Seriously?

My third 5K of the year was my worst to date. The first stretch was uphill. That about did me in right off the bat. Oh, the cramps!

Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoyed participating in the second annual David McKannan Memorial Run. The ALS Association, Alabama Chapter did a great job coordinating this event and the volunteers were fantastic. The run is in memory of a beloved Huntsville native whose life was cut drastically short by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as  Lou Gehrig’s disease. The 5k raises money to advance research of this crippling and fatal disease.

But I was disappointed in my performance.

I am a creature of habit and am only accustomed to the flat route that I run regularly. The Huntsville Greenway has an awesome path and I’ve made friends with the creek’s resident blue heron, along with fellow Greenway runners. Unfortunately, I haven’t challenged myself with any inclines.

A couple of years ago, I managed to master the uphill run to my home that completed my route. But when I started running again this year, I made sure my day’s distance was complete before I started the hill so I could walk the final stretch.

Guess I’ve got to start heading for the hills. I finished the David McKannan run in about 34 minutes. I did 32 at a race February; 33 in April. I am definitely moving in the wrong direction as far as my race times.

But I take to heart what  Jeff Gronberg, CEO of presenting sponsor, deciBEL Research, said before the race — something about us all focusing on PR. Not a personal record, but personal responsibility. What a great perspective, whether it is for ALS or another cause.

I’ll take my PR for supporting ALS research through the David McKannan Memorial Run.  I’m also thrilled for the opportunity to work at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, where ALS is among numerous research areas.

Sure, it’s great seeing your hard work pay off with a PR regarding time. But hey, if you don’t get that PR, take comfort that your other “PR” is making a big difference in the long run.

Look at it that way and we’re all winners!