Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run

Since 2007 I have been actively running.  And each year I participate in local races/runs that support the community or special event.  This time of year is the Old Koloa Sugar Mill 5K/10K/10M Walk/Run.  This event which is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Kauai and benefits the Nursing Program at UH/KCC, the Electronics Technology Program at UH/KCC, Professional Massage Program at UH/KCC, and the RYLA Rotary Youth Leadership Award just celebrated it's ninth year.

This particular race was also the beginning of my love for running.  It was in September 2007 when my boss (at the time) invited me to join her on the 5K at this event.  I originally figured I'd walk it, but once I tried to run I realized how much I enjoyed it.  So I trained for it.  Every night after work I went out for a little run....all in preparation for my first official race on November 3, 2007.  I didn't know what to expect but seeing several hundred people participating in this event and cheering for each of us as we made our way through the finish line invigorated me.

Despite the warmer temperatures (the race is located in Poipu - the sunnier/hotter side of the island) and the blaring sun beating down on the course, I've made it a point to participate in this race each and every year (except last year when I was still recovering from my surgery in Sept 2010).  But as each year passed, I increased my training and I found myself getting stronger and stronger so I transitioned from the 5K to the 10K race.  After this year's event, I reviewed my results from previous years to see my progress:

Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run Kauai - 5K Division Results

November 3, 2007             :36:56       11:54

Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run Kauai - 5k Division Results

November 1, 2008             :32:52       10:36

Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run Kauai - 10K Division Results

October 31, 2009             1:15:46      12:13

Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run - 10 K Division Results

November 12, 2011          1:07:47      10:55

As I look back at this race (and others I've done) I can see the advancements I've made.  With each race I ran I have never finished a run - longer than 5 miles - in under 11 minutes per mile.  So when I realized I finished this last race under that goal I was ecstatic. 

I'm ready to keep on going.   And I invite everyone (near and far) to come join me for the 5K, 10K, or 10M at next year's event - which will be celebrating it's tenth year!  Who's in?