Early Birthday Gift!

I am sooooo excited!! Hubby and the kiddos got me a Garmin Forerunner 305 for my birthday!! My birthday isn't for a few weeks, but they gave it to me early!

I tried it out today for my long run. I love it! I did my run with my sister-in-law E. We didn't run as fast as I usuallly do. Our route was hilly and we talked almost the entire time. I'm so not used to that. My mouth was so dry by the time we were done. I should have taken a pic of my Garmin with the stats, but it was kind of hectic. I will definitely do that for my other runs.

Have a great weekend!

Winner!

Woo hoo! I won my first giveaway!! I won Running Diva Mom's Stuffitts giveaway! I can't wait to try out the Stuffitts!





Today is my rest day. I was planning on getting up and doing some sort of cardio anyway, but I changed my mind when the alarm went off. My body is sore from class yesterday and I know I should rest, so I am going to.

Tomorrow is the last day of Week 1 of my 10KT and is my long run. 3 miles. I'm looking forward to it! Then on to Week 2!

2 Miler

Yesterday was W1D4 of my 10K Training. It consisted of a 2-mile run and strength.

In the morning I did 8-minute Abs and 8-minute Arms for strength. I've had these videos for probably 15 years or more...and I still love them! I also did a lot of stretching. My upper back has still been sore. Not nearly as bad as it was. More of a muscle ache. And I was sore from my Tuesday Boot Camp class. So I really needed the stretching.

After my boys were in bed I went out for my 2-mile run.

Me before my run.

I'm wearing my new tech shirt. I'm liking it!

I ran a new route. Hubby ran a competely different route when he did his C25K run the other day. I never ran it, so I wanted to try it out. I liked running the differnent streets.

Here I am after my run. Sweaty, but not too bad.

Here is a full view of my new shirt and the shoes!

When I saw this picture I thought my shorts looked super short. They don't feel that short on me. Maybe it's the angle of the camera. I only have two pairs of these running shorts and I want more! My birthday is next month, maybe I'll get some!

Today for W1D5 I took my Boot Camp class for cross training. I really love that class. It works my whole body. We actually probably ran a total of 1.5 miles during class too. We did a 0.8 mile warmup outside and then ran around the building twice, so I got a little running in too!

I can't believe I only have 2 more days left of Week 1. It's gonna go by fast! Tomorrow is my rest day and Saturday is my long run...which this week is just 3 miles.

~~Edited to add: What is the deal with Blogger and paragraphs? When I type my post, I put returns in for paragraphs and then when I post it, there are no spaces and everything looks all crammed together. Anyway to fix this? Help!~~

10KT ~ W1D2

My back held up pretty well for the rest of the day yesterday, so I got my run in for my 10K Training (10KT). I was supposed to do a 2.5-mile run. I don't have a 2.5-mile route mapped out, so I did my 2-mile route and added on a loop around my block for another 0.7 mile. So I really ran 2.7 miles last night. Such an overachiever!

I did take it easy at first because I wanted to see how my back felt. It was ok. I few times I'd tense up and I could feel it. I did notice my calves were a little tight. I don't think I stretched enough after my 4-mile run on Saturday. Lesson learned!

I got to try out my new kicks for the first time! They felt good. They felt different than my old shoes, but they felt good. No weird rubbing or anything. I do have a question about shoes though...how tight should your laces be tied? Tight, loose, middle? I have no clue. Sometimes towards the end of a run I notice my left foot getting tingley feeling. I don't know if that's something that just happens, or if it's because my laces are too tight or not tight enough.

I also wore my new tech shirt. I looked so cool! Should have taken a pic..next time for sure!

Today is W1D3 of my training and I took Boot Camp this morning for my cross training workout.

So 10K Training is going well!

Oh! I'm excited because my hubby is going to start the C25K program tonight! I really hope he likes it! Then in the future we can run together!

~~I just wanted to thank you guys for reading and for commenting. I really appreciate all the answers and advice I am getting through your comments!~~

Weekend Recap

The longest I have ever run straight is 3.5 miles. During my last week of the C25K program I ran about 3.5 miles for each run. The following week I ran two 5K distances and then my first 5K race. This past week I got in two 2-mile runs. So Saturday I had been planning to do my first 4-mile run. I had mapped out a 4-mile route weeks ago and I really wanted to do it Saturday.

