Monday, October 28, 2013

10K!

I managed to make it through a 10K without walking--yipee!

My 5K pace was a new PR (33 minutes), but apparently I crawled across the finish line for a final time of 1h 13 min.

My left ankle hurt TERBBILY starting at about mile 1 and ending ~24 h later.  Running on streets slanted for drainage may be the cause, but it could also be running a 10K for the first time :).

Next up = half-marathon training!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Stop and smell the roses...and monkey grass...and bushed...and tree...and mailbox?!

Yes, Latte is the worst running partner you can find.  We must stop and smell EVERYTHING.  However, it's taught me a new trick!

If you're out of breath, tired, or thinking you need to stop, just run in place for 10 seconds. It's amazing what a little "break" can do!  I learned because we have to stop and smell something every 100 feet...


Today was a 4.8 mile day! I'm averaging right at a 10 minute mile, which I never thought was possible. I had planned on a 6-mile loop, but I was feeling burnt out around when I stopped and figured there's no need to push so hard I never want to run again.  It's the farthest I've run yet, AND 1.2 miles away from where I want to be before next Saturday--whoot whoot!  Luckily, my 10K is on flat land whereas training is in Atlanta (AKA the alps...).


Friday, October 18, 2013

Long sleeves and long runs

3.58 miles tonight!

6 months ago, the 0.5 mile lap around my block was hard and I couldn't make it; it's hard to believe 3.58 is now a "short run".

I wore a long sleeved running shirt today. I never understood the reasoning--if I'm going to be hot, why long sleeves? BUT, they actually wick sweat from your body and don't feel as hot as you'd think.  I'm still undecided, but long sleeves are now in the running (hah) for the race next week.

Things that have helped me: 
-Definitely being scared of the instructors at bootcamp...one of them behind you kicks you into gear
-Learning to breathe properly.  There's no set technique, but figuring out what works for me and keeps me going has been a huge asset. Oxygen used to seem like my limiting factor, but now that I get into the groove, it's an easy ride :)!
-Eating clean. It's really, really is true that what goes in your body affects your performance.  I started eating clean(er) and it's made a HUGE difference
-HYDRATION.  My speed and endurance are TOTALLY influenced by how much water I drink each day. I can tell a difference when I'm not hydrated enough. I thought hydration was just too much work and overkill, but I surrender to it now!


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

4.4 miles, 47 minutes, and my toes are tingling

Today I had a FANTASTIC run! After reading 100 pages of statistical survival analysis, it was time to bust out the front door!  I changed my route about halfway through and ended up running through the city--how stunning.

 However, as spontaneous and fun as it is just to turn down a road, I got a little nervous when I passed the apartment complex that had a random gang shooting and turned down the street where everyone speeds; I'll plan my spontaneity better next time I suppose ?!?

In other news, Latte has learned what "let's go for a run" means and starts running in excitement circles. When I put on my running shoes, she starts adding a cry and whimper to the circles.  However, when I pull out her harness...she runs and hides behind the couch. One of these is not like the other.

We ran for 47 minutes and 4.4 miles; I'll take it! I'm a little shakey and my toes are tingling. Is that a hydration thing?

Until next time!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Day 2: Did I make it to 5 miles?

Possibly! I realized my pedometer was paused right before I made it home.  What I did accomplish before it was paused combined with what I did once I turned it back on was 4.68 miles in 48.45 minutes. WHOOP WHOOP!

FYI--I've never run that far....in my life.  Ever.


Lessons learned
-I STILL need to drink more water
-the sun sets earlier than I estimate it does every time



Monday, October 7, 2013

Day 1: Mums and Pumpkins

Everytime I remembered my new running resolution today, I dreaded the idea of a run this evening.

I stopped by Kroger to pick up a couple of pumpkins and mums to decorate my porch for the Fall.  I decided I couldn't decorate until I went for a run. I knew I had to get out before 7 for a good 30 minute run before it got dark because I was DYING to decorate.

Incentives always work.

Close to 7 I took off and decided to hit milestones: 45 minutes or 4 miles. I caught myself glancing at my watch and waiting for either of those benchmarks to come.  I looked at the beautiful houses and the sunset and realized that's what I'd rather be glaring at.

So I let myself just run. I made it to the top of hills without realizing I was going up a hill. I ran into my favorite part of town and found streets I'd never seen.

I made it 27 minutes and 2.6 miles before the street lights were on and it was dark; in atlanta, we go inside when that happens.

Lessons learned
 -Enjoy running
-You can't trick your body into being hydrated
-Every other house in my neighborhood thought of decorating with pumpkins and mums, too....
-Get out before 30 minutes prior to sunset

Things that helped:
-Beautiful weather
-Accountability (You reading this!)
 -My workout clothes were clean
-Enjoying the trip

Things that hindered:
 -Latte is the worst running partner in the world
-I surrender--a real sports bra fitting probably is necessary
-Thinking how awful it would be all day instead of remembering how great it is


And now to go decorate :)!

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Today I changed my mind.

I have all of the excuses in the bag not to run.  I have severe stomach pains occasionally (not side-stiches, but worse), the flexibility in my ankles is shot,  I've never been a runner, and maybe Zumba is my thing...

But today I decided to give those up.  I always thought excuses were things we made up, today I realized, instead, sometimes they are things we need to give up.

I've never been a runner. Today, I cheered on friends while they ran the All-state 1/2 marathon in Atlanta and my heart and head changed.  There were people shaped like me, with a similar stride as me, running like I could. We were very similar, but they were pushing through when I wouldn't.

Inspired, I decided I want to run a marathon within the next 2 years.   I completed my first 5k about a month ago and today signed up for my first 10K.  My plan is to run a little more every day coupled with a great fitness program with The American Boot Camp Company in Atlanta. This blog with hold me accountable and let you follow my progress.

I don't think my circumstance is strange. I think there are many out there who have been riding in my boat and need to get and go running.  If I can hobble out and find my way to a race, you better BELIEVE you can.

Let's go!