run a 5k

A local organization in my town holds a 5k every November. The more I think about it, the more I think that this is the one I want to do. I support the organization, I like the course, and it’s nearby. I’ve never liked running much, but I think I could do this. I definitely have time to prepare!

Join Cross-Country. Running a 5k is what we do on an easy day of practice.

I think I ran the fastest two miles I’ve ran to date this morning. I just need to lose some more weight to really crank the wheels. I’m excited to lose weight and feel great.

My first 5k is right around the corner! Yikes!

Now that I’m healthy enough to be physically active, Bill and I have started hitting the track 3 to 4 times a week, weather and asshole tourist population permitting.

I hate running. Let’s start with that detail. Err, let’s start the second paragraph with it. I hate it. It’s terrible and I’ve never been a fan. In fact, I can’t really tell you why I do this, but I do. I have it ten times more when other people are around. I have a childhood-anchored anxiety about running when other people are there to see it (I was a slowpoke in grade school and it’s kind of embarrassing).

I do do it though. I spend a good amount of time researching training techniques and safety tips each week. I’ve looked up a good running shoe and we’ll be off to the shoe store to buy a couple of pairs soon. For now, the crappy vegan sneakers I bought years ago are doing the job.

I’m also doing more than I thought I could at this point. Less than a year ago, I could barely walk. My knees and ankles were swollen and every joint in my body ached. We weren’t expecting much during our first run, but I was surprised I could do a half-mile without stopping. The next run, I did 3/4 mi. A day or two after that, it was a full mile. I upped each run by a lap. Crazy! Crazier: I felt the same way at the end of lap 4 on run-4 as I did at the end of lap 2 on day 1.

We don’t want to push it, though. My condition severely limited my physical abilities over the past year, and I’m not completely out of the woods yet. I don’t want to push my muscles further than my cardiovascular system can take me. I’m taking vitamins and glucosamine and taking the time strech and warm up and cool down properly, and to use run-on sentences whenever possible. I’m also doing a pretty good job at taking the advice a read about keeping a healthy posture, relaxing my shoulders, and breathing from my diaphragm.

We’re not running today because Bill’s sore and my knee hurts, but tomorrow, we may do around five laps (1.25 mi). We’ll see how it goes.

So far so good.

And hooray Tiger Balm!

I generally try to run everyday, two miles. But, I don’t know. Like, I get past a mile and a half and I’m literally dying. Of course I’m going pretty fast as it is, by my calves tighten and put a lot of strain on my feet and achilles. I desperately want to get a good time for the 5k’s that I decide to run, but when my body is exhausted after two miles, I don’t know. It really makes me wonder…

My first 5K!!! I was very proud of that moment. It was definitely a goal that I have been working on for months. I ran the whole way!! There were close to 4000 people in the race. My time was 35:02 I didn’t start at the finish line and I didn’t know to look for the clock to see what I had to subtract of my score (this was not a timed event so I just had to look at the clock to get my time). It was a while before I could even run because of all the people. I was literaly walking and talking to my friend for the first few minutes. It was packed. I finally kept making my way through and it seemed to thin out a little. My husband and kids were watching as I crossed the finish line. My husband took this shot. It’s a little blurry. I will never wear cotton shorts again. I got the biggest wedge. It was not flattering at all. I am definitely going to work on running a longer distance along with cross training. I will be starting a strict routine when I get back from my vacation. I have two 5K runs planned for August.

The race that I have been waiting for quite some time now is tomorrow. I am so tired from trying to get the house in order for my friend who I invited over.

I have to get to bed now.

August fifteenth, I will run my first 5k at 6:30 PM. I’m excited. =]

I just picked up my race packet. I got a T-shirt and my #117 bib. There were additional info on other races in the packet. I am so excited. I have to get some cleaning done.. before I treat myself to a manicure and pedicure tonight. I can’t wait. Saturday is almost here!!! I’m so thankful that my husband has off on friday to help me get the house in order because we are having my running friend Jen and her husband over for the 4th.

I also want to make sure I have everything for the kids ready to go for race day morning. I don’t know how I am going to be able to sleep.

Today I ran my longest run. I laped the lake once which I have been told is around 2.7-2.8 miles around. I continued pass the bridge (usually were I stop) and kept going. I am sure I ran more than 3 miles. Saturday is the big day!!! I’m excited but nervous and at this point, I just want to get it over with.