A Setback...

Tomorrow was the big day; the culmination of 3 months of training – my first half marathon.  It is what has occupied so many of my thoughts, so much of my time and energy for 12 long weeks.  I have put so much of my life on hold while I trained for this race.  Let alone the time it has taken away from my hubby, and through it all he has been nothing but supportive.  So many of my long runs took me away from home for half the day, only to come home tired, barely walking or able to do anything for the rest of the day…and there he was waiting for me with my couch woobie, ice, and dvr’d marathons of Fixer Upper and Alaska: The Last Frontier. 

But apparently, this particular half was not meant to be.  After all those hours, I am sad to say that I am not going to be able to run tomorrow and I am devastated.  After my last long run of 9 miles, I badly injured my knee so I have been resting it for my race.  But this week, I decided to see how it was doing and I started to jog even though it’s still been hurting me…I thought I gave it enough time; I thought I could run through it.  The truth is that I couldn’t even run a block without it blowing up like a balloon and I am back at square one, barely able to walk…no race for me.  I cannot describe the disappointment I was feeling when I realized that there was just no way I could physically run the race.  I got home and there was Jeff…waiting for me to see how I felt and I just looked at him and cried…and cried…and cried.

I’ve had a few days to process these feelings and have heard from my running and workout buddies to make me feel better.  For some reason I just got it in my head that this was my one and only shot at this…which is crazy.  I don’t even know what I was thinking.  So even though I am not able to run this particular race, I’ve got my sights set on another one in the near future when this body can physically handle it.  It’s a setback but it’s going to lead to my comeback…I just know it.  In the meantime, I’m going to celebrate those long hours of training I DID accomplish – I ran a LOT of miles!  AND, I’m going to be at that finish line tomorrow, waiting for my team to come across it and they’ll have the loudest cheerleader waiting for them.  I know that I will cry some more…I’m a sucker for a runner coming across a finish line.  I am so proud of all they have done to get ready for this race – so many of them injured along the way, too.  But we’re a tough group, so we’ll keep going.  We are runners…it is what we do.

Things I Think About When I'm Running

Hello!

This weekend I have my next race which is my second full 5K.  I say "full" because since my very first race, I have only done obstacle races.  I have not stopped running since I started and I typically run farther than 3.1 miles when I just get in a run, so I think I'm going to be fine, but it's still a little unnerving.

I've been making sure to train and while I was out this week, I was laughing at myself when I was out for a quick run because of all of the random thoughts that popped into my head.  I decided I would write a post about the things I think about when I'm running.

I don't know about you but even though my playlist is on in the background, my own thoughts take center stage for the duration...and the randomness of them is pretty crazy.

Maybe some of you feel me?  I'd love to know some of the things you think about when you're running so please leave me a comment!

And with that:

Things I Think About When I'm Running

Before I leave the house:
What’s the temp?
Did I drink enough water?
Should I pee one more time before I go?
Oh, don’t forget my chapstick…
Blow my nose one more time.
I should bring extra tissue.
Start my Runkeeper…I hope the damn GPS is working and not all woggy today.
What should I listen to today?
Are these the right earbuds?
Is this a shirt I can run my earbuds through so they aren’t getting tangled in my arm swings?
Sunglasses, no sunglasses?

