I DID IT!!! Last Saturday, I completed the LA Big 5K Race at LA Marathon!!! I’m so excited to have walked my first 5K in memory and honor of my husband. All the funds raised were donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s “Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighters Fund. It’s a non-profit organization that helps the families of firefighters in times of crises. They’ve been there for our family, both during my husband’s illness and after his death.
It was a great experience. I decided to walk this first one, but I’m planning to run it next year and I have plenty of time to prepare.
Upon arriving at Dodger’s Stadium, I became a bit emotional as I sat in the car waiting for the gate to open. The last time I had been in that area, my CEMO was with me. Then my emotions completely took over when I walked up to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighters booth. There was my husband’s photo on the banner with the other fallen firefighters who were being honored in the race. I couldn’t hold it together and my tears flowed. Even now, as I write this, my heart hurts. He had such a beautiful smile on that photo.
My dear friend, and fellow firewife, Deborah, was present. She grabbed and held me while I cried. Dear God, I’m so glad that woman was there. She and her husband ran the 5K in Cecil’s honor.
On Sunday, another fellow firewife and dear friend, Vanessa, ran the full marathon in his honor. She finished the 26 mile run in 5 hours – 55 minutes. I’m so proud of her.
TRACK SUIT – MCCALL’S 7482
Of course I had to make an outfit to wear. While this was my first thought when I decided to participate in the race, I almost didn’t follow through. I waited until the last minute and didn’t think I would get it done in time.
On that Tuesday, before the race, I went to Kohl’s to see if I could find something to wear. I’m pretty sure you know what happened. As I browsed through the racks, every time I came across something I liked, I said, “Shoot, I can make that!” Hahaha!!! Even in a time crunch, I just couldn’t bring myself to buy an outfit.
After looking through my Pinterest Board of Workout Patterns, I didn’t see anything I wanted to wear, so I left Kohl’s, went next door to JoAnn’s. There I picked up McCall’s 7482 and two new fabrics. I purchased this Mint, Dance Performance Fabric , but I used the wrong side of the fabric because I didn’t want the shimmering, glitzy look. The mint looks so good paired with this Gray/Black Performance Jersey. I matched the fabrics to my Asics running shoes that I was wearing at the time because I had already decided to wear them to the 5K. It was crucial for me to wear shoes that I had already broken in, and they were perfectly comfortable for the entire 3-mile walk.
CRISS CROSS TANK TOP – BUTTERICK 6295
Later that day, I cut the pattern, started sewing on Wednesday and finished the track suit on Thursday. Then I decided I wanted a matching top. Yeah, who does that in a time crunch? I used Butterick 6295 for the tank top and I LOVE it. It has a built-in sports bra!!! WooHoo!!! Well, I never took my jacket off at the race because it was a bit cool. AND I wore the event t-shirt over my jacket the entire time. Hahaha!!! But I was READY baby, just in case.
I really like the track suit and now I have a new outfit for the gym. I need to update my workout wardrobe anyway, so I’ll be adding more pieces over time.
Both patterns are rated “AVERAGE” and I agree. These should be quite easy for an intermediate skill level.
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Hi Anita, You look so powerful in your lovely track suit. I’m so proud of you for being so strong. It’s God’s grace that covers us when we face our many challenges. Your friend Vanessa ran in God’s grace. The number 5 represents God’s grace, and her completion time was 5 hours and 55 minutes. And you my sister in Christ, completed your first 5K in memory of your husband. God’s amazing grace!
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You are so beautiful, inside and out. Blessings.
I love it and you look absolutely beautiful! Great job, as usual!!
You are so great and the outfit just looks great. I’m now inspired to sew it and start running 🙂 I hope I can make it like you did. Thanks a lot!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the outfit AND the moxy to put it together days before.
What issues should i think about working with performanve fabric, sewing in azipper on an angle ..
Did you use a serger / coverstitch machine for any of the work?
Hey Darlene! Thank you so much. YES! Have fun making your workout gear.
Wow Anita! I chocked up there for a minute, but glad you made it through. Beautiful job on the outfit!
Thank you so much Gwendolyn!
Wow, your outfit is amazing! Really good match with your trainers too! You look fantastic! Big hugs and stay strong – he walks with you x
Thank you so much Kat. Standing strong, even when I’m weak.
Dear Mrs. Morris, I am so proud of you, you do know HE was with you on your walk as well as your beloved. They were the ones that were shouting the loudest. GOD bless you and your family, all the best.
Yes, Jan, He was with me. God bless you too.
I can’t see my keyboard for the water. Ms. Anita you did sooooooo good. Anywhere you Chemo is you know you have to represent and that smile of his was how proud he was/is of you and you represented him oh so well. You showed up and showed out all in his name Glory be to God for your strength. Whew chile…..let me get to this outfit. I have several pair of running shoes and silly me didn’t think of using the wrong side of the fabric because I dont like the glitzy while working out. I usuall end up with a boring solid color something lol. Thank you for the inspiration and congratulations on your race.?
I apologize for all the typos. It was 11:47p.m. my time, I was emotional and in the bed. #CEMO
Oh Consuela, thank you so much for your beautiful words. You put a smile on my heart this morning.
Great suit and congrats on the walk.
Thank you so much Linda!
