Today was another 5K for me. Number 2 actually for this year and I can say that I am SO excited and thrilled and fueled. It was a pretty crappy day...it has been gray, rainy and about 60 degrees outside. I decided that it probably was the best of days to get the girls out for a race so instead I went at this one alone.
It was odd. I felt very alone and almost out of place even though we were all there to run. I did a few stretches and then went for a quick run down the block and back - I noticed it seemed easy and my only thought was, wow...it's usually harder than this to get going. I generally struggle with the start of my runs. I don't know if I'm not stretched out enough or if it just takes me a bit to get into the groove, but today it wasn't like that.
The group heads for the start line and I follow. It's not a downpour, but it is steady rain. It's cool but it doesn't feel that bad...I think my lungs are probably going to burn after I start running, but I'll deal with that when I get to it.
Horn goes off and we are start the run. I round the first corner and start to head uphill...its a slight incline, nothing major, but this is my first 'encouraging pep talk.' (The crazy lady is at it again) Run, Run, Run...I hang in there for the first mile no stop. I hit the 1 mi marker and walk for about 30 sec, run run run mile 2 is a mix of running and walking, mostly running but a few 30 sec walks too. I'm finally heading into mile 3 and its all done but the crying.
At this point I'm soaking wet, my pants are sticking to me, my hat is dripping, my jacket is soaked, my shoes have been thru too many puddles to count and I'm starting to feel the cold. I've traded places with a guy in front of me a few times and it's here he finally starts to slow. I run along side and encourage him on...almost there, you can do it, come on! He's at it again as we fall into step to run the final bit.
We pass the last of the police lights, step up to marker 3 and start to pick up the pace. I don't have nearly the 'umph' left in me after this race that I had at the last one, but I've still got some left to give, so I kick it up a bit. I'm looking down the way, watching the time tick off when i realize we just crossed the 34 min mark. What?! Yep, that's right...I kick up with whatever I have left because by god, I'm going to cross that line before we hit 35min and I succeed.
In the end I crossed the line at 34.45 just 2 min under my last time of 36.59. I'm exhilarated (considering I didn't do much running this week) It may not be the best of times, but for me, it's just a reminder that we continued effort I can get to where I want to be.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Running Oaf
Yesterday was the first day I ventured to an actual track to do some running. My normal runs consist of running thru the neighborhood, up and down the streets and enjoying the change of scenery as I progress closer to my intended goal. However, yesterday I decided to try something different.
Once upon a time I was a runner - one who enjoyed it each and every step of the way. It came easily, it was a natural ability, I was good at it, but yesterday it was a different story. Yesterday, it was hard, staring at those little white lines was sad, each step I took was heavy, I felt clumsy and out of place. I did not enjoy it in the least.
I don't know if it was because I wasn't really in the mood or if it was something about running on the track in the same circle, but it definitely wasn't something I want to repeat anytime soon. What intrigues me most is that once upon a time, I enjoyed this form of running and somewhere along the way I forgot how to. When did it become something so difficult and cumbersome as opposed to something light and natural?
I believe this is a mental block that I need to get past, a mental block that I am work on removing one step at a time!
Once upon a time I was a runner - one who enjoyed it each and every step of the way. It came easily, it was a natural ability, I was good at it, but yesterday it was a different story. Yesterday, it was hard, staring at those little white lines was sad, each step I took was heavy, I felt clumsy and out of place. I did not enjoy it in the least.
I don't know if it was because I wasn't really in the mood or if it was something about running on the track in the same circle, but it definitely wasn't something I want to repeat anytime soon. What intrigues me most is that once upon a time, I enjoyed this form of running and somewhere along the way I forgot how to. When did it become something so difficult and cumbersome as opposed to something light and natural?
I believe this is a mental block that I need to get past, a mental block that I am work on removing one step at a time!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
On the Road again....
Yep it's that song, but it's also what I've been doing. I'm making a conscious effort to run each day, get out and be physical and do what I can to improve on my times (at least on my endurance).
Monday I made it to the pavement and did 1.3 mi, not much but it was something. It was a pretty cold day out and I was suprised on how good it actually felt to be running.
My thoughts for this week were that I would gradually increase my distance. I went out this weekend and maped out a few routes with different distances so hopefully this will help.
Tuesday, I wanted to make it out, but I didn't. Soccer practice for my daughter came up (normally on Friday) so instead I went and kicked/chased the ball with the hub for about 30 min. Not the same as a run but I wasn't completely a bum.
