Run with Becca Pizzi at the AAPI 5K Run 'n' Walk

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AAPI 5K Run 'n' Walk 

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My running journey started in 2008, when I first ran the Genesis Battlegreen Run. My son Russell was a cross country runner at Clarke Middle School, and I was so excited to be able to run the race with him – it was great motivation! He finished over 40 seconds ahead of me, of course. Five years later I had the joy of running the Genesis again with my youngest son Andrew – I was in a little better shape and we finished together. Those early 5Ks with my kids  got me started: I started to run two or three 5Ks in Lexington each year, and in 2011 ran my first half marathon, my first marathon in 2012. Big things often start with small steps!”

My family joined Belmont Chinese American Association(BCAA) to participate in the 5K Run 'n’ Walk on the first day of May.  It was the first time for my 9 year old and 13 year old to run a 5K race. It was a memorable experience for all of us, especially for my two kids.

As novice runners, both kids were sprinting like a 100m dash at the beginning of the race. I had to remind them many times to slow down their pace. Both of them started getting tired after the first mile, which is normal for kids without training. They slowed down and even walked for a little.  They thought of giving up. However, when they saw other kids passing through, they were encouraged, felt recharged, and started running again. 

With the encouragement and cheering from spectators, they kept running and finally crossed the finish line. At that moment, they were beaming and feeling so proud of themselves. Not only did they successfully complete the 5K run for the first time in their life, but also truly learned the meaning of “be brave, never give up and keep going”.

My running journey started three years ago, after a college friend of mine finished her first Marathon. Her determination and hard work inspired me so much that I found myself standing at the center field track the next morning. 

I ran one lap that day, it wasn’t as bad as I had expected. So I continued the next day and tried two laps. Soon, I joined a WeChat exercise group, the camaraderie and encouragement was very helpful for me. After a few weeks, I was able to run seven laps at the track each day. I ventured out to all the ponds in our area, Fresh Pond, Horn Pond, Jamaica Pond, Walden Pond, you name it. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the solitude while running around the pond trails. It was energizing and therapeutic at the same time. I signed up to run my first 5k race (the AAPI 5K) this Memorial Day. I am grateful for what I have gained from running, and I look forward to many wonderful experiences. Have a great summer, friends and neighbors!

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AAPI 5K Volunteers

AAPI 5 K Run 'n' Walk

AAPI 5 K Run 'n' Walk

Producer: Jessie Chen

AAPI 5K Committee