Way back in May of this year, I took a big step for me and started training for the Richmond Marathon. I signed up for the Sports Backers Training Team program. First of all, I realized just how awesome Sport Backers of Richmond is, see for yourself. The training program was intense. We were assigned to a team with encouraging helpful coaches (who are volunteers), I made tons of new friends, I got into great shape, it was so fabulous. It was great having this goal that I was planning on working toward for 7 months, and working hard. Training for a marathon is truly like having a part time job. Don't do it if you don't have that kind of time, it will just end up being stressful, when it should be exhilarating.
And then, I had a seizure. Man, was that a downer. No worries, it's not that serious, I've had one before a long time ago. It's all under control now. But as a result I had to totally STOP training for over a month until I could clear it with my doctor that it was alright to start running hardcore again. I wish I could explain the angst I felt driving down Grove to and from work EVERY day and seeing people running freely (Grove, by the way, has got to be the most popular street to run on in the entire city of Richmond). The hard work, dedication, and love I had developed for running and training for a marathon had been cut short suddenly. I seriously went through some sort of withdrawal. So I got clearance to run again, but my Dr. discouraged me from training for something as taxing on the body as 26.2 miles until it was clear that my meds would be sufficient in prohibiting any more seizures. By that point, even if I had begun training again, attempting to catch up would have more likely ended in an injury.
Looking back, I can see how having to quit training could've been beneficial. Let's be honest, I don't have the time to train for a marathon at this point in my life. What was I thinking, adding one more huge thing? Knowing that everything happens for a reason, and that God's plans for me will only be for my benefit, helps to alleviate my sadness when I think about not attempting the marathon on November 11th. And I can see how training was becoming too high of a priority in my life, creeping dangerously close to the priorities that should never be surpassed.
Anyway, you're probably wondering what all of this has to do with Rainbow Donuts. Last Saturday we were planning on getting some renovation work done on our house and a bunch of our friends were out back roasting a pig, (see here for hilarious video from said pig roast) so I decided to take my friend Blare's advice and try out Rainbow Donuts. On my way there, I passed the Diamond and Sports Backers stadium. The parking lot of these locations is where the Long Training Run for the marathon training teammembers begins. During marathon training you have one long run a week. We (about 500 people) would all meet and run the same route together. Have you ever seen mad amounts of people running around Richmond early on a Sat. or Sun. morning between May and November? They are those crazy marathon trainees. I drove by a bunch of runners digging in to finish up a long run.
And I was buying donuts.
I have to say it was pretty depressing. But only until I realized JUST HOW AMAZING RAINBOW DONUTS IS! I bought a dozen assorted donuts and a large coffee for less than 6 bucks! Not only regular round cake donuts, but bear claws and apple fritters and big cinnamon roll things, and a boston creme pie something, and, the most amazing donut of all...THE BLUEBERRY CAKE DONUT. This is definitely the most delicious pastry ever (the lemon blossom does run a close second, thanks to Paula Dean). Krispy Kreme who? If I'm buying, I will never sell-out to the HOT NOW sign again. I'm hooked.
Since your mouth is watering and you're dying to go, read carefully, it's easy to miss. It is located at Broad and Boulevard. You know where the CVS is? You know where the McDonald's is? Well, it's in between those. Yes, you've probably never seen it, it is truly a hole in the wall. It's connected to the same building as CVS. They're open until eleven or ten every evening, you have time! Go now!
Some awesome people at our church have put together a work day at our house on Saturday (we have amazing friends), and I will be making a trip to Rainbow Donuts early in the morning to have some tasty treats for all the hard workers. I'll probably drive by some marathon trainees running a long run route one last time before the marathon next weekend. And I'll think, "Hah! Sucks to be you because Rainbow Donuts are better than running!"
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