Let's pretend that I'm still running, shall we? If I were still running and had an upcoming race, this week's Music for Your Monday song would definitely make my playlist. "Eye on It" by TobyMac is the perfect running song: infectious, with a steady, uptempo beat. I like to think it helped me achieve my 5k PR back in October. If you run or do other exercise, what songs help motivate you?
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Monday, April 29, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Missing: My Running Mojo
Once upon a time, I was a runner.
After years of living a sedentary lifestyle, in 2008 I started exercising, and in 2009, I began running, something I never thought I would do. I started with the Couch to 5k program, ran in my first 5k race, and I was hooked. While I didn't always love the act of running itself (let's face it, it's HARD), I loved how I felt after finishing a run, and I loved the calorie burn that running provided. From the beginning of my running journey, however, I struggled to gain momentum and find my groove. I would run very consistently for months then either get burned out or get bored. I got in a rut of only running short distances, which prompted me to train for a half marathon that I then decided not to run. After that experience, I took a couple months off from running, and just as I was getting back into a routine, I got pregnant. I ran sporadically for the first trimester and even a little bit in the second before deciding to stick to walking, as running just felt uncomfortable.
After I had Charlotte, I couldn't WAIT to get back into running but struggled to find time to workout when Charlotte was a newborn (and for months after that). I did finally manage to finish Couch to 5k again and ran a 4-miler on my 30th birthday that October, but then my running fell off until the new year, when I decided to try yet again to complete a half marathon. Training for a half the second time around was really a wonderful experience. I enjoyed my runs a lot more and felt confident and ready to meet my goal. I finally crossed that half marathon finish line in March 2012 and felt on top of the world. Still, after the race I floundered a bit since I had no real goal to reach for, and my running was rather inconsistent through the summer months. I still managed to run a few races, though, and when fall rolled around, I started to find my running groove again. I set a new 5k PR and came within SECONDS of finishing in under 30 minutes, and a few days after that I ran 4 miles for the first time in months. I was looking forward to the cooler months ahead and thinking about running the Andrew Jackson Half again and maybe even running another half in the latter part of 2013.
Then I got diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, and my running came to a complete halt. For weeks I was so sick that running was impossible and yet I couldn't wait to get back to it. Then, slowly, I started to regain my energy. I was discouraged by the thought of having to start all over with my running and discouraged by the fact that my doctor strongly advised against my doing any more half marathons, but I rang in the new year by running a mile without stopping. I thought I was back on track.
The truth is, though, that the run on January 1 is the only mile I have run nonstop since the year began. Last week I could barely run for four minutes straight on the treadmill. I am so frustrated that I have lost all my endurance, and while I know part of it couldn't be helped because I was sick for a solid two months, if I had been more consistent with my running after that first mile, I wouldn't have lost all of my running base. I truly am back at the beginning again. I don't want to go through Couch to 5k for what seems like the 100th time, but I think I need to. I just can't go out and run a 5k tomorrow, and that kills me.
Not only have I lost my endurance, I have also lost my speed. Before I got sick, I was finally getting faster at races and getting so close to meeting my goal of a sub-30:00 5k, and now I am back to running a 12-minute mile. There is nothing wrong with a 12:00 minute mile except for the fact that I have been there and done that and am ready to move on.
I can't move on, though, if I don't get up and MOVE. It's time to stop whining and start running! I may be starting over, but at least I know that I can do this because I've done it before. I will get my mojo back!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I better get to bed so I can get up and hit the treadmill. :)
After years of living a sedentary lifestyle, in 2008 I started exercising, and in 2009, I began running, something I never thought I would do. I started with the Couch to 5k program, ran in my first 5k race, and I was hooked. While I didn't always love the act of running itself (let's face it, it's HARD), I loved how I felt after finishing a run, and I loved the calorie burn that running provided. From the beginning of my running journey, however, I struggled to gain momentum and find my groove. I would run very consistently for months then either get burned out or get bored. I got in a rut of only running short distances, which prompted me to train for a half marathon that I then decided not to run. After that experience, I took a couple months off from running, and just as I was getting back into a routine, I got pregnant. I ran sporadically for the first trimester and even a little bit in the second before deciding to stick to walking, as running just felt uncomfortable.
After I had Charlotte, I couldn't WAIT to get back into running but struggled to find time to workout when Charlotte was a newborn (and for months after that). I did finally manage to finish Couch to 5k again and ran a 4-miler on my 30th birthday that October, but then my running fell off until the new year, when I decided to try yet again to complete a half marathon. Training for a half the second time around was really a wonderful experience. I enjoyed my runs a lot more and felt confident and ready to meet my goal. I finally crossed that half marathon finish line in March 2012 and felt on top of the world. Still, after the race I floundered a bit since I had no real goal to reach for, and my running was rather inconsistent through the summer months. I still managed to run a few races, though, and when fall rolled around, I started to find my running groove again. I set a new 5k PR and came within SECONDS of finishing in under 30 minutes, and a few days after that I ran 4 miles for the first time in months. I was looking forward to the cooler months ahead and thinking about running the Andrew Jackson Half again and maybe even running another half in the latter part of 2013.
Then I got diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, and my running came to a complete halt. For weeks I was so sick that running was impossible and yet I couldn't wait to get back to it. Then, slowly, I started to regain my energy. I was discouraged by the thought of having to start all over with my running and discouraged by the fact that my doctor strongly advised against my doing any more half marathons, but I rang in the new year by running a mile without stopping. I thought I was back on track.
