Nun Run Recap!

Today marks the day that I had planned to run the Los Angeles Marathon — an ambition thwarted by a most unwelcome case of iliotibial band syndrome (AKA Runners’ Knee) that, for the time being, keeps me from running more than 7.5 miles at a time. But God works in mysterious ways, and because I am not able to run the marathon today, I was instead able to participate in yesterday’s Run for Nuns!

So, as promised: Here’s my race recap:

Although “shadow participants” could do their runs anywhere, I had the good fortune of joining a group of 15 or so runners up at Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, Calif. We ran a 5k that consisted of three loops around the (very hilly!) campus. I must admit, having spent the last few months doing only longer runs (from 5 to 20 miles), I was completely unprepared for the quicker pace of the 5k! But when all those young whippersnappers took off at the start, I did my best to try to keep up. (By the way, running with college students is a great way to develop the virtue of humility!) I clocked in at an underwhelming 26:16.

Above is the photo of our group taken before the run. Below, a chaplain at the college, Fr. Paul Raftery, O.P., gives us a blessing before the start. Beautiful weather, good cause, and wonderful people — what more could you ask for?

To all the runners in today’s L.A. Marathon: You have my prayers! I wish I could be there with you. See you next year!