Running up to Timeout

This is my last week of running and exercising...
No, I'm not quitting or giving up. I could never do that.
I'll share with you a favorite Running Quote of mine, sure to be my mantra for a lil' while 


     “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” 
       – Dean Karnazes

Seems that for the next few weeks, 4-6 to be exact, I will be doing the crawl or walk. 
Doctor's orders. And really, those are easy orders, just not easy for me to follow.

So in an effort to get it all out of my system, I lined up 2 killer challenges for this week.
These races couldn't be more different (with the exception of distance).
One is sweet and pretty, the other muddy and dirty.

First up:  CupCake Classic 5K - hosted by Jess over at Run with Jess

A fun run with a cupcake at the finish line??? Seriously, sign me up. 
This is Jess's 2nd annual Cupcake Run and I'm proud to be a part of it.
Yes, it's a virtual race, something I'm new to but so very, very impressed with.
I've received my virtual race packet which includes my Race Bib and at least 15 Sponsors to shop with! It's not too late for you to sign up! Race window is until the 21st. So team up and join in!
I'm ready to hit the pavement, enjoy 3.1 miles of beautiful fall foliage, and devour a cupcake at the finish line! 

Second Race: Pretty Muddy 5k - obstacle course

Why do a mud run, you ask? I ask, why not?! It's another race, I'm new too.
And I invite the challenge. I'm both excited and nervous about this race. It's been years since I took on an obstacle course, unless you consider the daily explosion of kids toys on the floor to be an equal dare. So for that reason, I'm excited.  My friends however were not so eager to participate. Not a single one signed up with me. And for that reason I am nervous. It's a bummer my friends weren't able to team up with me, so instead of making team shirts with friends the night before....I may just make a t-shirt with some lame quote...yea, can't think of any right now, but it could happen. stay tuned. 


Wish me luck in both of these 5K's. I'll need it. Especially in the latter of the two.
And if you're wondering why my trusty running partner A.K.A. hubby isn't racing with me it's because he'll be cheering and taking pictures...as the pretty muddy is a women's only event!

Have you had to take a break in your regular fitness routine for health reasons or other? Did you plan like me and enjoy as much of it as possible before the break?
Funny how some people consider the "break" torture!

image 1 (source) , image 2 (source)