The truth is, though, that the run on January 1 is the only mile I have run nonstop since the year began. Last week I could barely run for four minutes straight on the treadmill. I am so frustrated that I have lost all my endurance, and while I know part of it couldn't be helped because I was sick for a solid two months, if I had been more consistent with my running after that first mile, I wouldn't have lost all of my running base. I truly am back at the beginning again. I don't want to go through Couch to 5k for what seems like the 100th time, but I think I need to. I just can't go out and run a 5k tomorrow, and that kills me.
Not only have I lost my endurance, I have also lost my speed. Before I got sick, I was finally getting faster at races and getting so close to meeting my goal of a sub-30:00 5k, and now I am back to running a 12-minute mile. There is nothing wrong with a 12:00 minute mile except for the fact that I have been there and done that and am ready to move on.
I can't move on, though, if I don't get up and MOVE. It's time to stop whining and start running! I may be starting over, but at least I know that I can do this because I've done it before. I will get my mojo back!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I better get to bed so I can get up and hit the treadmill. :)
Monday, December 10, 2012
The New Normal
I have struggled with what to write on here since getting diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. It's not that I don't have anything to say, but more that I don't know how to focus my thoughts. I'm a bit all over the place these days, so the blog may a bit all over the place as well. I haven't been sure of how much I should share about my condition, but let's be real, I've never been one to hold much back on the blog, so I'll probably be chronicling a lot of this new normal that I am still adjusting to.
The good news is, I am feeling much better. Though all of my symptoms have not resolved (and by symptoms I basically mean diarrhea), I have a healthy appetite, and I have more energy. I also have been sleeping a lot better (except for last night) thanks to a new sleeping pill, which is a blessing (the steroid I am taking comes with some delightful side effects, one of which seems to be insomnia). I still feel physically weak and have occasional bouts of dizziness, but I have come a long way from the days where I felt as though I couldn't even get out of the bed. I am hoping to start getting in some light forms of exercise soon, maybe this week if I can find the time. I certainly don't think I'll be running any races any time soon, but I am longing to get back to running. I miss it so much.
Speaking of running, my GI doctor told me at my last appointment that he would advise against me running any more half marathons because it could aggravate my condition. I was very disappointed when he told me this because I had planned to try and run two half marathons, but I can still try and run shorter distances, so that is what I will do. After all, I still have to chase after my goal of getting a sub-30:00 5k time!
Thursday of this week is a big day for me. Since I have a fairly severe case of ulcerative colitis and have not responded to the steroids as well as the doctor would have liked (I should have been off them by now), I am going to be on some medication for the long term. There are two main drugs that my doctor recommended--Remicade and Humira. Remicade is administered through an IV once every 8 weeks, and Humira is a shot that I would give myself every 2 weeks. After researching and praying and talking with the doctor, I've decided to go with Humira. I don't love the idea of giving myself shots, but I do like that I can do it at home and not have to go anywhere. The side effects and risks of both drugs are very similar, and if I do not respond well to the Humira, I imagine the doctor will put me on Remicade next. On Thursday I will go to the doctor and be trained on how to give the injections. The first round is 4 shots, so I am glad that the nurse will be helping me with those because it's kind of daunting to think of doing so many at one time. After 15 days, I will give myself 2 injections, and then every 15 days after that I will only give myself 1 injection. After about a month of this, I should be a pro, right?! The goal of the medication is to put me in remission, and I pray that it happens sooner rather than later, but at this point I don't really know what to expect.
At times I have been overwhelmed when I think about the fact that I will have this condition for the rest of my life, but I have had to stop myself from thinking that way. The truth is, all I am given is today, and that is a gift. I don't have to worry about tomorrow or the next day, or the day after that. God has my life in His ever capable, trustworthy hands, and none of this has come as a surprise to Him. He is using this whole experience to draw me closer to Him, and I can honestly say that the past several weeks have left me feeling more in love with Jesus than ever before. I am so, so grateful for my life.
The good news is, I am feeling much better. Though all of my symptoms have not resolved (and by symptoms I basically mean diarrhea), I have a healthy appetite, and I have more energy. I also have been sleeping a lot better (except for last night) thanks to a new sleeping pill, which is a blessing (the steroid I am taking comes with some delightful side effects, one of which seems to be insomnia). I still feel physically weak and have occasional bouts of dizziness, but I have come a long way from the days where I felt as though I couldn't even get out of the bed. I am hoping to start getting in some light forms of exercise soon, maybe this week if I can find the time. I certainly don't think I'll be running any races any time soon, but I am longing to get back to running. I miss it so much.
Speaking of running, my GI doctor told me at my last appointment that he would advise against me running any more half marathons because it could aggravate my condition. I was very disappointed when he told me this because I had planned to try and run two half marathons, but I can still try and run shorter distances, so that is what I will do. After all, I still have to chase after my goal of getting a sub-30:00 5k time!
Thursday of this week is a big day for me. Since I have a fairly severe case of ulcerative colitis and have not responded to the steroids as well as the doctor would have liked (I should have been off them by now), I am going to be on some medication for the long term. There are two main drugs that my doctor recommended--Remicade and Humira. Remicade is administered through an IV once every 8 weeks, and Humira is a shot that I would give myself every 2 weeks. After researching and praying and talking with the doctor, I've decided to go with Humira. I don't love the idea of giving myself shots, but I do like that I can do it at home and not have to go anywhere. The side effects and risks of both drugs are very similar, and if I do not respond well to the Humira, I imagine the doctor will put me on Remicade next. On Thursday I will go to the doctor and be trained on how to give the injections. The first round is 4 shots, so I am glad that the nurse will be helping me with those because it's kind of daunting to think of doing so many at one time. After 15 days, I will give myself 2 injections, and then every 15 days after that I will only give myself 1 injection. After about a month of this, I should be a pro, right?! The goal of the medication is to put me in remission, and I pray that it happens sooner rather than later, but at this point I don't really know what to expect.
