When we go to leave the house without Ruth, she comes running after us saying in her sweetest little 2 year old voice. "I need to give you a hug!" "One more hug!"
And I melt and hug and hug and hug some more. :)
Showing posts with label Running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Running. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Monday, January 12, 2015
21 Day Fix
This morning I started the 21 Day Fix workout. I'm hoping I can stick with it. Weekdays I'm not worried about, it's the weekend that I'm not used to working out on.
Ruth was born about 5.5 weeks ago. I did 5 days of postnatal yoga last week to see how it went and it felt good. Now it's time to see how this goes and if I can lose some baby weight.
I'm not following their nutrition plan, I don't have time to put stuff in containers for the day while I'm feeding so many other mouths, but I do plan on trying to improve what I eat.
Keith gave me this for Christmas, so hopefully it gets well used!
I weighed myself before I started this morning, 168.2 lbs. This is about 20 lbs. from where I was before my pregnancy with Ruth. It's also about 20 lbs. down from where I was when Ruth was born.
As a side note, I never lost the last 10 lbs. from my pregnancy with Elinore, but when I got pregnant I was training for a half marathon and was more fit than I'd been in a very long time, so I was okay with those extra pounds. I'd like to run a half again someday when the kids are older!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Spirit Day 5K
For the third year in a row, I ran the Spirit Day 5K at work.
Two years ago at this event I set my PR for the 5K! At the time a friend and I were training for a half marathon.
Last year at the event I had my worst every 5K time. At the time I was a day over 14 weeks postpartum.
This year, I improved over last year, but still MUCH slower than before!
I came in at 36 minutes and 51 seconds, or just under that actually. Since I'm not a top finished, I don't get official times at the small employee race. There were about 50 participants.
I ran all but one little stretch, and it was a pretty warm day here for early October. I think it was some in the high 70s or maybe 80.
I'm pleased considering my workout schedule has adjusted significantly since I became a parent to 3 along with everything else going on. My workout schedule now looks like running a couple miles on the treadmill in the basement in the mornings a couple times a week. And even that isn't too regular. I go in phases, earlier this summer my husband and I were doing some core work a few times a week and had some other things going on, but that usually happens when classes are in session for MBA. So right now, that's what it looks like, but it changes often!
In other good news, I wasn't dead last in the race this year! There were two people behind me. One of which is a friend of mine.
Another friend of mine, who sits across the aisle from me at work (for now anyway) won the race for the third year in a row! This year after he finished he even came back out and finished the last roughly 1/4 mile with me to bring me in.
I'm so thankful I can run.
Two years ago at this event I set my PR for the 5K! At the time a friend and I were training for a half marathon.
Last year at the event I had my worst every 5K time. At the time I was a day over 14 weeks postpartum.
This year, I improved over last year, but still MUCH slower than before!
I came in at 36 minutes and 51 seconds, or just under that actually. Since I'm not a top finished, I don't get official times at the small employee race. There were about 50 participants.
I ran all but one little stretch, and it was a pretty warm day here for early October. I think it was some in the high 70s or maybe 80.
I'm pleased considering my workout schedule has adjusted significantly since I became a parent to 3 along with everything else going on. My workout schedule now looks like running a couple miles on the treadmill in the basement in the mornings a couple times a week. And even that isn't too regular. I go in phases, earlier this summer my husband and I were doing some core work a few times a week and had some other things going on, but that usually happens when classes are in session for MBA. So right now, that's what it looks like, but it changes often!
In other good news, I wasn't dead last in the race this year! There were two people behind me. One of which is a friend of mine.
Another friend of mine, who sits across the aisle from me at work (for now anyway) won the race for the third year in a row! This year after he finished he even came back out and finished the last roughly 1/4 mile with me to bring me in.
I'm so thankful I can run.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Miles for Madison
This past Saturday was the first Miles for Madison 5K held at our local school system in support a SJS, which an elementary school student has.
It was a great fundraising and awarness raising event that had over 600 participants! It was a great turn out and so wonderful to be a part of!
The boys were registered to run the fun run. I was registered to run the 5K. I ended up not running the 5K because I double booked myself and chose to take Elinore to swim instead, but the boys still were able to run the Fun Run!
