiffany and Me
Michelle, Me and Caitlin (my new roommates)
Las Mujeres Corremos Race T-Shirt
Jordan, Molly, Me, Michelle, Rebecca (my Peace Corps program manager) and Caitlin
The whole Peace Corps team on the Malecon
After the race .... a little sweaty by very happy : )
