“The 2011 5K at Cantrell was my first 5K! I was nervous, but I trained every day . On race day I couldn’t sleep the night before and got up early.  I was excited and nervous- not knowing what to expect.  I knew I wasn’t going to run the entire race but I WAS going to run as much as possible.  Walking up to the check in area with a large crowd of people, there was an excitement in the air.  There is an energy any time you get a group of like-minded people together that’s palpable.  I totally loved it!  I was with my 14 year old daughter and my mother who is also a member at Cantrell.  When they said to line up at the start line and then the gun went off to start, everyone around me started running.  I wasn’t going to take off running, but I couldn’t help myself.  I looked back at my mom and she waved me on, she would walk with my daughter.  I have to say it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in years!  I went on “VolksMarches” as a teenager when my father was stationed in Germany and this brought back some of those members (minus the beer and bratwurst at the end).  I immediately enrolled in the next 5K I knew about which was Claxton Road Race and that was just as rewarding.  I plan to continue my journey into the wonderful world of racing and train every day even when there isn’t a race becuase the reward isn’t only in the winning but also finishing!!  Thank You Cantrell for reminding me how much fun life can be again and helping me on the road to a much healthier life style! You guys are the best!