Saturday was HOT! I set out for my run at around 11:20 am. It was so hot, I took a bottle of water with me. I have never done that. But my route takes me far from my house, and I didn't want to pass out in the heat.

I ran outside of the neighborhood on some pretty busy roads. It was nice having differnent things to look at. And it was nice that I didn't repeat any roads.

Running with the water bottle was interesting. The bottle was sweating, so I'd keep switching hands. I'd much rather not run holding a bottle, but I was glad I had it.

As I was running on the one road I saw a truck that looked like my brother-in-law's. As the truck came up to pass me, I saw my father-in-law hanging out of it looking to see if I was me. I guess he was suprised to see me. He had a stop light and I ran up by him and he shouted, "Do you want a ride?" Then once he got the green light he drove by again and yelled "You go girl!" That was cool. I was like "Heck yeah!" I was gonna be running by his house and if he were waiting for me I would have stopped. He wasn't, and I was glad. I wanted to see if I could do the whole 4 miles without stopping. I pushed on.

I felt really good the whole run. I don't remember getting bad cramps. I was soaked when I got home. I don't know how long it took cause I didn't time it. I didn't really care. Not every run has to be a race. I need to remind myself of that. I was sooooo excited and happy that I ran 4 miles non-stop. The longest yet! When I got in the house I yelled to hubby "4 miles!". He was impressed. He also said he was about to send out a search party for me. He thought maybe I passed out in the heat. Nope, just a long run! I guess I should let him know how far I plan on running so he doesn't worry.

Later in the day I went out for some new running shoes! I've been running in my sneakers that I use at the gym and other stuff. So I've been wanting a pair just for running. I ended up getting ASICS GEL-Kahana 3.






I hope I like them! I also went to Target and got a pair of running capris. I've been eyeing them up for awhile now. I also got a tank that isn't 100% cotton. So I shouldn't look soaked when I'm done running. And I got a cute shirt that says "Run Run Run, Repeat".

Yesterday I woke up with horrible back pain...again! Not the same as before. This was my upper, middle back. I don't know what happened. I went to bed fine and in no pain. I don't know if I slept funny, if it was from my longer run, or what. But I hurt all day.

Yesterday was my first day of my 10K training and was a day of stretching and strength. I did stretch, but that was it. Mostly, I layed around and rested. My back feels better today. My neck is still a little sore, but I'm definitely better than yesterday.

Today I am supposed to run 2.5 miles. I plan on doing it unless my back/neck starts to get worse. But, I think it's getting even better as the day goes on.

10K Training Week 1

I plan on starting my 10K Training tomorrow. Here is my schedule for the week.

Sunday ~ Stretch & Strengthen
Monday ~ 2.5-mile run
Tuesday ~ Boot Camp
Wednesday ~ 2-mile run & strength
Thursday ~ Boot Camp
Friday ~ Rest
Saturday ~ 3-mile run

Not bad at all. Really, fewer miles than I've been doing. But the mileage increases each week. I can't wait to start!

It's raining. It's pouring.

I decided not to run last night. I probably should have though.

I woke up bright and early this morning (6:10) and got dressed to run. I went outside and it was super humid! It looked like it could rain at any moment. Dark clouds and pretty windy. I stretched and started my run. My plan was to get 5K in. I ran around my block twice (1.4 miles). The wind felt nice because it was so humid, but it was hard running in it. When I ran towards the west, I was running against the wind and that really slowed me down. I also got an awesome right side cramp. It was so bad at one point that I told myself that when I hit two times around I was going to walk for a few seconds. Now, I haven't stopped to walk once since I started C25K, unless I was instructed to. I didn't like the idea of stopping. I wanted to push through it. So I concentrated on my breathing and the cramp did go away and I didn't have to stop! After two times around I was thinking of changing up my route, so instead of going around 2 more times I was going to run on differnent streets. So I heading in the new direction.

At almost 2 miles in, it started to sprinkle. No big deal. It felt good. Then it started to pour. And the rain kept coming down harder and harder. I really liked it at first. It was fun. It energized me. I was going to stick to my plan of running 5K. But I was soaked! My socks and shoes were soaked. The rain was in my eyes. I thought my contacts were gonna fall out. I could barely see! A hat would have came in handy at this point. So I decided I should get home. If I kept going, I probably would have got a blister, or became blind. So I pushed it home. Good thing, because the rain didn't let up and then it started thundering and lightening. I figured I got at least 2 miles in. I mapped it out and I got 2.3 miles in. Not my goal, but the rain changed that.