*5+ hours in honor of Cemo is a tremendous honor!
Yes, it is! I love her so much.
Anita you looked amazing! I love all three pieces! You and your loved ones really did Cemo proud! Wow 5+ hours in hour on Cemo is a tremendous honor! It definitely shows how well loved he is! Hats off to you all!
Thank you Su! Yes, he is loved so much, by so many.
Anita, you look awesome and the outfit as well looks great on you. congrats on all you have accomplished you are a wonderful inspiration? I know your Cemo is looking down on you with great pride. God Bless!! Btw can you make a tutorial on the jumpsuit.
Thank you so much, Carmen. I’m thinking about the tutorial but no promises. God bless you to sister.
Absolutely gorgeous pictures and outfits. Congratulations on your 5K run. I am sure your darling Cemo is looking down and being very proud of you. You are a GREAT Seamstress. ????
Thank you, Dinny!
Congratulations! Next year you will be running! Cecil would be proud.
I’ve tried some athletic wear – I might have to try these patterns. You look so great – and so happy!
You are truly an inspiration. Congratulations on finishing the 5K.
Thank you so much, Renee!
Thank you Cynthia! Yeah, give these a try.
I love your track suit and tank top. Your colour choices are beautiful and the fit is perfect. I have to have these patterns! You’ve inspired me to make up these patterns for myself.
Yes, Dawn! Get them! You’ll love them.
This track suit is FIRE and you look awesome in it!!!! I am in love with that angled zip!!!! I am a beginner sewer but it am going to try this at some point. LOVVVE it!
Thank you so much Monica!
Anita, you are amazing and job well done on all accounts.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Thank you Rena!
First let me say congrats on your 5k!! ????????? And love the outfit!! Then……Ohhhh. Emmm. Geee! This is ME today!! When I opened your email I was literally in the store looking for an outfit to wear to a fitness event on Saturday!!! I go through the same thing! Waiting till last minute and then in the store saying, I can make this!!!??? Then I saw email and said I have that pattern!!! Before I even read the whole blog, I looked down at my sneakers and light bulb came on reminding me that I already have some fabric at home to match them!! Smh. Lol. Sometimes, though, it does take me going to the store and looking around to remember that I have every piece of fabric in the world to make whatever it is I am looking for. Lol. This was so inspiring and right on time for me!! I’m going home right now to make my outfit by Saturday!! Lol.
Yeeeeessss, Kimberly! YES!!! I’m laughing so hard, reading your comment. Isn’t it so funny that we’re like that. Just can’t do it!!! Hahahahaaa!!! Have fun making your outfit sew sister.
Congratulations on your first 5K. I’m glad that you were able to walk in memory of your husband and had a great support to be there with you. I absolutely love the outfit. Your skills are amazing. My mother has been asking for new workout gear and I wish I had the skills to create something for her.
Thank you TK! Just keep sewing as much as you can, and you too will be able to sew whatever you want one day.
Anita, girl you did it!! You look absolutely wonderful!! Who would know that did not come off some high priced rack somewhere?!! I may try this one!
I’m so happy to hear you have approached and concurred this milestone in your journey! I ‘m so proud of you because I know it had to be tough to do. I know the physical part; the walk, was the easiest part of this event.
Keep smiling, beautiful!! You are an inspiration too many!! God’s blessings always!!
Yes, Yvette, it’s so true. The walking was really easy. The emotional part though. OooWeee!!! God bless you too.
That is a beautiful workout outfit! The detail is Amazing! The colors are on point! And you look Amazing wearing it! Beautiful just beautiful!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Awww, thank you Patricia
Dear Anita, I read your post, feeling your pain and triumph. I too have learned the lesson – we don’t know how brave we are until it is the only choice we have. Congrats on your run, showing up, and so glad you have the skill to enjoy sewing and sharing your beautiful outfits.
Thank you so much!
Your awesome..tutorial please???
Thank you! I’m thinking about it, but no promises.
Woohoo!!! First, congratulations on your first 5K and second, looking fabulous while doing it….you go gurrlll…..so proud of you. Love, Lynette
Thank you Lynette!
Thank you for keeping it real Anita. I LOVE how you radiate Christ. May GOD favour you always.
Ooohhh, YES!!! Thank you my sister!
Congrats on your first 5K many more that I know you will do in honor of you husband, he is smiling on you and loving every minute of it. I love the outfit and that is me I would have matched an outfit to go with my shoes as well.
Thank you, Veleda! Yes, girl! You know how we do it.
CONGRATIONS Anita! CEMO would be PROUD!!
Thank you, Dara! Yes, he would be smiling so hard.
You are awesome, I have not been on your blog for a minute. I want to send condolences for your loss. I love your looks, and they look great on you as well.
Thank you Margaret!
Congrats on your run!! I love seeing fellow runners out there getting it done! The track suit is AMAZING! You look fabulous, as always!
Thank you so much, Rae!
You are wonderful and have helped me out a lot in learning to sew. I am 35 year old army vet and sewing or just being crafty helps with my ptsd. Ur videos are freaking great. Please keep them coming
Oh Katria, my sister, thank you. My heart is with you this day and I’m so glad you have something to help you with the ptsd. Sewing helps me so much through this grief process.