Run #35: My first 5K!

I didn't go to the 5K I'd planned to run. We are having a birthday party for my daughter at 11, and even though it's a small party, I just had too much to do. (The 5K was a 40 minute drive from my house.) Instead I used Daily Mile's mapping software to map out my own 5K. In fact, it was a little further. A 5K is 3.1 miles, but I got mixed up and mapped 3.2 miles instead.

I ran it, the whole way! I did it in 34 minutes 28 seconds, which is 10:46 per mile. That's my second-best all-time pace. I'm pretty happy with it; I'd like to get down to 10:30 soon, but just getting past the fear of a 5K was a huge step--next time I'll know I can do it and maybe I'll be faster.

I'm really proud of myself!

Run #34

So, I went to a "boot camp" workout Monday. I plan to go every Monday if I can work it out with my schedule--it's ladies-only, and it's free, including free childcare.

What's not to love?

My thighs answered that question Tuesday. I had no idea how many times a day I have to get down on the floor with my kids--and back up again--until my burning, post-workout quads counted for me. Not to mention the stairs.

I'm so glad I ran today, though. I was not running for speed today. My legs were still sore (though thankfully less than yesterday.) My goal was just to keep going, so that I could loosen up those muscles. My pace was over a minute per mile slower than it had been on Monday, but that's okay. It was a nice, fairly easy run, and my legs felt a whole lot better after the run than before it.

I think I'd better do some squats and lunges before next week's class though. The pain is worth the gain, but I'd prefer to feel a little better next Tuesday!

Next run...my first 5K on Saturday!

Run #33

I can't believe it--I improved my pace by 26 seconds/mile, down to 10:34 a mile! My next "little goal" has been 10:30 ("big goal" 10:00); can't believe how close I got today!

The reason it's so surprising is this--I did NOT want to run today. I didn't enjoy my run. I considered quitting in the middle.

I'm glad I got out of bed and kept putting one foot in front of the other!

Run #32

I hit my goal of 11 minutes a mile today--exactly! 2.78 miles in 35:38.

Dealt with some side cramps and some rough ground that was tough to run on. So pleased with my pace even with those challenges! Yeah!

Week 9 Day 3: Couch to 5K completed!!

I DID IT! I completed the Couch-to-5K program!! My pace is staying steady a little above 11 minutes; today it was 11:06 per mile (2.69 miles.) I really want to get it down to 11, then down to 10, but I know I'm putting in the effort--I'll get there eventually. (Hopefully "eventually"="soon.") I haven't actually run 5K (3.2 miles) yet, but I think I could if I wanted to. (And soon I will--see below.)

I'm proud that I ran in really cold weather today. Not sure what it was when I ran an hour and a half ago, but now it's 32 degrees (22 degrees with windchill.)

I am planning to run two 5Ks in this first quarter of 2010. The first is just a little over a week away. It's a very low-key 5K in a nearby suburb. It's only $1 to enter! They do them monthly, so if I like it, I may make it a regular thing. In March I plan to do a 5K nearer my house; it also includes a Fun Run that I'll probably enter Chickie (my 4-year-old) in.

I did it!! I'm a runner!

Week 9 Day 3 (attempt 1)

This morning was supposed to be the last official day of my Couch-to-5K program. I was supposed to do a 30-minute run (not 5K yet for me, but I'm getting there.) After 21 minutes, I suddenly caught my foot on my dog (who runs with me, his leash tied to my waist), and I went down. My hands and knees hit first, then my hip, and lastly my head.

I don't think I have any real injuries, but we'll see how I feel tomorrow. I expect I'll be somewhat sore. I certainly didn't feel (physically or emotionally) like continuing to run, so I walked straight home.

I've been working so hard on this program, and to be stopped with a fall, 2/3 of the way through my last run, is so disheartening! I know I can finish it on my next running day (Thursday), but for now I'm having just a bit of a pity party. (And pity parties don't burn nearly as many calories as running does.)

Week 9 Day 2

My goal for today was to run at a pace of 11 minutes a mile. I got close to that (2.69 miles, 11:07 per mile), and, most importantly, it was a great workout. I was rested and energetic, and I made a point to push myself.

I did wonder, several minutes in, if I was pushing too hard, but I was surprised as I kept running that, though I was breathing heavier, I started feeling really good.

I'd love to get down to that 11 minutes a mile pace on Monday. But my primary goal is just to complete the run Monday, because that will mean I completed the Couch-to-5K training program! I'm close, and I feel so great about that.

Now I need a Garmin watch, so I can track my pace while I'm running. Too bad Santa doesn't come back for about 51 more weeks....