I took some pics to show how drenched I was.

I look like a drowned rat! LOL!

Wow, who's that hottie?

Have you run in the rain? Should you run in the rain? I don't know the rules on that...if there are any. I think a sprinkle is ok, or even if it's just raining. But I don't know about a serious down pour.

There is one!

I found out this morning that the Turkey Trot I'm planning on doing in November on Thanksgiving is a 5K AND a 10K! Woo hoo! If I start my 10K training this coming week, I'll be done WAY before then, but that's ok. I would think I'd definitely be ready for it then. So instead of registering for the 5K, I will do the 10K!

I take Boot Camp with my sister-in-law, E. We had class this morning and she was asking me if I was still running. I told her I was and that I am going to train for a 10K. She has been telling me she'd run with me. Her running partner just moved a few hours away. So she got excited and said she'd train with me! We were planning on doing the Turkey Trot together, so now we will do the 10K instead of the 5K!

For the C25K, I only ran by myself. The only time I ran with someone else was in Boot Camp and I'd run with E. So I'm excited to see if the training is different. I think it'll be nice having someone to help push you and you can keep each other going.

I plan on running tonight. I'm thining at least 5K.

Question: I've been seeing speed workouts or tempo (?) mentioned in other blogs. What is a speed workout or tempo workout all about? Should I be doing them? I'm guessing these types of workouts help you increase your speed for race time. Any input would be great!

2 Miles & 10K Verdict

Hey! So yesterday morning I took my Boot Camp class at the Y and it was killer! Great, sweaty class. She really kicked our butts. We did tons of squats and abs. So by the evening I was already feeling sore. I really wanted to run because I haven't ran since my 5K on Saturday. So I decided to do a short run. I ran a certain route and estimated it to be about 2 miles. After I mapped it out, it was in fact two miles. It took me 17 minutes 38 seconds.

Thanks for the feedback on the 10K training. I have decided to go with Hal Higdon's 8-Week 10K Training Program. But I changed it up a bit to better fit my weekly schedule...and I am making it 9 weeks long instead of 8 weeks. My weeks will start on Sundays. So I will probably start this Sunday. I'm excited about it because it's a schedule and I'll know what to do each day. When my 9 weeks are up, there isn't a 10K in my area for me to run, but that's ok. I really just want to be able to run that long.

Finally, why is it so difficult to come up with post titles? Some bloggers have great titles for every post. I guess I'm not too creative in that department. I'm right to the point. :)

10K Training?

I finished C25K and completed my first 5K, and I'm already thinking of training for a 10K. I really enjoyed the structered training plan of the C25K. I still plan on running at least 3 days a week, but I don't know if I should just go out and run 3 miles, or 30 minutes, or what? I found an 8-week 10K training program here and then I was told about the Bridge to 10K program. I think I'm definitely going to do one of them, but I haven't decided which one yet. And I don't know when I will start. I would like to start now cause I like knowing what I have to do, so I'll keep you posted!

Any thoughts or ideas?

Cherry Fest 5K

I ran my first official 5K race yesterday!

The race started at 9 am, so I woke up a little before 7. I got ready and ate a bowl of cereal for breakfast...fruit loops, yum! What I really wanted was a cliff bar, but I didn't have any. I will definitely have one for my next 5K. After I ate I did some stretching. Then I waited for my Mom to come over. I was riding out with her and we were following my friends.

All ready to go!

So we got to where the race was and went to sign in and pick up our bibs and t-shirts. I told the lady my name and it wasn't there. Oh man! I didn't freak out. The organizer came over and I told her my name. She said it sounded familiar. She actually had all the forms that people sent in, so she looked through them and found mine. Yay! So we grabbed me a bib...number 148...and then went to the timer guy so he could put me in the system.

Me and my first 5K t-shirt!

148 Baby!

S, Me, and M

After we were all ready, I had to go to the bathroom. So we walked to where they are and took care of business. Then we came back to the park and streched.