While I’m running:
Should I have worn my headband to cover my ears?
Are these my cooperating underwear?
Damn my ears are cold…should have worn my headband…note to self:  when in doubt wear your headband.
I should have added songs to my playlist.
Ugh, not feeling this today…
I've only gone .5 mile!?
Why are there so many hills?
Should I run faster going down this hill or use it as recovery.
Yesss...downhill…
Mile 2...ughhhh seriously why do I do this??
What am I going to eat when I’m done?
Mmmm…bagels.
I cannot wait to get home, shower and sit my ass on the couch.
Do I have to poop?
Omg, what would I do if I DID have to poop??
An 11:42 minute pace…times 6…plus .2 … I should be done in like 3 ½ hours…oh, wait.
Will I ever see a 10:00 minute mile?
Man, I suck at Math.
I should be squeezing my butt cheeks…work my glutes…
Is my Runkeeper still working?
Um Hi…hello??  Can't you see I’m running here, CAR??!  Asshole.
"I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me ROAR…uh uh uh uh ohhhh…"
Yah, I’m my own hero.
Oh shit, did that lady just hear me singing?
I have so much to do this week.
Oh, I smell bacon!!  Someone’s making bacon….mmmmm…bacon.
How did this slow ass tempo song get in my playlist?
Note to self:  update playlist.
OMG, only halfway there!?
Oh!  Here comes another runner!!  Hiiii!!!
I am burning a ton of calories today!
I wonder whatever happened to Nelly?  "It’s gettin’ hawt in herrr…"
Damn, I’m so hootttt…thank goodness I didn’t wear that headband.
Maybe I should sprint a little?
Do I turn left and go up that big hill?
Ugh I think I have to pee again.
I need to make friends with people on my training route so I can use their bathroom.
Nah, that'd just mess up my time.
But maybe they'd offer me water.
Why do I do this to myself?
Go left, do the big hill...
Can people hear me breathing hard from their porch?
Why is my pinkie toe numb?
Aww, Kelly Clarkson, you’re right…what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…la la la
Mile 4?  Woohoo…I could do this all day, son!
Almost there…one mile left...it'll be cake!
Mmmm…cake.
You’ve got this…just keep running until the Runkeeper lady comes back…
She'll be back...
Omg!!  Where is the Runkeeper lady!?
Bitch, I know it’s been a mile!????
You've got this...Just remember what you're running for:  Bagels, bacon, cake…oh yah and cuz you're fucking awesome.
....annnnnddddd....DONE!

After my run:
DAMN, I ROCK.
Hell yah, I’m a runner!
Best. Feeling. EVER.
Sweaty Selfie!
Instagram…Facebook.
I could TOTES run a marathon…

Workout Wednesday

 

Hey Heyyy!  It's time for Workout Wednesday with Skinny Meg!

 

The past week seems like such a blur and I know exactly what I can attribute it to:  morning workouts.  Now, if you don't know me, let me tell you a little bit about myself...I'm not a set-my-alarm-and-workout kind of girl.  I love my workouts but I will do them in the afternoon and that's been fine for 20 months into my journey...thankyouverymuch.

 

But something clicked last week; I woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to lace up and run.  And I fell in love.  After my workout, I just felt amazing.  I began to think about the potential possibilities of the things I could do after work since I had already gotten my run in...This morning workout shizz?  I'm digging it.  I know, I know, I'm SOOO late to the party, but better late than never, right?

 

So, back to my blurry week...

 

Friday

I ran 2.7 miles (38:50)

 

Saturday

I finally made it back to Zumba after 2 months!!  It's my first love and is probably responsible for 1/2 of my weight loss - I've missed it but I've been trying to get in as many runs as I can so it felt great to be back!  I followed it up with a sesh on the treadmill for 2 miles of sprints/jogging intervals.

 

Monday - (this one was earlllllllyyyy...4:50am!!  Um, in case you were wondering, even in the Summertime, 4:50am is dark!) 

I ran 3.51 miles (51:18)...and sweat my mother-lovin arse off!!  It was 72° and HUMID...look, proof:

 

 

Pretty sweat bib...

 

...and THEN, I went to the gym after work for a MoveStrong session.  This week we worked on a lot of arms and core.  This is also when I hurt myself getting off the parallel bars...hubby said, "Everyone knows the routine's not over until you nail the dismount."  Yah, all my dismount consisted of was a buckled elbow, subsequent jamming of my shoulder and thumb, and finally, a punch to my own head.  #graceful

 

 

My whiny Instagram Selfie...

 

Tuesday - A few of my friends and I hired a certified Crossfit trainer to work us and get ready for our Blood & Guts run in the Fall.  PS:  This would not have been my first choice for an obstacle run...I'm more of a Flowers & Butterflies kind of girl.  Anywhooo, I couldn't wait to get started and I was even more excited after I met her.  She's wonderful!  She was knowledgeable and made sure we were always using proper form and most importantly, she was positively encouraging...no Jillian Micheals here, you get me?  Flowers & Butterflies...flowers & butterflies.  Our work out consisted of a 7/10 mile run, then back to do 40 overhead weighted walking lunges, 20 bear crawls (hated to love these), 20 jump squats, then 10 push ups...and in between each we ran 200m...then we did it all over again and ended with another 7/10 mile run and stretching.  I cannot wait to go back next week!

