run a 5k

I am really not sure if I am going to run a 5K or a half marathon. Or what I want to train for. I’m “fit” enough to run a race. But, running is so vastly different than anything that I do, I know I need to follow a training schedule to keep myself from getting injured. I had a stress fracture a year ago and it took me several months to recover from that. And now have some recurring ankle pain. So, I need to start running the right way and not jump right into it. I have my sights on a half marathon in the Outer Banks in November…

It’s actually 5 miles. DH runs it every year. I am thinking about doing it with him. I certainly would not be doing it to win…but it might be kind of fun. The only thing is the weather is so frickin’ unpredictable. I remember a year he ran it and was so cold I left as soon as he crossed the finish line. He stayed and drank beer.

Man, I am so much slower outside. I really have to get more mileage on the road. But, I do what I can.

Ran 4 miles…41:48 – that’s about a 10:30 mile. Not bad, but I still want to get under a 10 minute mile…outside.

I ran 3.1 miles today in 29:55. The race is in October and if I just stay at the fitness level I am at now I know I will finish in under 30 minutes. Unbelievable. A year ago that seemed so far off and at times unacheivable. I was proud of myself for running a 12 minute miles for a solid 3 miles. Now, here I am running under a 10 minute mile. Who’d have thought?

I don’t know what kind of difference it’s makes to be outside vs. on the treadmill. I know there are hill factors and even heat factors. But, still, I do hill programs on the treadmill and I try to work out hard, so when I am outside I can hopefully maintain a similar pace.

So, today, treadmill time for a 5K…30:06. Heart rate stayed between 150 and 155. I’m getting there!

Well, I recruited DH to run with on Sunday morning since we were at his parents and they could keep the boys while we went together. He is much faster than I am, so it’s good for me.

We ran 4 miles. Well, I did have to walk for a bit. My heart rate was getting in the 160’s and I was feeling a tad bit nauseous. It was freakin’ hot!

Still, we did it in 42:34. So, while I was actually running, it was at a respectable pace. I’ll be ready for this 5K for sure!

I ran on the treadmill yesterday. It’s just getting to darn hot too early to run outside. And the only time I can run outside is on the weekends when DH is home. So, the treadmill will have to do for most of my running.

I ran 3.1 miles in 32:23. I did do the hill program and am slowly increasing the level so I get a decent workout. The heart rate monitor has helped a lot. It has made me pick up the pace. Here I was running at an 11 minute mile and my heart rate was only at 77%. So, I knew I could go a bit faster than that!

Since running on the treadmill for the last year I have wanted to find a 5K and a running partner. I have done both. YAY!

The 5K will be in October and I have recruited 2 women from the gym to join me. On Sunday I ran 3 miles in 32 minutes (outside). I would love to finish this race in 30 minutes or under. So, I guess I will do some speed work as much as I can.