At times I have been overwhelmed when I think about the fact that I will have this condition for the rest of my life, but I have had to stop myself from thinking that way. The truth is, all I am given is today, and that is a gift. I don't have to worry about tomorrow or the next day, or the day after that. God has my life in His ever capable, trustworthy hands, and none of this has come as a surprise to Him. He is using this whole experience to draw me closer to Him, and I can honestly say that the past several weeks have left me feeling more in love with Jesus than ever before. I am so, so grateful for my life.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Race Report: Delta Dash 5k
Saturday I ran the Delta Dash 5k, and it was truly a race like no other. It all started when my husband woke me up Saturday morning and said, "It's 8:30." I said, "What?" in complete confusion because I knew there was no way we had slept that late on a Saturday, or that CHARLOTTE had slept that late on a Saturday. But yes, when I checked the clock, it was indeed 8:30 a.m.
This was a problem. Why? The Delta Dash 5k started at 9 a.m. I had approximately 10 minutes to get ready and leave the house. I debated not going, and was close to just skipping the race, but I decided to just go for it since I'd already paid for it. I didn't have time to get nervous--only time to change clothes, put up my hair, brush my teeth, and grab some water before heading out the door.
As I drove to the race, I kept thinking to myself that I was crazy for attempting to run this race. I hadn't really hydrated properly the day before and didn't feel the greatest; I had only been up for a grand total of 15 minutes so I hadn't had time to eat anything or even drink anything; and I was mentally unprepared. I always liked arriving at a race about 30 minutes before start, this time I got there just in time to register, throw my shirt in the car, and then head to the start line with the rest of the runners. As I waited for the race to start, I thought briefly to myself, "Wouldn't it be funny if I got a new PR (personal record) at this race?" However, I hadn't brought my Garmin since it wasn't charged, so I wouldn't be able to monitor my pace as closely as I normally like to unless I held my iPhone and watched the RunKeeper app the whole race. I had no plans to do any such thing, so I had to run by feel, something I haven't done since I got my Garmin for my birthday last October. I told myself to focus on enjoying the race and finishing in a respectable time, and before I had time to think much else, the race started!
The course was virtually identical to the one I ran in my least favorite 5k ever, back in May, but I enjoyed the run so much more this time around. I have no idea what the temperature was, but I would guess it was in the low 60s, and it felt humid to me, but I didn't mind it. I just listened to my music and ran, smiling every now and then at the fact that I was even running this race. I hit the mile 1 marker right after 10 minutes, which made me happy, and I told myself if I could just maintain that pace, I could get a new PR. I don't know if it was because I had been running more frequently and with more intensity recently or because I hadn't had time to mentally psyche myself out, but the whole run felt surprisingly easy to me.I hit 2 miles in exactly 20 minutes, and then I started to think that a new PR wasn't so out of the realm of possibility, and then I even let myself dream that I could realize my BIG goal of running a sub-30 5k. I pushed myself to run a little faster, and as I got closer and closer to the end, my mind was spinning like crazy, wondering if I would beat the PR I had just set last month. In a way, the race was more fun without my Garmin because I couldn't look at my pace every 2 seconds. Finally, I was nearing the end and made the entrance into the back of the stadium and rounded the bases to approach home plate, where the finish line was. As I got closer, I caught a glimpse of the time clock, and I felt as though my heart almost skipped a beat when I saw that it said 29:??. I was SO CLOSE to getting in under 30 minutes. I summoned every last ounce of energy I had, not knowing if it would be enough to get me there on time but knowing that I had to try. My legs pumped faster and faster, the finish line got closer and closer, the seconds kept ticking by...
...until finally I crossed the finish at 30:04! I allowed myself to be briefly disappointed that I had come so ridiculously close to meeting my ultimate race goal, but then I had an internal party at the fact that I had beaten my previous PR by over 2 minutes, within a span of 4 weeks!
After the race I talked briefly with one of my favorite former professors, who was running his 2nd ever 5k, and I decided to hang around for the awards ceremony, on the off chance that I had placed in my age group. It was a small race, and I was really proud of my time, so I thought it was moderately likely that I had placed.
It seemed to take forever before they started handing out medals, but finally it was time. They started with the female age categories, and I was surprised to see that there was only 1 person in more than one of the age categories. I thought to myself that it would be HILARIOUS if I placed as the only person in my age group, but I also wanted a more "legitimate" placement, if that makes sense. I was in the 30-34 age group, and they announced the 3rd place finisher first. Wasn't me. "Oh well," I thought, "maybe next time." Then I heard: "In second place, Erin Mount." Without even thinking, I blurted out, "That's me!" and practically skipped to get my medal. Even a day later I still can't believe that I placed 2nd in my age group! Granted, it was a small race and for all I know there were only 3 people in my age group, but STILL! I got a medal! (And I felt like I had actually earned that medal, instead of the time I placed in a race with my worst-ever 5k time.)
Hands down, best race ever. :)
This was a problem. Why? The Delta Dash 5k started at 9 a.m. I had approximately 10 minutes to get ready and leave the house. I debated not going, and was close to just skipping the race, but I decided to just go for it since I'd already paid for it. I didn't have time to get nervous--only time to change clothes, put up my hair, brush my teeth, and grab some water before heading out the door.
