Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez: Ardmore 5k

Every October the Ardmore 5k is held to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. According to the Ardmore 5k website, they were able to donate approximately $10,000 to Second Harvest, as well as food donated at the race and in the community. There is no greater sense of community than everyone joining forces to help those in need.

This race is the very first road race I ran back in 2008. I ran the next year, too, but after starting school and having my schedule change entirely, I did not have time to properly train for the race in 2010 (same for this year). It was exciting to be at a road race again, but it felt strange not warming up and having the pre-race jitters. All of the runners seemed to have a great time and the encouragement was, as always, tremendous---no runner was left un-cheered. It was odd being a spectator and it made me realize exactly how much I miss running. There is still time and always next year.