They also had a great time despite the freezing temperaturs we had.
They ran almost the entire time. They were to run one lap around the high school track. Around turn 3 they walked for a VERY short time and then ran through the finish. They stuck together the whole time and did so well!
They are already asking to go back next year and do it again!
Maybe in a few years we'll be running the 5K together!
It was a great fundraising and awarness raising event that had over 600 participants! It was a great turn out and so wonderful to be a part of!
The boys were registered to run the fun run. I was registered to run the 5K. I ended up not running the 5K because I double booked myself and chose to take Elinore to swim instead, but the boys still were able to run the Fun Run!
They also had a great time despite the freezing temperaturs we had.
They ran almost the entire time. They were to run one lap around the high school track. Around turn 3 they walked for a VERY short time and then ran through the finish. They stuck together the whole time and did so well!
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| Caden in orange; Caleb is the red hat. |
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| Caleb is in the red stocking hat and Caden is in the orange hooded sweatshirt as they near the finish line! |
They are already asking to go back next year and do it again!
Maybe in a few years we'll be running the 5K together!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Litter
This past weekend I took the kids out to "practice" for the fun run they are registered for early next month. They are running one lap around the track at the high school stadium. I'm running in the 5K the same day.
The made it roughly half way before they were tired and wanted to walk. We may practice another time or two before the day weather permitting of course.
We were blessed with great weather on Sunday, so they asked to go for a walk when we arrived back. So my mom and I went out with the kids, including Elinore in the stroller, and went for a walk. I estimate it was at around a half mile or so. We walked the school sidewalks and parking lots down to their elementary school and back.
I was so proud of Caleb as he saw some litter on the walk and started picking it up! He carried it for awhile, and then I realized he could put it in the stroller. He kept it up on our walk.
Caden joined in later too, but most of the time he was busy with the dog. He usually likes to handle Belle when we go for walks.
On our way pack through the high school parking lot we found a lot of trash, so my mom and I even joined in his efforts in picking up. I'm pretty sure I picked up the remnants of some high schoolers breakfasts of pop tart and muffin wrappers.
By the time we got back to the house the bottom of Elinore's stroller was full and the boys set at unloading it into the trash and recycling bins in our garage.
It warms my heart to see them being so thoughtful and caring.
The made it roughly half way before they were tired and wanted to walk. We may practice another time or two before the day weather permitting of course.
We were blessed with great weather on Sunday, so they asked to go for a walk when we arrived back. So my mom and I went out with the kids, including Elinore in the stroller, and went for a walk. I estimate it was at around a half mile or so. We walked the school sidewalks and parking lots down to their elementary school and back.
I was so proud of Caleb as he saw some litter on the walk and started picking it up! He carried it for awhile, and then I realized he could put it in the stroller. He kept it up on our walk.
Caden joined in later too, but most of the time he was busy with the dog. He usually likes to handle Belle when we go for walks.
On our way pack through the high school parking lot we found a lot of trash, so my mom and I even joined in his efforts in picking up. I'm pretty sure I picked up the remnants of some high schoolers breakfasts of pop tart and muffin wrappers.
By the time we got back to the house the bottom of Elinore's stroller was full and the boys set at unloading it into the trash and recycling bins in our garage.
It warms my heart to see them being so thoughtful and caring.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
2012 Fitness Review
About a year ago I summarized my 2011 year of running. It was my highest mileage ever in a year, and I was going stong.
This year in summary, was not so successfull in terms of running in fitness. I had a total of 54 workouts and 25 miles. I know more of my workouts thoughout 2012 were non-running workouts. And I took quite a bit of time off while pregnant and after having Elinore. So I'd say considering the eventful year I've had, I did pretty well!
Last year, I wrote that I had a goal to run a 5K during 2012 after my baby arrived, and I ran a 5K in October!
I'm happy with 2012, but I hope to increase my milage and fitness level in 2013. I'm already signed up for my first race next year, a 5K in April. The race started next door to my house, so how could I say no?
This year in summary, was not so successfull in terms of running in fitness. I had a total of 54 workouts and 25 miles. I know more of my workouts thoughout 2012 were non-running workouts. And I took quite a bit of time off while pregnant and after having Elinore. So I'd say considering the eventful year I've had, I did pretty well!
