P-p-p-poker run...P-p-p-poker run

No, it's not Lady Gaga I'm talking about...

Today was the UW Kinesiology Club's Poker Run 5K. They are actually celebrating 100 years of the Kinesiology program at the UW. This is a great run with proceeds going to Scouts with Special Needs.

The morning started off a bit rough. I really wanted to do the race but Joshua wasn't as excited. When the alarm went off, Joshua reluctantly agreed to go with me. We made some coffee and headed down to the campus area.

Brrrrrrr...it was pretty cold...in the low 40s and SUNNY but windy so that made it chilly.

The run was exactly the same route as the Valentine's 5K run, so I was really excited to beat my time. Now that I had a few runs under my belt, I knew for sure I'd beat my time.

This race is not the same format as other races. Fastest time doesn't matter, it's the best hand that you have. Before the race, you draw three playing cards and when you get done, you draw two more.

My hand started out with a 6 of spades, 7 of spades and a 10 of hearts...eh, not the best but I have a chance for a straight. Joshua drew two 7s and a 6, not bad.

We start the race but less than a half mile into it, Joshua speeds off. Good thing I brought my iPod. The first mile felt a bit sluggish, maybe from the cold or the early morning or both but when I got to the first mile marker, I was just under 9 minutes. Not too bad, especially with the wind blowing against us.

I felt a burst of energy right before mile 2 and picked up my pace. When I reached the second mile marker, I was just under 18 minutes. I felt good.

I was running by myself. No one was passing me nor was I passing anyone. Just me and the trail and my music. It's what I love about running.

I hit the third mile marker and started feeling tired but knew the end was near. All I had to do was think about my Aunt Mandy and how she never stopped fighting. I got another burst of energy and sprinted the rest of the way. It's what I always do when I feel tired or when I feel I can't run any further.

My time...27 minutes and 48 seconds. An average of 8:51 per mile. Broke the 9 minute pace for the first time this season. And I beat the Valentine's Day run by 3 minutes and 20 seconds. Woohoo!!!

Time to draw two more cards...all I need is an 8 or a 9 and for Joshua two 7s. No such luck. Oh well! At least Joshua won an Adidas hat and I won a free sub at Capriotti's which is what we got for lunch.

Can't wait for the 10K race next Saturday!!!