As I drove to the race, I kept thinking to myself that I was crazy for attempting to run this race. I hadn't really hydrated properly the day before and didn't feel the greatest; I had only been up for a grand total of 15 minutes so I hadn't had time to eat anything or even drink anything; and I was mentally unprepared. I always liked arriving at a race about 30 minutes before start, this time I got there just in time to register, throw my shirt in the car, and then head to the start line with the rest of the runners. As I waited for the race to start, I thought briefly to myself, "Wouldn't it be funny if I got a new PR (personal record) at this race?" However, I hadn't brought my Garmin since it wasn't charged, so I wouldn't be able to monitor my pace as closely as I normally like to unless I held my iPhone and watched the RunKeeper app the whole race. I had no plans to do any such thing, so I had to run by feel, something I haven't done since I got my Garmin for my birthday last October. I told myself to focus on enjoying the race and finishing in a respectable time, and before I had time to think much else, the race started!
The course was virtually identical to the one I ran in my least favorite 5k ever, back in May, but I enjoyed the run so much more this time around. I have no idea what the temperature was, but I would guess it was in the low 60s, and it felt humid to me, but I didn't mind it. I just listened to my music and ran, smiling every now and then at the fact that I was even running this race. I hit the mile 1 marker right after 10 minutes, which made me happy, and I told myself if I could just maintain that pace, I could get a new PR. I don't know if it was because I had been running more frequently and with more intensity recently or because I hadn't had time to mentally psyche myself out, but the whole run felt surprisingly easy to me.I hit 2 miles in exactly 20 minutes, and then I started to think that a new PR wasn't so out of the realm of possibility, and then I even let myself dream that I could realize my BIG goal of running a sub-30 5k. I pushed myself to run a little faster, and as I got closer and closer to the end, my mind was spinning like crazy, wondering if I would beat the PR I had just set last month. In a way, the race was more fun without my Garmin because I couldn't look at my pace every 2 seconds. Finally, I was nearing the end and made the entrance into the back of the stadium and rounded the bases to approach home plate, where the finish line was. As I got closer, I caught a glimpse of the time clock, and I felt as though my heart almost skipped a beat when I saw that it said 29:??. I was SO CLOSE to getting in under 30 minutes. I summoned every last ounce of energy I had, not knowing if it would be enough to get me there on time but knowing that I had to try. My legs pumped faster and faster, the finish line got closer and closer, the seconds kept ticking by...
...until finally I crossed the finish at 30:04! I allowed myself to be briefly disappointed that I had come so ridiculously close to meeting my ultimate race goal, but then I had an internal party at the fact that I had beaten my previous PR by over 2 minutes, within a span of 4 weeks!
After the race I talked briefly with one of my favorite former professors, who was running his 2nd ever 5k, and I decided to hang around for the awards ceremony, on the off chance that I had placed in my age group. It was a small race, and I was really proud of my time, so I thought it was moderately likely that I had placed.
It seemed to take forever before they started handing out medals, but finally it was time. They started with the female age categories, and I was surprised to see that there was only 1 person in more than one of the age categories. I thought to myself that it would be HILARIOUS if I placed as the only person in my age group, but I also wanted a more "legitimate" placement, if that makes sense. I was in the 30-34 age group, and they announced the 3rd place finisher first. Wasn't me. "Oh well," I thought, "maybe next time." Then I heard: "In second place, Erin Mount." Without even thinking, I blurted out, "That's me!" and practically skipped to get my medal. Even a day later I still can't believe that I placed 2nd in my age group! Granted, it was a small race and for all I know there were only 3 people in my age group, but STILL! I got a medal! (And I felt like I had actually earned that medal, instead of the time I placed in a race with my worst-ever 5k time.)
Monday, September 17, 2012
Race Report: Knight Run 5k
That's right, I had a race this weekend! I didn't mention it because I was nervous about it and wasn't even sure I would blog about it. The truth is, my running has been rather lackluster over the summer, and I haven't run more than 4 miles at one time since my half-marathon (which was March 31). The heat of summer took all desire to run right out of me, and I used that as an excuse to slack off. Still, I've managed to run 2-3 times a week, even if it's only 2 miles at a time, and I decided I needed to sign up for a race to get me back in the running groove. I picked the Knight Run 5k because it was at night, and I've never run a race at night, and one of my all-time favorite former professors was going to be playing in the band that provided the post-race entertainment. It was too good to pass up.
The race was scheduled to start at 6:30, so I got there around 6:00. Stephen and I debated bringing Charlotte out to the race, but since her bedtime is at 6:30, we didn't want to risk a meltdown, so I went to the race solo. I checked in, got my shirt, took it to my car, realized I didn't get gum (gum is a MUST for me when running), so then I went back to my car, got gum, then went to the bathroom. Good thing I got there early! I ended up running into a former student of mine from Union, and at first she didn't recognize me because I was a lot heavier when I taught her. We chatted until time for the race to start, and I was so glad I ran into her so I didn't have to stand around by myself. I was especially glad for the company given the fact that this race had a disproportionate amount of teenagers. This shouldn't have surprised me since the race was a fundraiser for a private high school, but I still felt old. It was drizzling a bit before the race, and I kind of hoped it would continue because the rain had a cooling effect.