 

Wednesday (Today!) - I ran 3.02 miles (43:48).  This morning was PAINFUL...it might not have been if I had gone to bed at a decent time.  But I didn't...I went to bed at midnight and woke up and 3:30am in pain from my jammed thumb and shoulder and couldn't get back to sleep until 4:30.  I literally rolled out of bed at 5:30 and threw my clothes on and did it.  It was absolutely the last thing I wanted to do this morning so that's why I did it.  Although I feel exhausted...I am so super proud of myself for not ignoring the alarm and getting my ass out the door.  I'm winning, y'all.

 

 

Hilly + 4 hours of sleep but I was out there!

Don't forget to check out this week's recipe at A Healthy Makeover!  If you're looking for a dish to bring to tomorrow's 4th of July BBQ, this is the one!!  Corn & Black Bean Salad - Always a hit!!  Happy and safe 4th to you!!

 

 

 

Workout Wednesday - June 12, 2013

Hello there!  It's time for Workout Wednesday with my girl Skinny Meg!  I love this linkup because I get so many great workout ideas to try!

This week, I've been really good about keeping track for you and even taking lovely sweaty pics to share - lucky, lucky you!

Wednesday - We headed to a great local park that has an actual rock/paved track and this cool station where you can do other exercises like situps and pullups and such.  We hit the trail a couple times around and then headed back to kick some trees....yes, you read me right.  What follows is the conversation I had with my Hubs (who won't even let us have a real Christmas tree because he can't stomach the thought of 'killing a tree'...) when he called me during..."You're kicking trees!????"  "Hell yah, you gotta problem with that??"  "Um, hayuhhhh...that's a crime against nature!!!"  Okay, so we didn't actually kick any trees...but we did tap some sweet tree ass.

This is a really great workout for your backside, flanky area, legs and abs.  Basically what you do is balance on one foot (like you would for a side kick in combat or kickboxing) and with the other, tap the tree (or solid object) continuously for one minute.  Then switch sides...and, daaaannng...you're gonna be sore.  I love this!

Thursday - I decided to try Fitness Blender - everyone's been talking about it and it was super rainy and yucky outside so I headed home to try it out.  I have to say, this might be one of my favorite new workouts.  It's free and they have great videos where you can choose a body part to focus on or just do a full body workout.  I ended up trying three of them (cardio, abs, butt) for a great 50+ minute workout.  And let me tell you, I was sweat balls after only 10 minutes.

 

Love my AppleTV!



Mmmm...pretttyy...



Reeeeeeeeeeeaccccccccccchhhhhhhh!

Saturday - This is the workout I'm MOST excited about - I ran 5 miles!  I cannot express to you how much this run meant to me.  After not being able to run my entire 5k, I was kind of defeated so I set out on Saturday just to redeem myself. I didn't have a plan to run a specific amount of miles, I just wanted to get out there.  What I really wanted to do was prove to myself that my 5k performance was a fluke.  I had run the same distance before many times but that dang 5k was haunting me!  So out I set to just do what I could.  The weather was perfect:  overcast and cool and I just went for it.  I was feeling really great and decided that I would try to push myself a little - when I got to 3.1, I decided 4 would be great...then when I got to 4, I was like why not just go for 5??  So I did!  I was so pumped, you have no idea - when I hit 5 miles, I just stopped...I could have kept going, but I didn't need to...I laughed though because I honestly squealed my excitement in the street.  I don't even give a rat's ass if anyone saw me.

I am seriously loving this running thing.  Even though on Saturday night, I was pretty sore - I'm old!  But, it was so worth it.

Yah, Baby!

Monday - I was ready for some weights and it was Hubs and my anniversary so I didn't want to be at the gym for a long time.  I did 150 weighted bar squats, 75 Russian Twists, 100 Jumping Jacks and front jacks, 100 crunches, side crunches, two :30 planks, handweight fly's, and lunges with handweights.  I was getting ready to leave when Hubs called me to tell me to stay put because there was a Tornado Warning in effect.  Now, even though I love Hubs with all my heart and was excited to get home to see him, I never mind being at the gym, so I jumped onto the Stairmaster to sweat some more and wait the storm out.

Excuse the fuzzy - hard to take a pic while you're climbing moving stairs...but check out my lovely sweat pool...heh heh...why does it feel awesome when it's your own sweat but gag-worthy if you came across someone else's sweaty nastiness?

Tuesday - More Fitness Blender!  This time I enlisted my running buddy and sweat our asses off for 38 minutes and I burned 338 calories in that short amount of time!

