Operation Changing Lives 5K

Click here to visit Geek Publishers by Julian Dean

November 20th was the first annual Operation Changing Lives 5K. I am very close to this charity, as the surgeons that I work for are the doctors that provide the great services for Operation Changing Lives. OCL provides surgical services to those in need in our community as well as abroad. Our doctors provide cleft palate and facial surgeries to children in third world countries and to those in need in Volusia and Flagler counties. Our annual toy drive will be helping the children in Volusia and Flagler counties this year. If you are planning to donate to a charity this holiday season, please consider Operation Changing Lives. Donations can be sent to:

Attn: Craig
Operation Changing Lives
549 Health Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

I had not run in 2 weeks while I battled an IT Band issue so I was not sure what my pace would be or if I even was even going to make it through the 3.1 miles.
I started off easy and as I felt like I was going to make it, I picked up the pace. I ended up with a time of 21:04, so not too bad afterall. I ended up winning my age group and 12th overall, but more importantly, I was able to run the full 3.1 miles and even ran back through the course to encourage the other runners.

I am still backing down on the running until I can get my IT Band and peroneal issues under control. I have been riding the trainer everyday so I don't feel like a total slacker. It was good to see that even though I had 2 weeks off from running, I had enough cardio fitness to run fairly well.

I'm off for more PT and a swim in hopes of picking up my swim for next season and ridding myself of these aches and pains I have been dealing with. Base running will continue at a slower pace but a more consistent six days until mid January when I start training for St. Anthony's.