Once 6:30 came, everyone gathered around the starting line, and we were off! I let lots of racers pass me and try to settle into a good rhythm. Going into the race I hoped to get a PR, but I also told myself that it was highly unlikely given my sporadic, unfocused running of late. Instead, I wanted to focus on simply enjoying the experience. (Of course, this didn't stop me from wearing my Garmin so I could obsessively monitor my pace, and it also didn't stop me from setting the RunKeeper app goal pace at 10:30/mile.) It wasn't 4 minutes into the race before I felt like I was struggling. The rain had died down at that point, and in its place was incredibly muggy weather. I had a hard time getting a good breath, so I slowed up a little. I eventually found my pace and focused on staying relatively consistent with it.
The race itself is kind of a blur. I checked my Garmin approximately 1,281 times, and my pace was all over the place in the first mile but then hovered around the 10:30-10:50 mile mark for a while. My hope for a PR remained, but even though the course was pretty flat, the entire run felt hard to me. I did a poor job of hydrating that day, so I was thirsty the whole time, and the only water station was before the end of the first mile. (I've never been to a race with only 1 water station!) I kept a running mental pep talk going, telling myself that I could stop to walk, but ONLY for 30 seconds. I did this at some point, and I think it really did help me pick up the pace after that.
There were no mile markers on the course, and I didn't hear my Garmin alarm for any of the miles, so I wasn't entirely sure if I was on track to beat my best 5k race time of 33:12. But as I looked down at my Garmin and saw 2.9 miles and saw the end of the course ahead, I had hope. I broke into an all out sprint, and I'm sure the older gentleman I passed mere feet from the finish didn't appreciate it, but I could see the time clock, and I had to get past that finish line. I kept my eyes fixed on that clock, and I crossed the finish at 32:09, a new personal record! I beat my previous PR by over a minute! I was ecstatic.
The interesting thing about this race is that according to my Garmin, I only ran 3.02 miles. If you'll recall, at my last 5k I ended up running MORE than a 5k (my Garmin said 3.37 miles), and this time I ended up running LESS. I've decided to put it out of my mind, though, because if I hadn't had my Garmin, I would just assume that I had completed a full 5k.
I'm so happy I decided to run this race and so happy that after more than TWO YEARS, I finally have a new PR! I also placed third in my age group. Out of four runners. Ha.
Here's my 5k playlist, for those interested. I didn't make it through all the songs since my pessimistic self planned for 41 minutes of race time. :)
1. "Take My Hand" by Shawn McDonald
2. "Spotlight" by MUTEMATH
3. "Me Without You" by TobyMac
4. "Savannah" by Relient K
5. "God Is Enough" by Lecrae
6. "Eye On It" by TobyMac
7. "Hurts Like Heaven" by Coldplay
8. "Princess of China" by Coldplay
9. "Walking on Water" by Lecrae
10. "Lose Myself" by TobyMac
11. "Sahara" by Relient K
The race was scheduled to start at 6:30, so I got there around 6:00. Stephen and I debated bringing Charlotte out to the race, but since her bedtime is at 6:30, we didn't want to risk a meltdown, so I went to the race solo. I checked in, got my shirt, took it to my car, realized I didn't get gum (gum is a MUST for me when running), so then I went back to my car, got gum, then went to the bathroom. Good thing I got there early! I ended up running into a former student of mine from Union, and at first she didn't recognize me because I was a lot heavier when I taught her. We chatted until time for the race to start, and I was so glad I ran into her so I didn't have to stand around by myself. I was especially glad for the company given the fact that this race had a disproportionate amount of teenagers. This shouldn't have surprised me since the race was a fundraiser for a private high school, but I still felt old. It was drizzling a bit before the race, and I kind of hoped it would continue because the rain had a cooling effect.
Once 6:30 came, everyone gathered around the starting line, and we were off! I let lots of racers pass me and try to settle into a good rhythm. Going into the race I hoped to get a PR, but I also told myself that it was highly unlikely given my sporadic, unfocused running of late. Instead, I wanted to focus on simply enjoying the experience. (Of course, this didn't stop me from wearing my Garmin so I could obsessively monitor my pace, and it also didn't stop me from setting the RunKeeper app goal pace at 10:30/mile.) It wasn't 4 minutes into the race before I felt like I was struggling. The rain had died down at that point, and in its place was incredibly muggy weather. I had a hard time getting a good breath, so I slowed up a little. I eventually found my pace and focused on staying relatively consistent with it.
The race itself is kind of a blur. I checked my Garmin approximately 1,281 times, and my pace was all over the place in the first mile but then hovered around the 10:30-10:50 mile mark for a while. My hope for a PR remained, but even though the course was pretty flat, the entire run felt hard to me. I did a poor job of hydrating that day, so I was thirsty the whole time, and the only water station was before the end of the first mile. (I've never been to a race with only 1 water station!) I kept a running mental pep talk going, telling myself that I could stop to walk, but ONLY for 30 seconds. I did this at some point, and I think it really did help me pick up the pace after that.
There were no mile markers on the course, and I didn't hear my Garmin alarm for any of the miles, so I wasn't entirely sure if I was on track to beat my best 5k race time of 33:12. But as I looked down at my Garmin and saw 2.9 miles and saw the end of the course ahead, I had hope. I broke into an all out sprint, and I'm sure the older gentleman I passed mere feet from the finish didn't appreciate it, but I could see the time clock, and I had to get past that finish line. I kept my eyes fixed on that clock, and I crossed the finish at 32:09, a new personal record! I beat my previous PR by over a minute! I was ecstatic.
The interesting thing about this race is that according to my Garmin, I only ran 3.02 miles. If you'll recall, at my last 5k I ended up running MORE than a 5k (my Garmin said 3.37 miles), and this time I ended up running LESS. I've decided to put it out of my mind, though, because if I hadn't had my Garmin, I would just assume that I had completed a full 5k.