Last year, I wrote that I had a goal to run a 5K during 2012 after my baby arrived, and I ran a 5K in October!
I'm happy with 2012, but I hope to increase my milage and fitness level in 2013. I'm already signed up for my first race next year, a 5K in April. The race started next door to my house, so how could I say no?
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Spirit Day 5K
This morning I ran a 5K.
I had a baby 14 weeks and 1 day ago, and I did it. I didn't stop once.
It is my worst 5K time to date, but I did it without walking!
This is the second annual 5K my employer has hosted as a part of Spirit Day activities. Last year, I set my 5K PR at the race. This year I had my worst time, but hey, a lot has changed in a year!
I also met my goal of running a 5K in 2012 after the birth of our baby.
The downside, it's a pretty competitive race.
I timed myself at 38:51, and I was the last finisher.
And I do mean the very last of the entire crowd of probably about 40 people. Shortly into my second mile, I was followed by the security guard in his car as an escort most of the way to the finish. After following me for awhile, he did drive off and circle back around for the last 1/2 mile or so. He stopped traffic for me at an intersection or two. Nothing to make you feel like you're running slow like the security guard escorting you to the finish line!
My sweet husband and his boss were both still there at the finish line cheering for me along with a few other people. Another lady in another department here even came out and ran the last bit with me. They were wondering who was left out there since it was such a small crowd.
I had a baby 14 weeks and 1 day ago, and I did it. I didn't stop once.
It is my worst 5K time to date, but I did it without walking!
This is the second annual 5K my employer has hosted as a part of Spirit Day activities. Last year, I set my 5K PR at the race. This year I had my worst time, but hey, a lot has changed in a year!
I also met my goal of running a 5K in 2012 after the birth of our baby.
The downside, it's a pretty competitive race.
I timed myself at 38:51, and I was the last finisher.
And I do mean the very last of the entire crowd of probably about 40 people. Shortly into my second mile, I was followed by the security guard in his car as an escort most of the way to the finish. After following me for awhile, he did drive off and circle back around for the last 1/2 mile or so. He stopped traffic for me at an intersection or two. Nothing to make you feel like you're running slow like the security guard escorting you to the finish line!
My sweet husband and his boss were both still there at the finish line cheering for me along with a few other people. Another lady in another department here even came out and ran the last bit with me. They were wondering who was left out there since it was such a small crowd.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
10 Running-Related Personal Questions
Although I'm currently on a running hiatus, I do plan to return to running. I hope soon, but I'm having trouble tearing myself away from my baby to get back on the road. So, I've adjusted my plans to to the treadmill, although I still haven't stepped on it since Elinore was born. At the start of 2012, I set a goal for myself to run a 5K after my baby arrived, so I need to get my legs moving!
Anyway, I read this post from Another Mother Runner this week and wanted to get my mind back into thinking about running. What better way than to participate!
1. Best run ever: I can't decide between two, and they are the best for completely different reasons.
In August 2010, I ran a two mile race. I didn't feel great about my run, and the next night, a Sunday evening, I took off on a run from my house. For the first time in my running adventure, I didn't want to stop. I kept running. I felt strong and energized and just kept running. I took a different route than I'd ever run and just ran. Without focusing on how far I was going or what time it was, I just ran and it was amazing.
Last fall I was training for my first half-marathon with my friend Lisa. It was a cool early October Sunday morning and we were meeting for a 12 mile training running starting in our town and running a giant square through the next town over and around our town. It was my longest ever run and it felt great. It was quiet, a beautiful morning with great company. I felt so ready to tackle that race after that training run.
2. Three words that describe my running: Sporatic. Average. Challenging.
3. My go-to running outfit is: I pair of Adidas shorts I picked up on clearance. They're tight and Bermuda length and comfortable and one of my workout tank tops. Although, with the dramatic changes to my body from pregnancy, I'm guessing I'll be on the lookout for a new go-to running outfit.
4. Quirky habit while running: I am the first house on our street, but I can't start running or finish running at my driveway. I have to walk to the crossroads and start at the intersection, and I always run to the intersection to finish my run too.
