May 14, 2013

5K Linkup - May 14, 2013

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Well, Hello!!

It's time for our 5K Linkup with Katy and Kim!

Soooo, yesterday I got to thinking....UMmmm...my race is only 3 weeks away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm sorta freaking out a little LOT.

Am I ready??

Oh sweet Mary, I don't know if I am!???  I thought that when I actually completed a few 5Ks on my own I would feel better, but I don't.  I don't AT. ALL.

The weather has been awful here so for the past week I've been having to do other workouts (elliptical, treadmill) and even though I'm keeping my training going, those machines don't prepare you for running outside.

Yesterday we finally had a day that wasn't raining so I was able to run outside.  A few of my training buddies and I left directly from work and headed through the little town we work in to the city park.  It has a great paved track around it and I thought, "This is perfect!"  Well, it was really...BUT, this little track has HILLS...I mean it literally takes you up and down and around continuously.  There are very few recovery stretches.  The track is also slightly tilted because the park really kind of sits inside this little tiny valley sort of thing.  The track runs all along the outside and it tilts downward into the park.  I'm definitely feeling it today...

So, we ran once around it (about 7/10s of a mile), then did some circuit training after the first lap.  Then we headed out and ran the track twice and came back to do more circuit training.  Afterwards, we took the longer way back to the office and I ran the whole way.  All in all, I ran 3.45 miles, but it wasn't continuously since we took the two circuit training breaks.  We decided that next time we really need to work on doing the whole thing from start to finish - the few of us who haven't run a race need to know we can sustain our energy.  That park will be the true test because I'm telling you, it's HARD.  A few of the inclines almost stopped me in my tracks because they are so steep!  At one point my heart rate was upwards of 180 - yikes!

I'm so nervous thinking that the race is only a short time away - I just want to be able to do it!  I want to be able to run the whole thing.

Question:  When you run with a buddy, do you stay together or do you go at your own pace?  I've figured out that I need to get into my zone and don't do well with distractions...in other words, I do better when I'm running alone.  Not that I don't mind running with someone, but I concentrate on my breathing more when I'm focused and I can pace myself really well.  I wonder how things will be at the race...OMG, the race!!!  Did I mention it's just THREE. WEEKS. AWAY????????????????????


3 comments:

  1. Good Morning Friend!!

    Thanks for sharing this post today. I am also about 3 weeks away from my 5k and am scared to death that I wont reach the goals I set for myself. Not that it would be a bad thing if I stopped running, and had to walk for a few seconds, but I don't want to do that! I also think I set a reasonable pace for myself... under 29 minutes (I hope!!)

    I run with R about 4 times per week. We run the same pace together, but I know she could run faster than I could. She says she likes having me around so she isn't as lonely. I like having her around because I have someone holding me accountable and someone who knows what I've done before and can push me to try and achieve more!

    Thank you for continually being an encouragement to me and continuing to read about my journey! You are such a faithful reader and I soo appreciate all of your advice over emails and through reading your blog!

    Madalyn

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  2. I've never run a 5k yet--mine will be in July. But I've heard that if you just get yourself into shape and keep getting your heart rate up as it gets closer, your adrenaline kicks in anyway during the race :) you'll be fine, I'm sure!

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  3. Jenn, you are going to be so surprised when you do that race. I am always nervous, but you'll be excited and ready to go. You will feel the excitement and you'll do great. You are in better shape than you give yourself credit. I know that your race recap will end up being more like...I don't know why I was nervous! Keep up the good work!
    I have one partner that I stay with, mostly because it's also our therapy time. With my sister, she runs ahead and waits for me or runs back to me along the way. I like having company when I'm outside.
    I so appreciate your kind words of encouragement and hope that I can do the same for you. You're the best!
    PS--there are always recovery areas, I call them hills...the up side!

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