I'm so happy I decided to run this race and so happy that after more than TWO YEARS, I finally have a new PR! I also placed third in my age group. Out of four runners. Ha.
 |
| Smiling in victory |
Here's my 5k playlist, for those interested. I didn't make it through all the songs since my pessimistic self planned for 41 minutes of race time. :)
1. "Take My Hand" by Shawn McDonald
2. "Spotlight" by MUTEMATH
3. "Me Without You" by TobyMac
4. "Savannah" by Relient K
5. "God Is Enough" by Lecrae
6. "Eye On It" by TobyMac
7. "Hurts Like Heaven" by Coldplay
8. "Princess of China" by Coldplay
9. "Walking on Water" by Lecrae
10. "Lose Myself" by TobyMac
11. "Sahara" by Relient K
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Race Report: H&M Relay for Life 5k
I'm going to call this race The One That Got Away. It didn't go at all how I'd hoped, but I still enjoyed myself. I signed up with the sole goal of getting a PR (personal record). My previous best in a 5k race was 33:12, set in March 2010. Recently I've been consistently running miles in the 10:30-10:45 range, so I had high hopes that I could beat that 33:12 time, especially since I'd run 3.1 miles the Sunday before in 32:48. In addition, the race was advertised as "flat and fast," so everything seemed to indicate a PR for me.
The race wasn't very organized, and the instructions we got at the starting line about where the turn-around was were slightly unclear. I just hoped that there would be people around me I could follow so I would know what I was doing. After several minutes, the race finally started. I let a bunch of people pass me, as is my usual practice, and focused on finding a good pace for me. The first mile was indeed nice and flat, and I finished it in 10:11, which is a new personal best for me. I was feeling good, if not a little warm. There were quite a few runners around me for the first mile, and then slowly some began to fall behind while others raced ahead of me. Before I knew it I was running by myself, which always seems to happen to me in races. It was around this point that I saw spray-painted on the road "5k turn," and I saw several runners ahead of me turning there. But what I also saw was that someone had written in chalk over that and had drawn arrows up ahead to signal that the turn for this race was still a little bit up the road. So I kept going after trying unsuccessfully to tell the others that they were turning at the wrong place. There was a water station at the turn, and though I wanted to get clarification about the turn, two other women were talking to him and I didn't want to lose time by stopping, so I turned around and kept going. I didn't see a mile marker for mile 2 and missed the alarm on my Garmin, so I had no idea when I actually finished 2 miles but knew I had more to go. My pace had slowed considerably because there was more of an incline at this part of the course, but I was still hopeful for a PR as I made my way back to the finish line and tried to pick up my pace. I saw my pace go down to 9:48 at several points, which made me happy.
However, as I approached the finish, I looked down at my Garmin and saw that I had gone 2.8 miles and was already at 30 minutes. I was so disappointed and knew there was no way I would get a PR, and I was also confused because I was still a good distance from the finish line at that point. Still, I kept my pace good and strong and tried to finish as fast as I could. The finish line was actually inside the minor league baseball stadium, which was cool, and I saw Stephen and Charlotte right before the finish and waved and gave a thumbs up. Finally, I crossed the finish, and someone called out my name over a loudspeaker, which I loved.
(One of the few pics Stephen managed to get while he juggled a squirmy toddler.)
Stephen also filmed a video as I rounded the bases before the finish line. It's cute because you can hear Charlotte saying "Mama."
What I did NOT love was the time I saw on the finish clock and on my Garmin: 34:49. I was even more frustrated when I saw that according to my Garmin I had actually run 3.37 miles and not 3.1. I didn't know what to make of this, and I still don't. A friend on Facebook suggested that I didn't run the tangents of the course, which is definitely possible, but there weren't all that many curves in the course . It's also possible that my Garmin gave an inaccurate reading, but it's never been off by such a wide margin before, and the sky was completely clear and unobstructed during the whole race. If there had been mile markers along the course I could have had a better idea of how my Garmin was matching up to the course. Only mile 1 was marked (and my Garmin was right on track with it), and then they marked every kilometer, which wasn't at all helpful.
Average pace if indeed I ran 3.1 miles: 11:13
Average pace for 3.37 miles according to my Garmin: 10:19
Placement:
6/16 in my age group
13/36 females
33/61 overall
Even though I was pretty disappointed after it was over, I still did well and didn't walk at all. I also finished in the middle of the pack in each category, whereas I normally rank near the bottom. Plus, I got a technical shirt and water bottle with my registration, and I do love some good swag! :)
Now I need to find another race to sign up for so I can get that new PR!
The race wasn't very organized, and the instructions we got at the starting line about where the turn-around was were slightly unclear. I just hoped that there would be people around me I could follow so I would know what I was doing. After several minutes, the race finally started. I let a bunch of people pass me, as is my usual practice, and focused on finding a good pace for me. The first mile was indeed nice and flat, and I finished it in 10:11, which is a new personal best for me. I was feeling good, if not a little warm. There were quite a few runners around me for the first mile, and then slowly some began to fall behind while others raced ahead of me. Before I knew it I was running by myself, which always seems to happen to me in races. It was around this point that I saw spray-painted on the road "5k turn," and I saw several runners ahead of me turning there. But what I also saw was that someone had written in chalk over that and had drawn arrows up ahead to signal that the turn for this race was still a little bit up the road. So I kept going after trying unsuccessfully to tell the others that they were turning at the wrong place. There was a water station at the turn, and though I wanted to get clarification about the turn, two other women were talking to him and I didn't want to lose time by stopping, so I turned around and kept going. I didn't see a mile marker for mile 2 and missed the alarm on my Garmin, so I had no idea when I actually finished 2 miles but knew I had more to go. My pace had slowed considerably because there was more of an incline at this part of the course, but I was still hopeful for a PR as I made my way back to the finish line and tried to pick up my pace. I saw my pace go down to 9:48 at several points, which made me happy.