5. Morning, midday, evening: I've always preferred morning run; I'm hoping with our new schedules, I can still manage that on the treadmill. With my husband now going to work around 6, outside runs are out. Which isn't so bad since I won't run outside in the dark.
6. I won’t run outside when it’s: dark; unless I have a running partner. Since my running friend moved away, I stick inside unless it's light outside.
7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: In my short running career, I've been fortunate not to have many running injuries. I suffered from shin splints when I first started running. I adjusted my running stride and rested a bit to get through them. One thing that helped too was temporarily stopping wearing high heels to work.
8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: I found out I ran my half-marathon 6 weeks pregnant. I didn't know I was expecting at the time and was so disappointed with myself after the race. A week later when I found out I was pregnant, it changed my whole perception of my race!
9. Next race is: still to be determined. Hopefully a 5K yet this year to reach my 2012 goal.
10. Potential running goal for 2013: I don't have a goal other than to get back into a running routine. I don't plan to expand my mileage much past a 5K so I have more free time for my 3 kiddos. Time is so precious as a full time working mom.
Anyway, I read this post from Another Mother Runner this week and wanted to get my mind back into thinking about running. What better way than to participate!
1. Best run ever: I can't decide between two, and they are the best for completely different reasons.
In August 2010, I ran a two mile race. I didn't feel great about my run, and the next night, a Sunday evening, I took off on a run from my house. For the first time in my running adventure, I didn't want to stop. I kept running. I felt strong and energized and just kept running. I took a different route than I'd ever run and just ran. Without focusing on how far I was going or what time it was, I just ran and it was amazing.
Last fall I was training for my first half-marathon with my friend Lisa. It was a cool early October Sunday morning and we were meeting for a 12 mile training running starting in our town and running a giant square through the next town over and around our town. It was my longest ever run and it felt great. It was quiet, a beautiful morning with great company. I felt so ready to tackle that race after that training run.
2. Three words that describe my running: Sporatic. Average. Challenging.
3. My go-to running outfit is: I pair of Adidas shorts I picked up on clearance. They're tight and Bermuda length and comfortable and one of my workout tank tops. Although, with the dramatic changes to my body from pregnancy, I'm guessing I'll be on the lookout for a new go-to running outfit.
4. Quirky habit while running: I am the first house on our street, but I can't start running or finish running at my driveway. I have to walk to the crossroads and start at the intersection, and I always run to the intersection to finish my run too.
5. Morning, midday, evening: I've always preferred morning run; I'm hoping with our new schedules, I can still manage that on the treadmill. With my husband now going to work around 6, outside runs are out. Which isn't so bad since I won't run outside in the dark.
6. I won’t run outside when it’s: dark; unless I have a running partner. Since my running friend moved away, I stick inside unless it's light outside.
7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: In my short running career, I've been fortunate not to have many running injuries. I suffered from shin splints when I first started running. I adjusted my running stride and rested a bit to get through them. One thing that helped too was temporarily stopping wearing high heels to work.
8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: I found out I ran my half-marathon 6 weeks pregnant. I didn't know I was expecting at the time and was so disappointed with myself after the race. A week later when I found out I was pregnant, it changed my whole perception of my race!
9. Next race is: still to be determined. Hopefully a 5K yet this year to reach my 2012 goal.
10. Potential running goal for 2013: I don't have a goal other than to get back into a running routine. I don't plan to expand my mileage much past a 5K so I have more free time for my 3 kiddos. Time is so precious as a full time working mom.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Working Out
I've missed working out. Since Ellie was about two weeks old I've been itching to start working out again with some serious workouts. I set a goal to run a 5K yet this year, and I'm itching to get back into it. However, I am starting slowly. I'm trying to get out a few times a week now for a walk. Caleb likes to ride his bike, Caden walks along with me while I push Ellie in the stroller and hold onto Belle's leash. I'm increasing my mileage walking and hope to transition to some running once we get into more of a schedule and I don't have the whole crew with me! I can't imagine running with all of them. There's always the treadmill I can start on too when Ellie's napping.
I've missed working out for awhile now, but have been choosing carefully my activities while pregnant and now while I'm recovering still. I wish I could say things felt normal again, but I'm sill not comfortable yet from delivery.
