Metamorphosis of Bun Run 5K Team
By Jennifer Howard-Brown, Coach
Eight weeks ago, a small, diverse group met at Rogue for the first night of their Basic Training for the Bun Run 5k. Out of the group of 10, most of the team proclaimed not to be runners, two were lapsed runners. They were nervous, excited and quickly bonded into a tight-knit group. They were caterpillars beginning the transformation process of becoming runners.
Most didn't truly believe they would be able to run a 5k in 8 weeks. They were completely unaware of their potential. But, they consistently followed the training
plan, met at Rogue for core, quality workout and long runs each week. During that time, Laura and I watched them suffer and recover from aches, pains and injuries, progressing at their own paces. We cheered on a few of them for a "practice" 5k at ROG Rush. Their performance gave the entire team a boost of confidence when three of their teammates completed a 5k five weeks into training.
The team started together and each person met his/her goal of running the 27th Annual Schlotzsky's Bun Run 5k. We cheered them through the start line and anxiously awaited their return. I had encouraged them to savor the experience and take in the excitement of the start, crowd, scenery, and the ability to run down the middle of Austin's downtown streets (quickly becoming a rare treat.)
What I didn't anticipate was how much we would savor their journey. Over the weeks, we've bragged about them to our friends. We've encouraged and pushed them. Today, we clapped, yelled and rang the cowbell as each one turned the corner and kicked to the finish. We toasted and celebrated their success over post-race cocktails and tacos. Lastly, we've poured over the photos looking at their impressive running form as each runner closed his/her 5k.
Today, the metamorphosis is complete as they officially have became athletes. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and that each of them is continuing their training with Rogue and setting new goals to conquer. Thanks for being part of our team!
Congrats to:
- Rose Mata - ran her second 5k in a PR 30:13, about 20 sec./mi. faster than her ROG Rush 31:14.
- Tobin Levy - first 5k of 30:13
- Jardine Libaire - first 5k of 30:32
- Leigh Clark - ran a PR 33:39, about 1:20/mi. faster than ROG Rush 37:16
- Joe Garcia - ran a PR 34:31, about 40 sec./mi. faster than his ROG Rush 36:34
- Nicole Prado - first 5k of 36:18
- Deepa Krishnamoorthy - first 5k of 36:16
- Shirley Reynolds - first 5k of 37:00
P.S. (Congrats to all of the Rogues who had great races at the Bun Run, especially our PR group teammates: Scott Brown, 20:28; Mark Baumann, 22:18; and Oscar Gonzales, 22:41. Also, huge kudos to Paul Escobedo who ran a new marathon PR of 3:56:24 at the National Guard Marathon in Lincoln, Nebraska today.)