Wednesday, I ran 2 laps today (each is about 1.3 mi around the area) so I did 2.5 mi total. It was slow at first and while my brain didn't need coercing my legs sure did. My sides cramped up and my lungs burned but by the second lap around (I hurt) but it did get a bit easier.
Mentally I am enjoying this more than physically. The air has been chilled when I run and I feel as if I have a smokers cough after I get finished. I'm sure this will get better with time and training, but it sure isn't fun now!
Monday I made it to the pavement and did 1.3 mi, not much but it was something. It was a pretty cold day out and I was suprised on how good it actually felt to be running.
My thoughts for this week were that I would gradually increase my distance. I went out this weekend and maped out a few routes with different distances so hopefully this will help.
Tuesday, I wanted to make it out, but I didn't. Soccer practice for my daughter came up (normally on Friday) so instead I went and kicked/chased the ball with the hub for about 30 min. Not the same as a run but I wasn't completely a bum.
Wednesday, I ran 2 laps today (each is about 1.3 mi around the area) so I did 2.5 mi total. It was slow at first and while my brain didn't need coercing my legs sure did. My sides cramped up and my lungs burned but by the second lap around (I hurt) but it did get a bit easier.
Mentally I am enjoying this more than physically. The air has been chilled when I run and I feel as if I have a smokers cough after I get finished. I'm sure this will get better with time and training, but it sure isn't fun now!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Scheduling another one
Today I took the next step after my hurdle and scheduled my next race. Yippy! I am convinced I am going to succeed at this, it may kill me somewhere along the way, but otherwise I will see the finish line.
Ok, so my next run is going to be the "Education That Works Out" 5K. I am excited (can you tell?) It's still a couple weeks away, but I am trying to schedule my races on sunday -soccer games on Sat and practices are on Fridays-it's enough to make me wonder "why did I sign up for this mess?" (not really)
I've also decided to head to the track for Tuesday workout sessions with a running coach. This little bit is intimidating. It's been, what feels like a lifetime, since I really put effort into running and here I am looking down that path again. My quitting running is a story for another day, but I've learned a few lessons and hopefully they'll keep me on the right path this time.
Ok, so my next run is going to be the "Education That Works Out" 5K. I am excited (can you tell?) It's still a couple weeks away, but I am trying to schedule my races on sunday -soccer games on Sat and practices are on Fridays-it's enough to make me wonder "why did I sign up for this mess?" (not really)
I've also decided to head to the track for Tuesday workout sessions with a running coach. This little bit is intimidating. It's been, what feels like a lifetime, since I really put effort into running and here I am looking down that path again. My quitting running is a story for another day, but I've learned a few lessons and hopefully they'll keep me on the right path this time.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The First Hurdle
The first hurdle in the road to success is beginning the project. I say this because so many times I say (and hear from others) that if I could just find the time to get started or I'll start this tomorrow, which inevitably gets prolonged until...forever. What I am most amazed at is that it is usually the projects I have only a half-hearted interest in that end up in this realm of my life, the other ones, the ones I really want to do, well they get started, just not always finished.
So the first hurdle for me, also the biggest, is acting on my desire to succeed. If I stop putting off until tomorrow what needs to be done today, I will be that much closer to my goal and one step closer to doing what I want to be doing.
This weekend was my 1st hurdle. I have been talking about 5k's for some time now and have been half-heartedly working out when I finally said 2 weeks ago that I was going to suck it up and just go for it. I signed up for the 2nd annual Daffodile Dash with the hopes of completing it under 40min. Yes, I know, that is quite a bit of time but I am factoring my post-baby body and lack of proper nutrition as well as lack of exercise (of any real value). Not to mention that I ran this race last year (with the same hopes in mind) and completed the race in 36min.
Sunday arrives and I get ready, a little nervous, but not bad. Once the race starts I hit play on my iPod and take the first few steps...not too bad, I can do this. about 6 min into the race my lungs start burning. Yep, it's definately gonna hurt today. Step after step, I keep telling myself I am that much closer to the finish line and I'll be better for it. Mile 1 gone, keep running, Mile 2 gone, just keep going, almost done now. I round the corner and head back into the park for the last mile. People are everywhere and I'm tired, but I'm also exhilarated by the idea that I am almost finished, I've almost completed the race. Mile 3 done, nothing left but the line...I can see it from here and somewhere inside I found the energy to run. Run faster than I did any of the other miles. I cross the line 36:59. I'm done.
