And its finished!

Tags

10k, 5k, goal, Nike, Running

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So

 

 

Its finished!  I went into this with pretty realistic expectations knowing I would be happy with a 41 minute finish time- as its the quickest time I’ve been able to finish this course in, and that was once.  It’s 70% hill, so anything under 35 minutes is really only realistic on this course if you’re pretty fit.  I am on my way, but knew that wasn’t really going to happen, unless its a flat 5K.  I did what I was told and drank plenty of water for the next 2 days, stayed away from junk food and stretched.  

My husband thinks I am working too hard on this, but what he isn’t grasping is this ISN’T EASY for me!  I HAVE to work at it.  I have never been a runner, hence, why I get so damn excited with little milestones.  It’s hard work for me.  I knew though, no matter what… I can do this!  I have practiced it enough.  When I got there I was a little nervous.  But, it was well organized.  I lined myself up in the back of the pack- I don’t want to hold anyone back.. ha ha.  When the gun went off I resisted the urge to bolt out with the crowd and took it slow.  The first mile should be the slowest.  I did the first mile in around 13 minutes.  The second mile about the same.  The third mile I did an 11 minute mile!  That was a first for me!  I kid you not, I was keeping pace with a 6 year old.  

She was the cutest thing ever, high fiving spectators, not complaining or giving her dad a hard time about running.  My little one would be giving out the whole way. Sure, she would walk for a few minutes, but then here she would come from behind to pass me up.  I told her as we were running, “Good Job!  You are beating me!”  Humbling.  But, it was so awesome to see her out there.  

When I approached the corner that leads to finish line I heard in my ear buds 38 minutes!  I thought, Oh my god! I can maybe do this in under 40 minutes.  I picked it up and started sprinting to the finish line.  I could see the timer counting down.. and, ‘I ran like the wind, Bullseye” (reference from Toy Story).  I almost made it.  I completed in 40.13 minutes.  According to my Nike running app I finished in 39.39.. I am just sayin’…. But, in any case I finished in the best time ever.  I was so overcome with emotion when I finished I cried (just a little, not sobbing).  I looked around for someone, anyone… Finally, I saw my husband and daughter.  This was my first running event.  I never thought I would ever do one.  It was my baby step.  Now, I am ready to take on my next challenge.  I am looking for a 10K.

Here is the outfit and nails .. 5 am comes early!

I had fun putting the outfit together and have my bib secured!  Until tomorrow……….

first real running event.

I have my outfit, my nails painted, but most importantly of all I PREPARED !

Tags

5k, Clo Cow marathon, fitness, Running, training

I write this two nights (US time) before my 5K debut.  I know, it doesn’t sound like a lot, but this run is harder than any other 5K run I have done.  I run 5 kilometers all the time, but I don’t usually run hills.  So, I trained for this one.  

I have been running the course at least once a week for about 5 weeks.  It hasn’t really got any easier, but my recovery time has improved dramatically.  A few times I have run the course in the evening when it was cooler, and it felt pretty good…still hard, but pretty good.  Although, afterwards, I was stiff, sore and needed ibuprofen to really get moving the next day.  

Thursday I ran the course about 3:30 pm after work.  It was about 83 degrees outside.  The warm wind was blowing against me while I made my way the mile and half upwards.  I was thinking, ‘O.M.G this is never getting any easier!’  But, then countered– reminding myself of the conditions.  They aren’t easy for anyone.  I kept trucking. I wanted to quit about 2.8 miles into it, but I refused to let myself.  I was feeling a little exhausted, and thought I might even throw up.. I don’t do well running in the heat.  I kept going!  I finished with a 42 minute time about a minute longer than my fastest (Clo Cow route time) not too bad actually.  

Afterwards, I did my stretching and I noticed I was feeling pretty good still.  I felt good all night, and the next day.  The usual soreness and stiffness didn’t visit me this time.  I mentioned to my friend I had felt about 70% better than any of the other times I have run the route.  She says, “You know what that’s called?”  I reply, “No.”  She said, “FITNESS.”  Damn, she’s smart.  Of course!  As, I get fitter my recovery time will be easier! Thank goodness! 

I have a new outfit (after training for this I am going to wear something I feel good in) and I painted my nails to match my outfit!  That is only icing on the cake.  The main ingredient was hard work.  I know I can run it.  I am confident I am ready.  I won’t be the fastest.  But, I wont be the slowest either.  I am leaps and bounds away from where I was a year ago.  I am very proud of myself.  And I am ready.  BRING IT!