Shelter Island 5K

It's become an annual tradition for some of my coworkers and I to run the Shelter Island 5K in November. The course is super flat and runs through a cute section of Point Loma and along the waterfront, which is gorgeous first thing in the morning. The last mile and a half is an out-and-back, where you run straight to a turnaround point then run back the way you came until you cross the finish line. I like this part of the course, because you can distract yourself during the last painful mile by looking for your friends as they pass by on the other side of the street, or cheer on strangers who look like they need some motivation. And the best part of the event is the delicious breakfast buffet at Humphrey's on the Bay afterwards! At other races, you're lucky to get a PowerBar at the end.

I tried talking Dan into running it this year, but he decided to stay away from the site where hundreds of crazy people run nowhere in particular with bibs on at the crack of dawn. He advises everyone else to follow his example for their own safety. :) I did talk my new coworker, Fatima, into joining the group, though! She's a swimmer and a yogi, so this was the first time she had trained for a run. She enjoyed it so much, she's trying to talk me into running another 5K with her in January. Look out, I've created a monster!

The group in the parking lot for registration: Fatima, Sammy, me, Rudy, Janeece, and Michelle

Just about to start the race! We were joined by an ex-coworker, Erin, and her son, Chase. It was great to see her again! Rudy isn't in this picture because he was starting at the very front of the race. He's lightening fast and finished 3rd in his age division!

5Ks are FUN! Especially after running a half marathon!