Rita and I ran our first 5K together through a site called Virtual Strides. Virtual Strides provides an opportunity to participate in a virtual race (which can be run or walked!) anytime — anywhere– with whoever your want — and even indoors on a treadmill!  Once you register for one of the virtual races, you can complete the distance any time and anywhere, and upload your finish time to the website. Virtual Strides will mail you a finisher’s medal after you upload your results, or at the end of the race period, whichever comes first.  The best part is that a portion of the race’s proceeds gets donated to charity!

Rita and I ran the “Run Free” race.

This race benefited the National Mill Dog Rescue.  National Mill Dog Rescue has pledged to put an end to the puppy mill industry,  and has saved more than 10,000 dogs since 2007.  National Mill Dog Rescue hopes to educate the public to acquire their companion animals through reputable breeders, shelters, and rescue groups.

Once you register, you can download a running bib:

Rita did GREAT!  This was the first time I ever ran without music (running with music has been a MUST for me).  I wanted to be sure I could hear everything around us in order to protect Margarita in case there was a loose dog, etc.  I have to say – talking to Rita through the run was way more motivational than any music!

Our finishing time was 40 minutes, 25 seconds.  Not bad considering Margarita decided she’d stop 3 times for potty breaks, TWO of which needed to be bagged-up, if you know what I mean!

I submitted our results, and a few days later, the race medal arrived in the mail!

Rita’s first official medal!  She now has a spot of her own, among her siblings, on the “Wall of Fame” in our bar room.

Congratulations, Rita!