Lessons Learned --
1) Once you start it's not so bad
2) I need to set better expectations of myself (40 v. 36)
3) Working out does not = good conditioning, working out right does.
4) My daughter ran her first 1mi fun run...excuses does not a good example make, but by taking the first hurdle head on, I know now the rest can't be far behind.
So the first hurdle for me, also the biggest, is acting on my desire to succeed. If I stop putting off until tomorrow what needs to be done today, I will be that much closer to my goal and one step closer to doing what I want to be doing.
This weekend was my 1st hurdle. I have been talking about 5k's for some time now and have been half-heartedly working out when I finally said 2 weeks ago that I was going to suck it up and just go for it. I signed up for the 2nd annual Daffodile Dash with the hopes of completing it under 40min. Yes, I know, that is quite a bit of time but I am factoring my post-baby body and lack of proper nutrition as well as lack of exercise (of any real value). Not to mention that I ran this race last year (with the same hopes in mind) and completed the race in 36min.
Sunday arrives and I get ready, a little nervous, but not bad. Once the race starts I hit play on my iPod and take the first few steps...not too bad, I can do this. about 6 min into the race my lungs start burning. Yep, it's definately gonna hurt today. Step after step, I keep telling myself I am that much closer to the finish line and I'll be better for it. Mile 1 gone, keep running, Mile 2 gone, just keep going, almost done now. I round the corner and head back into the park for the last mile. People are everywhere and I'm tired, but I'm also exhilarated by the idea that I am almost finished, I've almost completed the race. Mile 3 done, nothing left but the line...I can see it from here and somewhere inside I found the energy to run. Run faster than I did any of the other miles. I cross the line 36:59. I'm done.
Lessons Learned --
1) Once you start it's not so bad
2) I need to set better expectations of myself (40 v. 36)
3) Working out does not = good conditioning, working out right does.
4) My daughter ran her first 1mi fun run...excuses does not a good example make, but by taking the first hurdle head on, I know now the rest can't be far behind.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Getting back to it
It's been just under a month since I posted here, yeah I've been slacking and it shows. Yesterday I finally decided to hit the pavement and get some 'outside' running in. This was motivated largely in part to the upcoming 5K (sunday) that I have scheduled for myself.
Is it a little extreme...perhaps. Would I have been motivated without it...perhaps not. I have been in such a rut that I thought my only way out was to schedule a 5K and make me get off my rear. It is working so far, I hit the road yesterday for a 'quick' jog to see how my legs and lungs would hold up in the fresh air. Not too bad, it was rainy and overcast, about 70ish, no problem. My first 4 minutes into the run, I thought my lungs were going to burst, the burn set in and I could do was tell myself it would ease up if I just gave it time. It did and I continued. I walked a bit to let my lungs recover and after about 12min into the run my legs decided they were going to turn to jello and start their burn. Once again...push thru, just push thru. I made it back home, it ended up being about 20-30 min run, not sure how far because I just ran until I was ready to stop, but I am pretty satisified with the time.
I made it home and managed to do a bit of arm weights, leg lifts, abs etc. I didn't die and even though my lungs still have a slight 'twinge' when I breath, I feel good. I actually feel invigorated to know that I am running this weekend. Scared that it will kick my butt - of course, but happy to have the opportunity.
Is it a little extreme...perhaps. Would I have been motivated without it...perhaps not. I have been in such a rut that I thought my only way out was to schedule a 5K and make me get off my rear. It is working so far, I hit the road yesterday for a 'quick' jog to see how my legs and lungs would hold up in the fresh air. Not too bad, it was rainy and overcast, about 70ish, no problem. My first 4 minutes into the run, I thought my lungs were going to burst, the burn set in and I could do was tell myself it would ease up if I just gave it time. It did and I continued. I walked a bit to let my lungs recover and after about 12min into the run my legs decided they were going to turn to jello and start their burn. Once again...push thru, just push thru. I made it back home, it ended up being about 20-30 min run, not sure how far because I just ran until I was ready to stop, but I am pretty satisified with the time.
I made it home and managed to do a bit of arm weights, leg lifts, abs etc. I didn't die and even though my lungs still have a slight 'twinge' when I breath, I feel good. I actually feel invigorated to know that I am running this weekend. Scared that it will kick my butt - of course, but happy to have the opportunity.
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