I am so proud of all the women in our Stroller Strides family, and I am so honored to have the opportunity to have such positive, inspiring role models instructing for Stroller Strides Leeward Oahu.
Enjoy...
RAYNA
My time was 52:20 and I took 3rd place in the Stroller Division. I have never ran this particular race before but have done a few 10k's in the past.
I first started competing in jr. high with 400's and 800's but we had a very small team so I would sometimes have to run every other race and I was burned out very quickly. I did not sign up for track all through high school but ran on the country roads for fun and to stay in shape. It wasn't until I was about 24 that I decided to run in a road race. It became addicting ever since. I have done road races now for 11 years and did mostly 5k's and 10k's. The Honolulu half marathon will be my first black top half-marathon race ever. I have previously done 2 trail half-marathons last year ( I love trail running too). Hawaii has made running competitively very fun and easy because the weather is pretty perfect for me. My first marathon was ran here in 2004 and I have done 2 since then and I am planning on doing the North Shore marathon April 15 of this year. I am also planning on running the Munich marathon in October in Germany.
What I like about road races is that you are only racing essentially against yourself. It is done at your pace and your level. No one dictates how fast you go but you. I love seeing all levels and people from all walks of life at these events.
DEBBIE
This weekend Lyla and I finished second in the Stroller Division, for the Hawai'i Pacific Health Women's 10k, with a time of 52.11. I have been doing road races on and off since college but this was my second time racing with a stroller and my sixth road race since becoming a mom. The Women's 10k is one of my favorite races because of the course and the incredible women that surround you as you run. I hope one day to run this race with my girls.
MARIA
This was my second year running this race. I was able to shave 6 minutes off my time from last year and finished with a time of 1:02:32 this year. Running is hard. I think their is a misconception that only 'runners' can run but the truth is anyone can run. It just takes time, patience and dedication to reach your goals. It was great to see so many familiar faces out there this year!
TRISH
This was my FIRST 10K, and only my second race ever. I crossed the finish line with a time of 1:09:21. There was a time, only a short time ago (less than a year and a half ago, to be exact) that I couldn't even run for more than a few minutes at a time. Through the love and support of my Stroller Strides family, and a little determination, I am becoming a runner. It's something I never thought I would be able to do. There are so may inspiring women that I look up to... the ladies above, for example. I am completely addicted now, and am looking forward to many more races.
I want everyone to know, running IS hard. But if you want to run, YOU CAN! If I can, YOU can. Don't let anyone, including yourself, tell you that you can't. You just have to put one foot in front of the other... and then don't stop until you cross that finish line.