I think some of my desire to work out comes from the lack of it that has been in my routine as prior to pregnancy, I was so used to regular runs, kickboxing classes and workouts. I also think a big part of it comes from my post-baby body image.
Every time we're going somewhere, which hasn't been too often thankfully, I struggle to find clothes that a: fit and b: would be easy to breastfeed in. I haven't worn a pair of pants, other than sweats and pjs, in months. Once I outgrew my regular pants, I never wore maternity pants and just wore dresses. So what fits me now is all dresses, which are not nursing friendly.
My regular pants don't fit yet, and I can't WAIT until they do. I have a few skirts that fit and have some pj pants I've been pulling off as regular pants to wear when we go out for now. I hate to have to buy something when I have no intention of needing it long term, but it's also a real pain to wash the same skirt all the time so it's clean to wear! I did buy some new tops that I figure I'll be able to wear for a longer time, but the pants is still an issue.
Talk about a mood killer every time you have to get dressed.
To top that off, the boys tell me good night "big mama." They're interpreting it as cool because now their big brothers, so now I must be a big mama; however, I did not catch onto that the first time and it took me awhile to think through it! I haven't said anything to the boys about it; I'm letting them have their fun. As long as it's staying to our house at bedtimes, I'm alright with it. The day it goes outside this house though, we might have a little talk about it!
I know it's only been a month. I know I have time, and working out will help. I'm eating healthily and hoping to see some progress in the next two months.
I've missed working out for awhile now, but have been choosing carefully my activities while pregnant and now while I'm recovering still. I wish I could say things felt normal again, but I'm sill not comfortable yet from delivery.
I think some of my desire to work out comes from the lack of it that has been in my routine as prior to pregnancy, I was so used to regular runs, kickboxing classes and workouts. I also think a big part of it comes from my post-baby body image.
Every time we're going somewhere, which hasn't been too often thankfully, I struggle to find clothes that a: fit and b: would be easy to breastfeed in. I haven't worn a pair of pants, other than sweats and pjs, in months. Once I outgrew my regular pants, I never wore maternity pants and just wore dresses. So what fits me now is all dresses, which are not nursing friendly.
My regular pants don't fit yet, and I can't WAIT until they do. I have a few skirts that fit and have some pj pants I've been pulling off as regular pants to wear when we go out for now. I hate to have to buy something when I have no intention of needing it long term, but it's also a real pain to wash the same skirt all the time so it's clean to wear! I did buy some new tops that I figure I'll be able to wear for a longer time, but the pants is still an issue.
Talk about a mood killer every time you have to get dressed.
To top that off, the boys tell me good night "big mama." They're interpreting it as cool because now their big brothers, so now I must be a big mama; however, I did not catch onto that the first time and it took me awhile to think through it! I haven't said anything to the boys about it; I'm letting them have their fun. As long as it's staying to our house at bedtimes, I'm alright with it. The day it goes outside this house though, we might have a little talk about it!
I know it's only been a month. I know I have time, and working out will help. I'm eating healthily and hoping to see some progress in the next two months.
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
2012 Goals Update
Back in January I wrote about what I wanted to accomplish this year.
Finish my second semester of graduate school, while pregnant, with my GPA still strong- My GPA wasn't as strong as I would have liked for it to be, but considering everything that happened that semester, I am happy with it. I was pregnant, my father-in-law passed away, Caleb had a hospital stay, a work trip and other little things, all of which took away from my school work.Take some time off work to savor the the last time we're a family of 4- After Memorial Day, Keith and I took a few days off to spend with the boys, and although I was feeling kind of uncomfortable at that point having a cold and all, we went to the Cleveland Zoo and did some other fun things.Welcome baby into our family- We did this! :)- Breastfeed baby - So far so good! I won't call it completely checked off until we transition back to working too, but we're well on our way.
- Send the boys to kindergarten (They're so grown up!) - Later this month!
- Run a 5K after having baby - I miss working out. I need to start working on this.
- Celebrate our 3rd year of marriage with my husband - My first day back to work was supposed to be our anniversary. We're taking a vacation day to celebrate together, and I'll go back to work the day after our anniversary.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
2011 - A Running Year in Review
A few weeks ago I received my annual training summary from daily mile. I was pleased to be able to say I increased my mileage over 2010!
