How I did it: Last year I was very very new to running and I ran the Livestrong 5k.  This year, instead of sticking with the comfy 5k distance, I decided to stretch and reach for the 10k distance.  I increased my distance bit by bit, being careful not to reaggravate my injured knee.  I found a lot of great trails and routes to build my confidence, and learned a lot from running with my sister.  She showed me that I really could make it over hills at a decent pace!
Finally, race day was great.  We had beautiful weather, much less humid than the previous weeks.  The course was gently rolling past farms and through housing developments.  It was the best I've felt on a run all summer, and my husband/running partner kept me going when the last two miles started to drag. 
My proudest moment:  finishing my last mile under ten minutes!  yeah for negative splits. 

Lessons & tips:

• set a goal for either distance or pace
• find a training plan
• find some varied courses and routes
• make the time!  The feeling you get is totally worth it. 

Resources:

• runnersworld.com smart coach for training plans
• livestrong.org for events
• bryn mawr running co for shoes
• and dailymile.com for support!

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Aug 24, 2010, 05:42AM PDT | 4 comments | 5 cheers