Then my nerves kicked in a bit and I had to go to the bathroom again! So I ran over this time as a little warm up. Definitely glad I decided to go, or it would have been a disaster later on in the race.

We had some fun as we waited to start.

Then my hubby and kiddos showed up!

We took some quick pics and then they told everyone to line up. Here we go! I wasn't as nervous and wound up as I thought I be. I was excited though!

We started in the middle of the pack. There were a bunch of shirtless young men at the front. I didn't want to be in their way. A man started talking and of course we couldn't hear a thing he said. I could see the people in front kind of bend down like they were ready to go, then they stood up, then they bent down, then the stood up and groaned, then they bent down, then stood up...apparently the gun wasn't going off. They bent down again and a whistle went off and we started running.

I don't think I started off too fast. It was a little rough trying to get around people. I've never had to do that. One guy was swaying left and right and I couldn't get by him, I finally had to run real fast and juke around him. Some little girl just stopped right in front of me, so I had to jump out of her way. After that, everyone was in place and I was good to go.

The course description said there were a couple "easy hills". Well, there were a few longer inclines that were tough by the end of it. And there was a steep hill that we ran down at the beginning, and then we had to run up it at the very end. I'll get to that soon.

So the course went through neighborhoods. People were out in their yards watching and clapping. A few of them had sprinklers out so the runners could run under them. Some of them had tables with water they were handing out. I thought that was really nice. I came to the first one and grabbed one. That was my first experience doing that and I didn't like how it slowed me up...well really I think the guy in front of me slowed a bunch of us up. So I kicked it up to get back to my pace.

This one girl passed me a little before half way through and I tried to stick with her the rest of the time. And I ended up passing a girl and for some reason I wanted to beat her...I did. :)

The "easy hills" were pretty tough. They wore me out. But the kicker was the steep hill at the end. Really? Why put a steep hill at the very end? I got to it and really pushed myself up the hill. I got to the top and just wanted it to be over. That hill really took almost all my energy. I made it to the top and saw they had spray painted 3 miles. I knew I just had 0.1 mile to go and I just had to round the corner. But I was really spent. I pushed myself as hard as I could. I now think I should have pushed harder, but I rounded that corner and got a little emotional. I didn't want to be the crying mess crossing the finish line so I just put a big smile on my face. I saw my family cheering me on. That was a lot of fun. Then I saw the clock. I was almost there. It said 26:55. I pushed hard to cross the line but I knew I wouldn't make it in under 27. I crossed it in 27:04! Super awesome! The fastest I've done it unofficially is 27:35...so I beat that. I was so happy with my time. I went to find the fam and they had flowers for me! So sweet! I cooled down and waited for S and M to cross the finish line.

Here are pics of me finishing.

Me and S after the race.

My Mom and me after the race.

Cherry Fest 5K Stats

Time: 27:04 (PR)

Finished 84th out of 197

Finished 6th out of 20 in my age group (30-39)

I had a really fun time running this 5K. I had great friends run it with me and my family was there to support me. I think it was smaller than my next one will be. I wasn't a huge fan of the course. I enjoyed the flat parts, but it was pretty hilly. And I definitely did not like the steep hill at the end. I know if I didn't have to run that, I would have been a little faster. I would have had more energy to push it more at the end. But I would run this again next year and this time I know what to expect.

Featured on SkinnyRunner!

Wow! I'm pretty excited! I've been featured on one of my favorite blogs, SkinnyRunner!

SR is doing a segment on her blog called Cat Lady Blogs where she features new bloggers. I think it's really awesome of her to introduce us newbies to other bloggers and get our blogs out there. Thanks SR!

I must say, it's pretty cool to see your face on your favorite blog!

Hi to everyone that is checking me out! Thanks for visiting!

Feeling Better & Good Run

Ok, so I think my back is better. It felt better and better throughout the day yesterday. So I'm very happy about that.

I had really wanted to get one more run in before my big race Saturday. I was feeling up to it last night. So after the boys were in bed, I went for my run. I did the block again...which is 0.7 mile. I was going to do at least 4 times around. I felt really good running. I didn't feel any pain in my back. As I was running, I was thinking that I wanted to get at least 5K in. So I thought about my route and figured out what I thought would be 5K and ran that. I did 4 loops of the block, then from my house to the end of the street and back. According to my stopwatch on my cell phone (haha!) I ran 5K in 27 minutes 35 seconds! Woo hoo! I mapped out my run this morning, and it was 5K...just a tad over. So I think I'm really ready for tomorrow!