My highest mileage month was October at 77 miles, which was just as I was finishing up my half marathon training.
Except for the half marathon I took the months of November and December off running during the year. Mainly because I was pregnant and miserable those first few months.
Racing this year was not something I focused on, at least not until the end of the year when after a miscarriage, I decided I needed to train for something. Looking back, working out and running is how I've dealt with both as I initially started running after our first pregnancy experience.
I ran a 5K in February with Lisa, and boy was it cold! I wrote about it finally in July, and the weather had sure change by then!
I participated in the Akron Marathon Relay in September with the second leg at 5.7 miles and got my running motivation to race back.
In October I ran the Spirit Day 5K sponsored by my employer and set a 5K PR!
Then in November I set another PR in my very first half marathon! I ran the Stomp the Grapes Half Marathon, unknowingly 6 weeks pregnant!
My running goals for 2012 are small and may seem simple, but in reality I expect it will be a challenge. My goal is to run 1 5K in 2012 after having the baby. I have to start somewhere again!
My highest mileage month was October at 77 miles, which was just as I was finishing up my half marathon training.
Except for the half marathon I took the months of November and December off running during the year. Mainly because I was pregnant and miserable those first few months.
Racing this year was not something I focused on, at least not until the end of the year when after a miscarriage, I decided I needed to train for something. Looking back, working out and running is how I've dealt with both as I initially started running after our first pregnancy experience.
I ran a 5K in February with Lisa, and boy was it cold! I wrote about it finally in July, and the weather had sure change by then!
I participated in the Akron Marathon Relay in September with the second leg at 5.7 miles and got my running motivation to race back.
In October I ran the Spirit Day 5K sponsored by my employer and set a 5K PR!
Then in November I set another PR in my very first half marathon! I ran the Stomp the Grapes Half Marathon, unknowingly 6 weeks pregnant!
My running goals for 2012 are small and may seem simple, but in reality I expect it will be a challenge. My goal is to run 1 5K in 2012 after having the baby. I have to start somewhere again!
Friday, January 06, 2012
Grown Up Living
Tonight on the way home from school the boys and I agreed they could play in the basement with their REALLY BIG box. On the way home, Caden told me that he wanted us to keep the REALLY BIG box until he grew up. He and Caleb agreed that they didn't need houses of their own when they grew up because they love us. They'll just live at our house and keep the big box in the basement so when someone comes to visit when they're grown up they can show them the box.
I'm sure the box will be long destroyed by the time they're grown up, but what melted my heart, they want to live at our house when they're grown up because they love us!
I'm sure the box will be long destroyed by the time they're grown up, but what melted my heart, they want to live at our house when they're grown up because they love us!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2011 in Photos
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| January marked the start of a new year with a new-ish dog, Belle! |
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| In February, I turned 25. |
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| In March, Keith turned 29. |
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| In April we celebrated our Savior on Easter in ties. |
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| In May the boys turned 5 at Walt Disney World! |
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| Caleb lead calves for the first time in June. |
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| Caden caught his first fish in July on one of our camping trips. |
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| In August the boys went with Keith and Papa Lowell to Kids Day at the local dirt track. |
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| In September, Caleb and Caden started their last year of preschool. |
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| In October we carved pumpkins. |
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| I ran my first half marathon in November. |
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| And in December we announced we were going to be a family of 5 next summer! |
Here we come 2012!
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Half Marathon Race Photos
These photos were taken prior to the race. I didn't stick around long enough after for any photo evidence of it. I didn't want any photo evidence of that finish.
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| My friend Lisa, who finished in 2:09:20! |
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Stomp the Grapes Half Marathon
I ran participated in my first half marathon Saturday.
The plan was to run it, and I did for part of it, but I couldn't sustain it.
The week before the race, both my kids came down with some kind of cold and a nasty cough. Being the loving, sharing family that we are; I also came down with said cold. I could feel it starting for the week, so I took extra precautions and took vitamin c everyday, went to bed early, washed my hands like crazy, and I kept it at bay. Or at least I thought I was. I might have been in denial about the significance of it, but it is certainly better than more colds I've had.
I knew it would make the race a bit harder, but I certainly didn't anticipate how awful it would be.