I need to remember that not all workouts have to be a certain amount of time - you can still get a really great workout, if it's the right workout, in a shorter time.

So, that's my week!  I'm headed to the National Harbor in Maryland for our University's Commencement Ceremonies for the next 3 days.  I have my workouts already planned so even though it's going to be super busy, my plan is to get out there and sweat a little before my days begin.

Check out this week's healthy recipe - Monterey Chicken - SOO yum!!








My First 5K

Well, I did it.

9 weeks of training and I actually did it.

I ran my first 5K.

And I'm here to tell you it was the worst and one of the most amazing experiences of my life at the very same time.

The weather leading up to the race last week was STIFLING...it was in the 90s and SO humid, we were completely dreading the run.  The only good thing was that the race started at 8:00am and it wasn't going to get any cooler than that so we sucked it up.

My buddy, Roslyn and I got to Registration early and since it was our first time, it was great to not feel rushed about picking up our packets and goodies.  We had my veteran running friend Missy there to guide us along the way.  She even brought bug spray - so smart, that girl!  We bug sprayed ourselves and drank a little bit of water and warmed up. 

Pre Race Photo Op - We're all still pretty...

My nerves at that point were completely rattled.  The race was put on by the company I work for which meant that I knew a lot of the runners as well as the spectators.  I wasn't expecting that I'd feel so anxious about that, but I definitely was.  

We made sure to hit up the potty room right before the race and as we were walking back, our families and friends got there and it made me so happy to see their faces that I started to cry a little bit.  They even made a great sign for us - that meant so much!

Cutest Cheerleaders EVER - right???!

The race folks called us to the start line and my heart began to beat really, really fast.  I remember looking down and seeing that it was at about 136...then they blew the starting horn and we were off.  I had my music going, and my handy RunKeeper running...I knew I could do this.  I began running and was doing okay, except that my nerves were still completely out of whack...I kept trying to calm myself down but it was not working.  I was excited because my friends were doing so great, I could see them ahead of me and I was so proud!  This was a first for us!  Then, at about the 1/2 mile mark, my new handy dandy arm band holding my iPhone began to hit the start button which triggered the music to stop and start and the Siri beeps to begin...I swear to GAWD it did that the whole rest of the race...

So, I live in a part of the country that is very hilly...and I mean, you can't go 20 yards without there being some sort of hill.  But that's okay because my training is on hills, so I was alright.  However, at about mile 1 my heart rate was so high and I was so hot from said hills that I literally had to stop running and walk a little bit.  My heart rate monitor said my heart rate was at 189.  That is high.  Like way high...my usual high HR is about 178...that's when I know I need to slow my pace down.  Well, there was no slowing this pace down.  So I had to do exactly what I didn't want to do and that I swore I would NOT do:  I had to walk.  I cannot tell you the disappointment that I felt at that moment.  Everything that I had envisioned for this race went out the window.  I was defeated...I realized that I was last...I wanted to cry...and I was M. A. D.  You cannot imagine the thoughts that ran through my head.  I was mean.

When I could, I began running again and as I came around the turn for the first lap, my dear, sweet husband was waiting for me with water and a cool towel.  I just jogged up to him as he ran along side of me and I said, "I'm last...and I had to walk."  He said "Who cares, you are doing great, you keep going."  So I did...I kept going, and I ran for most of the way but by the time I got to the 2nd lap, I still could not get my heart rate down...I was dying...And at that moment, I honest to goodness thought about quitting.  You don't know me, but I am competitive...I am not a quitter...but I wanted to walk to my car and drive away.  I started to cry thinking about how far I still had to go...and then I saw my husband again and he knew exactly what it had taken me to get to this point and he just said it again..."Keep going, Jenn...You got this."  So, I did...I kept going and as I rounded the last bend, my buddy Roslyn (who had finished and was waiting for me), and another co-worker came to finish with me.  I finished at 44:46.

I ran across the finish line and apparently the words that I uttered were:  "I'm never fu$#%ing doing that again."  I say apparently because I truly and honestly do not remember saying that, but about 10 witnesses have confirmed.

Last Runner In :)

Anyway, that's the description of the "worst" part about it.  I've had time to think about things and go over what went wrong and what I did not anticipate was that my nerves would get the best of me.  I'm so upset with myself about that.  I had run almost 4 miles so many times without needing to stop and walk and I never imagined that I wouldn't be able to do it at the race.  That was the most disappointing part about it...

