Reflections on the Surfing Madonna 5K
It seems these days that there is 5K every other weekend. They have become a prevalent piece to many-a-persons' weekend. 5k runs are a positive, fun way for people to get involved locally and contribute to a worthy cause. I have seen these events advertised for a bit now and have been invited to a handful of them through family and friends, but the Surfing Madonna Beach Run was the first 5K that I have participated in...and it was pretty cool. This event is an extension of the Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, whose mission is dedicated to bringing the community together to “Save the Ocean” and protect our coastline. Through youth education programs, ocean conservation project grants, marine mammal rescue/recovery initiatives, and helping children with special needs experience the healing power of the ocean, the SMOP is helping to expand this community of ocean advocates, per their Facebook page.
I participated in this 5K with my wife and baby in tow. For us, it was more of a walk or stroll along the beach at low tide as opposed to a race. As go-time neared, we posted up at the start line as spectators and not yet participants. Since our plan included a leisurely stroll from Moonlight beach towards Beacons and back, we waited for the serious runners to be set free along the scenic beach-side route. As the crowd cleared, our stroll began. Even at a snail's pace, 3.1 miles is quite the distance. Many a jogger was in costume - a banana , a bobble-head, spandexed head to toe - due to the proximity of Halloween and the fact that there was a costume contest afterwards. Down at Beacons, we were entertained by the local school band on the beach remixing some pop songs, but I was slightly miffed at the hundreds of cups previous runners had thrown down on the beach as they passed through the water station. To my delight, most of the trash had been cleaned up by volunteers and placed in the proper receptacles after we made the half-way mark and returned through the water station once again.
We finished the "race" in just shy of an hour. My wife and little one clocked in at a scorching 59:58 and I finished at a cool 59:59. Not too shabby. Will we do another one? Maybe. It was a great excuse to get out into the community and contribute to a great cause. I am trying to make a concerted effort to be a bigger part of the Encinitas community and do good for the city. As part of my real estate business, I have committed to giving back to the community through donations, local participation, and events. Some things are still being planned so be sure to stay tuned for future events. Events may include neighborhood cleanups (just like their beach cleanup counterparts), going green events, and potentially clothing drives. Hopefully I can help improve our little, beautiful corner of the world.
Want to get involved next year? Here you go.