However, as I approached the finish, I looked down at my Garmin and saw that I had gone 2.8 miles and was already at 30 minutes. I was so disappointed and knew there was no way I would get a PR, and I was also confused because I was still a good distance from the finish line at that point. Still, I kept my pace good and strong and tried to finish as fast as I could. The finish line was actually inside the minor league baseball stadium, which was cool, and I saw Stephen and Charlotte right before the finish and waved and gave a thumbs up. Finally, I crossed the finish, and someone called out my name over a loudspeaker, which I loved.
(One of the few pics Stephen managed to get while he juggled a squirmy toddler.)
Stephen also filmed a video as I rounded the bases before the finish line. It's cute because you can hear Charlotte saying "Mama."
What I did NOT love was the time I saw on the finish clock and on my Garmin: 34:49. I was even more frustrated when I saw that according to my Garmin I had actually run 3.37 miles and not 3.1. I didn't know what to make of this, and I still don't. A friend on Facebook suggested that I didn't run the tangents of the course, which is definitely possible, but there weren't all that many curves in the course . It's also possible that my Garmin gave an inaccurate reading, but it's never been off by such a wide margin before, and the sky was completely clear and unobstructed during the whole race. If there had been mile markers along the course I could have had a better idea of how my Garmin was matching up to the course. Only mile 1 was marked (and my Garmin was right on track with it), and then they marked every kilometer, which wasn't at all helpful.
Average pace if indeed I ran 3.1 miles: 11:13
Average pace for 3.37 miles according to my Garmin: 10:19
Placement:
6/16 in my age group
13/36 females
33/61 overall
Even though I was pretty disappointed after it was over, I still did well and didn't walk at all. I also finished in the middle of the pack in each category, whereas I normally rank near the bottom. Plus, I got a technical shirt and water bottle with my registration, and I do love some good swag! :)
Now I need to find another race to sign up for so I can get that new PR!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Race Report: Andrew Jackson Half Marathon
Saturday was an awesome day. Stephen and I woke up around 5:45 that morning because I planned to leave the house around 6:40 so I could get to Union University, the race site, around 6:50 (start time was 7:30). I had been bummed the night before that Stephen and Charlotte wouldn't be going with me because I didn't want to wake up Charlotte to go to the race (she usually sleeps until 7 or 7:15). However, Saturday morning she woke up at 6 a.m., so the whole family was off to the race site after much scrambling. I checked in, got my free shirt, attached my bib to my shirt, and got all my gear. I was ready!
I was super nervous before the race, but fortunately I timed my arrival to the race site well because I didn't have much time to stand around and over-think everything. Before I knew it, someone was calling for all the half marathoners to assemble at the start line. I gave Stephen and Charlotte a kiss and headed toward the back of the pack, since I knew I wasn't going to be among the fastest runners. I let out an audible sigh of anxiety, and the woman next to me smiled and asked me if this was my first. I told her it was, and she said, "It's not that bad. You can do it!" Even though I didn't know this woman, I really took comfort in her words. I could do it! I made sure to get the playlist cued up on my mp3 player and got my Garmin ready to push start the minute my feet crossed the starting line. The siren went off, and we were off!
I waited for the first surge of runners to take off before I started running. There were some people around me, but not too many, and I focused on finding my pace and enjoying myself. The first mile flew by, but I was a little dismayed to see that I finished it in 11:27, which was way too fast for me to maintain. I tried to go much slower my second mile and succeeded. It didn't take long for the faster runners to disappear from my sight, and soon I found myself running alone, with 2-3 runners about 100 feet in front of me and several behind me. I picked two runners in front of me to act as my own personal pacers since they seemed to be running a fairly consistent pace. I ended up following one of those runners the entire race, and it was really helpful to have someone to keep in my sights and help me stay focused on a steady pace. When I hit mile 3 I said loudly to a woman who happened to be right behind me, "Only 10 miles to go!" She wasn't amused and didn't even respond. I didn't care though because I was having a blast and was practically giddy about the fact that I was out there running in a race I once thought was impossible to complete.
The first 6 miles went by in a very pleasant fashion. My times were still a bit all over the place, but weren't nearly as fast as that first mile, and I felt good and strong. The course was through neighborhoods and rural areas, and the first half was mainly flat, with lots of shade. Given the fact that it was already 62 degrees when I had left my house at 6:40 that morning, I knew it was going to be warm by the time I finished, so I was glad for any shade and any hint of a breeze. I took my first Gu at mile 4 and planned to take the others at miles 7 and 10. I ended up running miles 3-7 right next to another woman, which was nice. She wasn't terribly chatty, but we exchanged a few words of encouragement, and I liked having someone else near me to break up the feeling of isolation.
At mile 7 I started to struggle. The sun was out in full force, and I was starting to get hot. I also felt like the road we were running on at that point was far too long, and there started to be more rolling hills. Mile 7 ended up being the slowest mile yet, but I told myself to just keep running. I rejoiced in the fact that I was over halfway there. The woman who had been keeping up with me must have been struggling as well because she soon fell behind, and I didn't see her the rest of the race.