But here's the "amazing" part about it.  I am so stinking proud of myself.  I ran a FREAKING 5K...and no I didn't run the whole thing, but I estimated that I walked for about 5 minutes total...that's nothing!  And afterwards, my friends and I all just spent hours talking about how much it sucked...how hard it was for all of us (even experienced runners!)...how each one of us was feeling at any given moment during the race...what we felt like when we got to certain points in the race...and I loved every single moment of that bonding experience. 

We did it!  And look, I'm smiling....

Anddd...I can't wait to do it again.

Even though it sucked...even though it was hard...I cannot wait to do it again.  Next time, I'm gonna own that bitch.

I'm a runner ya'll.

5K Linkup - May 28, 2013

 

Wow...it's our last official linkup before the big day!!  I can't believe that June 1st will be here so soon!

 

I remember thinking that I had so much time to train and yet, here we are - 5K day is on SATURDAY!  I am so mixed with emotions, going back and forth between being excited and scared s*&%less...for the next few nights, I'm hoping I don't think about it because every time I do, my stomach does flip flops and my heart races a bit.

 

I know that I am ready...I've trained so hard to do this...I just wonder how I'll actually be on Race Day.  Everyone who has done this before says that Race Day is fun and exciting and that I'm stressing for nothing - I am completely banking on that being true!  I also hope that I'm hooked on 5K's after Saturday because I honestly have truly enjoyed becoming a runner.  I love that I get to say that I'm a runner.

 

Laura from Simply Healthy Mama posted this last week about Running Your First Race and it was so helpful!  Thank you, Laura!  Check out her blog if you get the chance, I love it!

 

The time has come to wish all of my 5K Linkup friends all the luck in the world!  I have greatly enjoyed this journey to the big day with you all - you have inspired me and kept me going the entire time and I'm so blessed to have "met" so many supportive people!  We can do this!!

 

I can't wait to report (and read all of your posts!!) about Saturday's race!

 

 

5K Linkup - May 14, 2013

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????????????????????

5K Linkup May 7, 2013

'Allo, Loves!

It's 5K Linkup time!

My running buddy and I got a copy of the map of the race course for our 5K so we took the opportunity to go out and run it.  You'll recall how I'm a planner and I've had some anxiety about the race for lots of reasons but mainly because I had no idea what I was up against.  We had high hopes but were a little disappointed because the map wasn't that clear and we sort of meandered the first go round.  We finally figured out the course and we were able to run the 2nd lap.  I have to admit, even though I have now seen the course, I'm nervous as HAY-AL about the race.  The course is very hilly, which isn't a super huge issue because my neighborhood is all hills so I'm used to running them, but the course is ALL grass.  As in not, even a trail.  On Saturday we went at about the same time the actual race will be and the grass was wet.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am clum-sy...with a capital CLUM.  So I'm looking forward to wet grass, hills, mounds and divots...please dear God, don't let me fall on race day, please don't let me fall...

I felt pretty good running it - even if it was slow to keep from twisting an ankle - but when I got to the end, I was dying...and I don't know why because I'm usually very good about pacing myself and/or slowing down when I need to.  I hope that won't be an issue on race day.

The other training we did was sprints.  And I have to admit, I think I like them better than running long distance.  Makes sense since in high school I ran the 100m.  We found some pretty flat ground (again, hard to do in my area) and we walked, jogged and sprinted for a full 3.5 miles.  This week, we are shooting for 4 miles.  It was great and a really great cardio workout!  Supposedly, it'll help us with speed.  Although, I really don't care about speed for this particular race.  My goal is to be in a running/jogging motion for the whole thing.  That's it, even if I'm just making the motions and moving at 3mph.

How was your training this week??

5K Linkup, April 16, 2013

Hi everyone,

This seems an obviously fitting time to say how sad I am for the folks of Boston and those lives that were lost.  What a terrible, horrible thing to have happened at a such a wonderful event.  The timing, the cowardice of those who are responsible - it just breaks my heart.  My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost and with the people of that great city.

With that, I'm dedicating today's 5K Linkup post to them.  Last night when I ran, I ran for those spectators and the marathon runners and everyone involved. I left my house with tears in my eyes and as I walked and ran, I did it with sadness in my heart but as a tribute to them.  Through strength and coming together good things will rise, I believe that truly.

This past weekend was a big one for me.

I have some huge news to share and I'm just going to get right into it.  I ran my own 5K.  I did it, I did it, I really, really did it!!

