Tell All Annual 5K Race 2025 #Amilikey

 

        Hey everyone!!! So I am still battling it out in these last three weeks left of the spring semester for my prerequisites for nursing. I forgot how much time is actually required to complete a full 13 credit hour semester on top of working full-time too! Obviously looking back I could have taken only three courses instead of 5, but you always live and learn. I wanted to get all my prerequisites done as soon as possible, so that I could start the actual journey in nursing school. It definitely is delicate balance between wanting to jumpstart the process and also starting on the right footing. 

      I had planned to be already transitioned into my new position at work over 8 months ago, and that really set me behind financially. My goal was to utilize my new position to earn more income and finally get the personal MOT I've always been lacking. Not being able to drive is true constriction on my life in every aspect, and I hate having to deal with it/explain myself every time someone gives me the "crazy" eye look - as in how is that even possible at your old age? It is so demoralizing and such a frustrating thing to have to defend the situation as to not make myself look so pathetic. Anyways, my point being is that I cannot go back to being a full-time student in an actual pursing career without a car. I cannot keep this necessity active for much longer and a new chapter in life has to start sooner than later. 

     So to the actual topic of the day, I completed another successful 5K race a week ago in the downtown Tampa firehouse station. I have been participating in this race for three consecutive years now, and it is my most important race of all the ones I've been able to complete. Also for reference I don't have many, but this one was my official first one in person and the purpose for raising the funds is very dear to my aorta as a pediatric now adult burn survivor myself. You think they would give me an extra appreciation token for being basically only female burn survivor in the race. At least an extra souvenir or allow me to be at the front of the race just as a sentimental recognition value, but neither one of those applies. It's like I am almost not even there, and it's hurtful to be perceived as a nobody. 

    This year I was able to get there a bit earlier than last year, so that was nice because within a few minutes it tends to get super crowded and it's a bit annoying too. It sucks I always have to go at it alone, while everyone else is in their little groups and clicks just having a good time. I did invite people at work and even someone from my church but everyone said no because they were unavailable. I am not hiding and I literally am not even wearing headphones so people don't say, "well she was unapproachable." Just for the exclusive viewers I had this idiotic idea that I would have been dating someone by then for a while long enough for him to propose to me at the finish line. Just me and stupid scenarios that never come true at all. I only improved 7 seconds from last year and that still sucks to my personal ego. I recognize I didn't train as hard and working two days prior to the race also caused a lot of struggle to get the proper rest I needed for the race. 

      The part I always enjoy the most is the last speed dash coming to the finish line. I probably bolted as fast as I could only the last 100 feet left of the race. I wish I could race like that for much longer, then my timing would be incredible. Major Lol. I also liked being able to sit down and watch everyone else come behind me! I get to see all the people I beat and that is very delightful especially when they are taller, younger, and better physically built than me. Overall, it was another race in the books for me, I gave it almost all I had considering the 2 hours of sleep I got the night before the race. It was hot outside and that plays a role in the fatigue element of the race. I actually didn't notice any eye candy this time around, and that's all due to how tired I was in that moment. 

    Well, if you want to see me right after the race, I also posted a short video on my YouTube Channel if you want more of a visual summary. So with all of that let me get back to my main goal of spreading encouragement and reminding myself and others you are not a mistake because God that created you is perfect and He cannot make mistakes. You are here for a plan and a purpose so allow Jesus into your life and discover that plan for your life to be fulfilled. Thank you and remember leaving a small comment or feedback is always welcomed!! 

Xoxoxoxo, 

Ana :)