My first mile was faster than it should have been at just under 10 minutes, so I consciously slowed down. I managed to run the first 7 miles with my planned walk breaks every two miles, plus the water stops that didn't align because I can't drink on the run.
Somewhere in the seventh mile, I lost my running groove. I ran the whole 11th mile, but other than that it was mostly walking, with some spurts of running.
So many thoughts went through my head. A short list of them is below.
I finished in 2:56:53. I was 598th of 620 finishers. That certainly didn't go as planned.
I felt awful by the time I finished, and was ready to go immediately. You know it's a bad race when I didn't even stick around for the wine. I wanted to go home.
To add salt to the wound of my ego for the race, we ate at IHOP on the way home, and I forgot my race bib there. I realized it when I got home and nearly cried. I'm obsessive about collecting my bibs, writing my times on them, and hanging them together in my bedroom. Now my collection is not complete, and of my first half marathon race.
It's taken me a few days to be able to write this post. I was still disappointed in my results Monday at work; it didn't help that all my co-workers wanted to know how it went.
I'm still feeling bad with this cold, which is worse now. I haven't ran since either, but it's only been a few days. What my running plans are next, I have no idea.
I'll post a pre-race picture soon too.
The plan was to run it, and I did for part of it, but I couldn't sustain it.
The week before the race, both my kids came down with some kind of cold and a nasty cough. Being the loving, sharing family that we are; I also came down with said cold. I could feel it starting for the week, so I took extra precautions and took vitamin c everyday, went to bed early, washed my hands like crazy, and I kept it at bay. Or at least I thought I was. I might have been in denial about the significance of it, but it is certainly better than more colds I've had.
I knew it would make the race a bit harder, but I certainly didn't anticipate how awful it would be.
My first mile was faster than it should have been at just under 10 minutes, so I consciously slowed down. I managed to run the first 7 miles with my planned walk breaks every two miles, plus the water stops that didn't align because I can't drink on the run.
Somewhere in the seventh mile, I lost my running groove. I ran the whole 11th mile, but other than that it was mostly walking, with some spurts of running.
So many thoughts went through my head. A short list of them is below.
- Should I or should I not call my husband to come pick me up? (I did not.)
- I may never run again.
- Why do I run? THIS SUCKS!
- I think I could be happy fat.
- I trained so hard to suck this much!?
- Why can't I see people behind me anymore?
I finished in 2:56:53. I was 598th of 620 finishers. That certainly didn't go as planned.
I felt awful by the time I finished, and was ready to go immediately. You know it's a bad race when I didn't even stick around for the wine. I wanted to go home.
To add salt to the wound of my ego for the race, we ate at IHOP on the way home, and I forgot my race bib there. I realized it when I got home and nearly cried. I'm obsessive about collecting my bibs, writing my times on them, and hanging them together in my bedroom. Now my collection is not complete, and of my first half marathon race.
It's taken me a few days to be able to write this post. I was still disappointed in my results Monday at work; it didn't help that all my co-workers wanted to know how it went.
I'm still feeling bad with this cold, which is worse now. I haven't ran since either, but it's only been a few days. What my running plans are next, I have no idea.
I'll post a pre-race picture soon too.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Spirit Day 5K
My employer sponsored a 5K today.
There were about 40 participants, and I finished second in my female age group. I was 10-ish seconds behind the top finisher in our female age group, who happens to be a good friend of mine.
I started out with a friend, that top finisher, who I knew would be faster. After roughly a half mile, I fell back a bit and ended up running with a new team members to our department. We hung together really well through it.
My first mile was at 8:44.
My second mile was 10:00.
My last 1.1 mile was 8:14.
And it was a personal record 5K time!
There were about 40 participants, and I finished second in my female age group. I was 10-ish seconds behind the top finisher in our female age group, who happens to be a good friend of mine.
I started out with a friend, that top finisher, who I knew would be faster. After roughly a half mile, I fell back a bit and ended up running with a new team members to our department. We hung together really well through it.
My first mile was at 8:44.
My second mile was 10:00.
My last 1.1 mile was 8:14.
And it was a personal record 5K time!
Friday, October 14, 2011
2011 Akron Relay Recap
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I ran in the Akron Marathon Relay, and I loved it!