I am so pumped. When I really think about it, I get anxious feeling...but in a good way. It's like adrenaline is already pumping. I already warned my friends that on the way to the race I'm going to be all worked up and talking a mile a minute.

I really would like some sort of watch that I can time my runs on. The garmines are way to expensive for me now. I need to find something cheaper. Any ideas?

Race tomorrow!!!!!!

Sore Back

I hurt my back last night doing NOTHING. I hate that! It's one thing if I get hurt working out, doing something strenuous, carrying around one of my 20-30 pound kids...but all I did was slightly bend to get salt out of the lazy susan! That's it! As soon as I did that, I felt it. It's in my upper right side where my shoulder blade is. It got worse as the evening went on. I was so mad about it. Especially because my first 5K is Saturday. I took motrin and iced it. I did not go to my Boot Camp class this morning...which I never skip unless I'm injured. I do feel better today. I still feel it, but not nearly as much. I have no idea what is wrong or what it is. My Mom said what it could be (she's a nurse), but I fogot what she said. I didn't pull anything. It kind of feels like something was popped out of place or something like that. I am pretty sure this same thing has happened to me before. I am sure it annoyed me, but I didn't have a race to run in 3 days. I'm going to take it easy and hope I feel back to normal by Saturday.

Speaking of Saturday, I am super excited that it's almost here! I'm planning on taking lots of pictures....I am a picture fanatic! I take pictures at every event or outing I do. So I'm so excited to have my first race pictures!

First Official 5K!

First off, I ran 2.8 miles last night. It was my first non-C25K run. It was weird getting to decide how long/far I ran. I like structure and programs, so I like knowing I have to run for 30 minutes. Cause then, I WILL run for 30 minutes. I won't stray. Now that I can decide, I hope I don't cut runs short just because I can.

I ran around my block 4 times last night. One time around is 0.7 mile. I kept going back and forth in my mind about running around 4 times or 5....obviously I went with 4. It's funny just running around the block. The same people kept seeing me. I ran past 3 people 3 times before I realized it was my next door neighbors! I finally noticed and said hi. When I ended my run, the neighbor said "You're making me tired!" :)

On to my exciting news! I am running my first offical 5K THIS Saturday! I'm really excited and nervous! My hubby, kiddos, and Mom are gonna come down and support me...which I'm excited about. And I'm running with two of my friends! I can't wait to see what it's like to run in a real race....to maybe get to wear a race number....to get a race t-shirt...to see my real 5K time! I'm super excited! I will definitely post all about it and hopefully have pictures!

Till next run!

W9D3 ~ C25K Graduate!

I am officially a Couch to 5K graduate! Woot woot!

I ran my final C25K run on Saturday. I was busy in the morning with an appointment and errands, so I waited until the boys' napped. So I ran around 2:30 in the afternoon. It was hot and very sunny!

I really wanted to kick butt for this run because it was my last C25K run. I think I did! I just mapped it out and I ran 3.5 miles in 30 minutes! My best yet! It was really hot so I'm surprised I was able to kick it up a notch like I did. I was hoping someone would spray me with a hose as I ran by. :)

I didn't have any issues or anything bother me for this run. My right headphone only fell out once. I don't remember getting any cramps. The one thing that happened was that I had to slow down to wait for a car. This whole 9 weeks that has never happened. Usually they have a stop sign so I just go. At this intersection they didn't have a stop sign and I didn't want to run in front of them. So yes, I was one of those runners at a corner running in place. :) The car ended up slowing down and let me run through anyway, so I guess I should have just run. But thankfully that didn't slow me up.

I ended my run right at my house. So I went into the garage and got a bottle of water and then drank it, slash that, chugged it and walked to cool down. I felt great! I was a sweaty mess, but I was so pumped I just completed the program!

I highly recommend the Couch to 5K program. I never ever would have thought that I would be able to run 30 minutes straight. Just look back to my first posts. But I stuck with the program. I did what it said to do. And I did it! I am now a runner! And, I love it! I went from a person who couldn't stand to run, to a runner. Thank you C25K!