I started out with the plan to just try to get to two miles since last week I was able to complete 1.6 miles.  So my buddy and I did our thing and we were running along and then we decided to take a different route through this quarry area near our houses.  Well, it lead us back into a different part of our neighborhood which was kind of cool because we tend to stick to a set area.  And when I looked at my Runkeeper, I realized that all of a sudden, we had hit 2 miles - of course, I was very excited about that and we even high-fived!  Technically, I could have stopped there, right??  But it was on a decline and I thought to myself "Why stop now when I'm running downhill??  That's my favorite kind of running!"  So, we kept running and had a plan to stop at a point that would have brought us to about 2.5 miles.  But that put us at the bottom of a hill so we went the opposite way and by that point we had to go back through that quarry.  I just kept saying to myself, "Um, you planned to TRY to get to 2 miles and look at you, you're almost at 3 miles now - DON'T stop!  You could freaking ass do this, Jenn!!"  So, I did it...we got back to my house and I had run 3.35 miles in 49:35.

It was pretty awesome.

A cool part about it was that I didn't even feel like I NEEDED to stop while we were out!  I even ran a little faster than I have been averaging - I guess I was just so excited??

But the greatest part???  When I was much heavier - and back then my thinking about running was that it was the stupidest thing EVER - I used to have these very vivid dreams of just running.  Not running FROM anything or TO anywhere, just running and loving it.  Very Forrest Gump-y, right? That's the feeling that I felt on Saturday...an honest-to-goodness dream come true...I was runn-ing.

And it was amazing.  Today, I'm proud to say, "I'm a runner."

5K Linkup April 9, 2013

It's 5K Challenge time!

I was worried about this post this week...the reason being is that it's been quite a struggle for me to improve the past few times out and I was getting discouraged.  And I mean, pissed off-crying-discouraged.  I am in Week 5 of the C25K, and it was kicking my ass.  I could not do it and it made me angry.

I had no idea what kind of a competitor I am and it's not that I want to beat anyone else...I want to beat ME.  I have found this inner beast within myself since I began my journey and I can't believe how strong she is.  Mentally and physically I am not the same person that I was when I began 17 months ago.

Then came this challenge...if you ever want to know what you're capable of, begin running.  Is that weird to say??  Honest to goodness, in my case, it is true.  In the past, if anyone asked me if I wanted to run, I would recoil violently and squish up my face in disgust and say, "NO!!  Why in the HELL would I EVER want to do that??  Have you ever actually looked at a runner??  No runner EVER looks like they are having fun!!"  And following those statements, I would go on a rant about how bad I'VE HEARD running could be for your body - your joints get all jacked up and seriously, WHY would anyone want to just RUN?!!

Now?  Well, I'm a runner.  I can officially say this because just last night, I ran a WHOLE mile straight...in fact, I ran 1.1 miles, thankyouverymuch.

But here's the cool thing...I was getting discouraged this last week because I was trying to do too much too fast.  Instead of staying on my C25K path, I decided that I could just do what I wanted to and even though I didn't have any distance under my belt, somehow I thought it would be pretty badass to try to shave off some time.  THIS was a bad idea.  I mean B.A.D.  I couldn't do it.  I was dying after just a little distance.  My heart rate was so high that I couldn't catch my breath and it was awful, I HATED it.  I seriously began doubting if I'd be ready for my June 1st race.

Then, one of my training buddies sent me this great article from RunnersWorld(dot)com and it MAGICALLY changed things!!  Basically, what the article states is that if you are running, you should be running at only 55-65% of your maximum heart rate.  And I wasn't...I was running very damn NEAR my maximum heart rate and that's why it was so hard.  What did all of this mean for me?  I had to slow things down.  If you have been following my 5K Challenge journey, you know that I like to call what I do "wogging" - a combo of walking & jogging because I'm not at all fast.  NOW, I had to go even SLOWER.  But guess what?  It freaking worked.

So for the next few weeks, I'm going to work my training this way.  And THEN I'll see if I can work on shaving some time off - right now, I'm not going to worry about how long it's going to take.  My whole plan all along was just to be able to run the whole thing - I have no idea where I got it up my butt to try to do it fast.  But let me tell you, I have tossed that idea right out the window.

BTW - that mile felt amazing - my first runner's high - yayyyyy!

I love this quote; it's SO me and damn if I'm not proud to shout it to the world: