Paying it Forward and Bella's First 5k

This past weekend a few of my friends and my husband ran the ATT Half and Full Marathon in Cary, NC.  Since I had already run Myrtle Beach a few weeks earlier I was not willing to risk injury and run this race too.  I am very conscious of what a body , especially mine, is capable of.  

We departed after the race started and began our journey to get to a place cheer people on.  We were practically bribing cops to let us cross the race course a few times.  Finally, we were able to park around mile 11.5.  We thought that would be a great point where people would be tired and need some extra encouragement.  

While we were there we met some wonderful ladies.  They were there just to volunteer and cheer people on.  They are running their first Half-Marathon in May and decided to go support other and "Pay it forward".  I couldn't get over it.  I thought that was so wonderful.  I started running and exercising for my weight, but I have learned so much about people.  Some good and some bad.  This was definitely good.  It put alot in perspective.  I have chosen my races for what organization they benefit.  NewYork is the perfect example.  I am such a believer in getting children involved in physical activites.  It not only helps their bodies but their minds.  

It was so much fun to be a spectator!  This may be my new calling.  It was so nice seeing smiling faces so grateful for the encouragement.  It helped that we knew a lot of the people, but we will definitely be doing it again.  

We really want to take the kids to do this as well.  Joe, Anthony, Gabi and Sophia will be getting their first dose when Bella does her first 5K.  Shes been participating in the "Girls On The Run".  It is such an amazing program!!  Go to www.gotrtriangle.org for more information.  Bellas first 5k will be April 16th.  I'm her running buddy and am so honored.  I didn't run my first one until May 2009.  I am so proud of her.  I'll keep you posted.  

Also we only have one more day of 100% vegetarian.  The kids have all decide on big burgers from Red Robin for Friday.  I'm not looking forward to it.  I have really enjoyed the vegetarian thing and more than I thought!  We have tried alot of new foods and just added a lot more variety.  From here on out, we will stay mostly vegetarian and just throw 1-2 days in of meat in for the kids.  I'm happy we all completed the full month and I can say it wasn't very hard.  I promise when I can I will post more of the recipes.  Today was an especially yummy day of Brie, Tomato, Arugula and Spinach Sandwiches for lunch and Pear, Ricotta, Walnut Crostini's for dinner.   

Hope you are having a great week!