Our team's final time was 4:45:03.
I ran the second leg of the race, a distance of 5.7 miles.
My official time was 1 hour, 1 minute, 36 seconds. This means I maintained miles under 11 minutes, which is awesome.
There were SO MANY RUNNERS! I mean I expected that, but to see it, and to see the crowd, it was an amazing experience.
And the crowd, well, it rocked too.
There sense of support they provided for the friends and/or family that were running was wonderful. I knew my family would be somewhere near the end of my leg of the race, and seeing so many kids cheering for their parents on the route, made me exicted to get to see my kids cheering too.
Somewhere in the middle of my leg, I ran into a college friend of mine who was running it. We ran together for a minute and chatted quickly before I headed off to finish my leg. She was running the half marathon, and did pretty great! We went to college over 2 hours away, but she was from the area orginally and had traveled back to visit family and run.
This was by far the largest race I've ever participated in, and one I hope to participate in again in years to come.
Our team's final time was 4:45:03.
I ran the second leg of the race, a distance of 5.7 miles.
My official time was 1 hour, 1 minute, 36 seconds. This means I maintained miles under 11 minutes, which is awesome.
There were SO MANY RUNNERS! I mean I expected that, but to see it, and to see the crowd, it was an amazing experience.
And the crowd, well, it rocked too.
There sense of support they provided for the friends and/or family that were running was wonderful. I knew my family would be somewhere near the end of my leg of the race, and seeing so many kids cheering for their parents on the route, made me exicted to get to see my kids cheering too.
Somewhere in the middle of my leg, I ran into a college friend of mine who was running it. We ran together for a minute and chatted quickly before I headed off to finish my leg. She was running the half marathon, and did pretty great! We went to college over 2 hours away, but she was from the area orginally and had traveled back to visit family and run.
This was by far the largest race I've ever participated in, and one I hope to participate in again in years to come.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
2011 Akron Relay
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| Taken just before entering relay point #2. |
Hopefully soon I'll get a chance to write more about my experience, why it was so awesome, and why I hope to be able to do it again!
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Running Motivation
I volunteered to run a leg of the Akron Marathon Relay later this month when a friend from high was putting together on Facebook.
My leg is 5.7 miles, which means I need to train!
How do I motivate myself to hey out of bed before the sun rises?
I hung the course map from my lamp on my nightstand. I see it when I go to turn off the alarm, or you know, hit snooze.
How do you motivate yourself?
My leg is 5.7 miles, which means I need to train!
How do I motivate myself to hey out of bed before the sun rises?
I hung the course map from my lamp on my nightstand. I see it when I go to turn off the alarm, or you know, hit snooze.
How do you motivate yourself?
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Frosty 5K
Back in February I ran my first 5K of 2011. It was also the worst 5K time I've had to date. I friend with a friend/co-worker at an area rec center.
My training for this 5K was pathetic in comparison, especially when it came to outside training. I hadn't ran outside since the fall when it came time for this 5K. I had done all my running on a treadmill.
I hung with my friend for the first mile around minutes, but then I couldn't keep up. The cold air was no match for my lungs at the time. I finished in 33:56.
The part that I'm most ashamed of, I've hardly improved my pace or my training since then. I've kept up a somewhat regular workout schedule, even if it may be week. I managed to get 1-2 in every week. One of those is kickboxing, and I'm trying to get at least one run in a week.
Let's hoping I can turn this around soon. Especially since I'm supposed to run a leg of the Akron Marathon with a group of co-workers this September!
My training for this 5K was pathetic in comparison, especially when it came to outside training. I hadn't ran outside since the fall when it came time for this 5K. I had done all my running on a treadmill.
I hung with my friend for the first mile around minutes, but then I couldn't keep up. The cold air was no match for my lungs at the time. I finished in 33:56.
The part that I'm most ashamed of, I've hardly improved my pace or my training since then. I've kept up a somewhat regular workout schedule, even if it may be week. I managed to get 1-2 in every week. One of those is kickboxing, and I'm trying to get at least one run in a week.
Let's hoping I can turn this around soon. Especially since I'm supposed to run a leg of the Akron Marathon with a group of co-workers this September!
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