My future goals are to add to my distance. I have yet to run 4 miles straight, so that will be my first goal.

From now on, I will blog about any runs and races I do.

W9D2

So my plan was to run my W9D2 run last night. That didn't happen. For some reason I was not in the mood to run yesterday. The closer I got to my run, the more I just didn't want to do it. I think the problem was that I was really tired. We got home from grocery shopping at 7:15. My contacts were really bothering me, so I took them out. I was tired before then, but once my contacts come out, I get even more tired. I felt exhausted! So I asked hubby if I could run in the morning. That would mean he couldn't get up and go to the Y. He said I could. Yay! I was so happy I could just shower and go right to bed. I was out by 9:30! I slept great too!

So I woke up this morning for my run. This time I made sure to check the temperature. It was 74 degress at 6:10 am! I got dressed, put on my mp3 player and out I went. It was overcast and not sunny. But it was warm and pretty humid. I stretched and started my warm up walk. As I walked, it felt cooler with a breeze.

I'm not a huge fan of running first thing in the morning. But if I have to, I will. I started my run. I wasn't sure if I was running as fast as my last run. And really, I didn't want to. My legs felt a little heavy. I think it has to do with running first thing. I had a right side cramp on and off for the entire run. It seemed like it took forever just to get the half way announcement on my podcast. With this run, all I could think about was it being over. Not good to think like that. I sucked it up and tried thinking of other things. It did work. So I got it done. I did run a little slower than last time, but still faster than all my other runs. I ran 3.28 miles in the 3o minutes, which means I ran 5K in 28.35 minutes. Still pretty good!

I have just one more run in this program! I still can't believe I'm almost done! I will run either tomorrow or Sunday, and not first thing in the morning. I want to ROCK my last C25K run!

Oh, and can I tell you how sick I am of my headphones! They constantly want to fall out...especially when I am so sweaty. And with this weather, I'm super sweaty. I have to keep pushing them back in, which then means I'm touching them with my sweaty hands making things worse. I will be on the lookout for smaller headphones that stay in my ear the whole time!

Week 9 Day 1

Week 9 is a 5-minute warm-up walk, a 30-minute run, and a cool down walk. I ran my first Week 9 run last evening.

I ran at around 8:30. It was still hot out...lower 80s. But the sun was setting, so it wasn't beating down on me. I noticed right away when I was running that I was running faster than I usually do. I was really pushing myself. With my Week 8 runs....a 28-minute run...I was averaging about 3 miles in the 28 minutes. So I was really hoping I could run 5K in 30 minutes. I mapped out a 5K in my neighborhood weeks ago. So I knew if I ended where the map said, I would have got in a 5K.

I felt great for this run. The only thing bothering me at first was that my headphones kept feeling loose, or almost falling out. I can't stand that! I think it was due to the sweat. Other than that, I was feeling great.

Like I said, I was really pushing harder than usual. I really wanted to run 5K in the 30 minutes. So I was nearing the end of the 5K I mapped out. It ends at my house. I see my house. I was cheering in my head that I did it! Plus, I haven't even got my 1 minute to go on my podcast. So I just kept running. A couple minutes later, I got the 1-minute warning. I ran hard to try to get back to my house again, but the run ended. I was almost to my house. I was so pumped with my run. I couldn't wait to see how far I ran in the 30 minutes. But I had to wait until today to map it out. So, I just mapped out my run and I ran about 3.45 miles in 30 minutes! I did the math to find out how long the 5K (3.1 miles) took and I ran the 5K in about 27.35 minutes! Wow! So I definitely ran faster than I had been. I really pushed myself!

So I now have just 2 more runs left in this program. I can't believe I'll be done in just a few days. It really has gone by fast.

Until next run!

W8D3

I ran my W8D3 run on Saturday, July 3. We were busy in the morning, so I ran during the boys' nap. I think it was a little after 2. It was the first time I ran at that time and it was super sunny and very warm. Thankfully it wasn't really humid. I ran the 28 minutes really well. I don't recall any issues. I mapped it out when I got home, and I ran 3 miles in 28 minutes!

I only have one more week (3 runs) for my C25K training program! It is VERY hot today...in the 90s. I plan on running tonight after the kids go to bed, so the sun will be going down. I should be ok. 30 minutes...here I come!