Friday, October 8, 2010

A 5k With My Co-workers!

Last Sunday, October 3rd, I had the pleasure of doing a 5k with my co-workers! Earlier in the year I organized a Biggest Loser type of challenge at work which lasted for about 3 months. Collectively the staff lost 70 pounds and then decided they'd like to try a 5k! The timing couldn't have been better since there is a 5k near my hometown that is put on by past Biggest Loser contestants Mark and Jay (season 5). The race was to raise money and awareness for Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome. The 5k itself was awesome, Mark and Jay did such a great job!! In addition to Mark and Jay, there were 5 other Biggest Losers present, including 1 person who is CURRENTLY on the show, I won't say who, because I don't want to spoil anything, but all I can say is WOW!! He/she looked amazing!!!

For those of you who don't know what I do for work, I'm an American Sign Language interpreter but I also work at a Deaf community center where I have a wellness program. I teach the Deaf community about disease prevention, I teach cooking classes, exercise classes, provide workshops on various public health issues/concerns etc., all in sign language. Most of my co-workers are Deaf or Deaf-Blind. I love my job and I love my co-workers! (we all sit at a big table and have lunch together EVERYDAY).
 Post 5k. A few people are missing from this picture. See past Loser contestant Amanda? #316, what a beautiful girl!!

I love this picture! This is my Co-worker, Elaine(in black). She is Deaf -blind. Everyone did such a fantastic job!

My dear friend, Beth, with Rudy!

I ran the race on my own and then went back to find everyone else. I came in 6th female OA and 3rd in my AG. Ryan ran with his brother and mom, she did such a great job, ran one of her best times yet. This race was just so great, I can't say enough good things about it! There were SO many newbies and first timers, it was such a welcoming environment. 

The best part about the day?? My co-workers want to do it again next year! YAY! Actually, they can't wait for next year so we are going to do another one in the spring!

13 comments:

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

I LOVE this!!! I love how you get to work at the wellness center too! :) Thats awesome how they can't wait another year to run another one!! :D AWESOME!!

ok, so I'm planning on going back to school in the spring to start my interpreting degree... I have had quite a few sign classes but its almost been 2 years since my last one because i decided to focus on my bachelors degree first. I was wondering if you would be willing to help me out with my signing? Maybe video chat or you can send me a video to interpret or something like that? I dont know if you have time or anything since you're planning a wedding, working, running, and taking on life full force but if you would like to help me out send me an email! :D runners.luck@hotmail.com

Running Diva Mom said...

That's so awesome that you are inspiring your co-workers to get fit and compete in races. And what's with all the celebrity sightings!! Nothing like that happens here in Wisconsin!!!

Anonymous said...

i sooooooooooooo totally love this. that's really amazing that you've been able to inspire people! keep it up :)

Katie A. said...

What a very cool and rewarding job you have! Congrats to everyone! They are very inspiring!
Nice job on the AG, too! ;)

Marlene said...

This is just AWESOME! Love that Amanda was there too!!

Johann said...

That is fantastic! Yeah to all of you, very inspiring! Well done!

Silly Girl Running said...

Wow!!! That's amazing! :)

Michelle said...

Awesomeness! Way to go!

Anonymous said...

Warms my heart!! Love, your former boss/big big fan!

Colleen said...

Aww, I should have done it! The track club at my kid's school ran in it (because Mark & Jay are alumni), and I was this.close to running it. Bummer!

Jenn said...

I love this post. I love how running can inspire others while SO rewarding ourselves! Congrats on a great race. Sounds like you have a great job!

mountain hardwear said...

Awesome race.. The photos are great.

Amanda said...

That is truly awesome and inspiring. Your co-workers sound amazing.

Hope you have as much fun next year!