Miles 8 and 9 were hot and brutal. I struggled mentally through them but got a boost right when I hit mile 9. My boss and his family came out to cheer for me! The course ran right by the front of his subdivision, so he and his wife and 2 daughters were all there cheering for me when I ran by, and it gave me such a shot of motivation! It was around that point that I thought to myself, "Okay, I've got this. I can do this."
Mile 10, however, was even longer than mile 7, and mile 11 wasn't much better. I struggled to keep running and ended up taking a walking break somewhere in mile 11. Even though my legs felt fine, I was SO HOT. I filled my handheld bottle at each water stop the last 4 miles. I was grateful for the fact that I had worn a sleeveless tech shirt and pitied the people I saw who had worn long sleeves (what were they thinking?!). Still, when I passed the mile 11 marker, I tried to put the thoughts of how hot I was out of my head and focused on the fact that only TWO MILES were left! When I saw that I finished mile 11 in 12:10, I knew I had to finish stronger than that. I tried to push myself and was aided by the course, which had a nice downhill towards the end of the race. I smiled the entire time I ran down that hill, knowing I was so close to the finish and so close to achieving my dream. I never saw the mile 12 marker, but my Garmin said 11:57 for that mile, which was better, but I knew I could do more.
Just in time, the song "God Is Enough" came on, and I focused on nothing but those words and the feel of my feet hitting the pavement. By the time the song was over, I had the mental boost I needed to give it my all at the end. When I rounded the final corner and saw the finish up ahead and saw my parents and Stephen and Charlotte, I kicked it up a notch. I sped across that finish, giving a yell of victory and throwing up my arms in triumph. I finished my first half marathon in 2:36!
Crossing that finish line was amazing. I couldn't believe I had done it! My legs were fatigued, I was dripping sweat, and I smelled rotten, but I had finished, and I had the medal to prove it (though I'm showing everyone the back of it and not the front--oops):
I ended up running that last mile in 11:27, the same exact pace as mile 1! I placed 18/22 in my age group, which is obviously not great, but I didn't run the race to place first.
Running the half marathon was a wonderful experience. I actually had fun, and it wound up not being as hard as I thought it would be. Yes, it was challenging, but it wasn't impossible. I reached my goal.
If I can run 13.1 miles, I can reach my goal weight!
My splits, for those interested:
Mile 1: 11:27
Mile 2: 11:55
Mile 3: 11:41
Mile 4: 11:53
Mile 5: 11:54
Mile 6: 11:43
Mile 7: 12:07
Mile 8: 12:01
Mile 9: 12:02
Mile 10: 12:09
Mile 11: 12:11
Mile 12: 11:57
Mile 13: 11:27
I was super nervous before the race, but fortunately I timed my arrival to the race site well because I didn't have much time to stand around and over-think everything. Before I knew it, someone was calling for all the half marathoners to assemble at the start line. I gave Stephen and Charlotte a kiss and headed toward the back of the pack, since I knew I wasn't going to be among the fastest runners. I let out an audible sigh of anxiety, and the woman next to me smiled and asked me if this was my first. I told her it was, and she said, "It's not that bad. You can do it!" Even though I didn't know this woman, I really took comfort in her words. I could do it! I made sure to get the playlist cued up on my mp3 player and got my Garmin ready to push start the minute my feet crossed the starting line. The siren went off, and we were off!
I waited for the first surge of runners to take off before I started running. There were some people around me, but not too many, and I focused on finding my pace and enjoying myself. The first mile flew by, but I was a little dismayed to see that I finished it in 11:27, which was way too fast for me to maintain. I tried to go much slower my second mile and succeeded. It didn't take long for the faster runners to disappear from my sight, and soon I found myself running alone, with 2-3 runners about 100 feet in front of me and several behind me. I picked two runners in front of me to act as my own personal pacers since they seemed to be running a fairly consistent pace. I ended up following one of those runners the entire race, and it was really helpful to have someone to keep in my sights and help me stay focused on a steady pace. When I hit mile 3 I said loudly to a woman who happened to be right behind me, "Only 10 miles to go!" She wasn't amused and didn't even respond. I didn't care though because I was having a blast and was practically giddy about the fact that I was out there running in a race I once thought was impossible to complete.
The first 6 miles went by in a very pleasant fashion. My times were still a bit all over the place, but weren't nearly as fast as that first mile, and I felt good and strong. The course was through neighborhoods and rural areas, and the first half was mainly flat, with lots of shade. Given the fact that it was already 62 degrees when I had left my house at 6:40 that morning, I knew it was going to be warm by the time I finished, so I was glad for any shade and any hint of a breeze. I took my first Gu at mile 4 and planned to take the others at miles 7 and 10. I ended up running miles 3-7 right next to another woman, which was nice. She wasn't terribly chatty, but we exchanged a few words of encouragement, and I liked having someone else near me to break up the feeling of isolation.
At mile 7 I started to struggle. The sun was out in full force, and I was starting to get hot. I also felt like the road we were running on at that point was far too long, and there started to be more rolling hills. Mile 7 ended up being the slowest mile yet, but I told myself to just keep running. I rejoiced in the fact that I was over halfway there. The woman who had been keeping up with me must have been struggling as well because she soon fell behind, and I didn't see her the rest of the race.
Miles 8 and 9 were hot and brutal. I struggled mentally through them but got a boost right when I hit mile 9. My boss and his family came out to cheer for me! The course ran right by the front of his subdivision, so he and his wife and 2 daughters were all there cheering for me when I ran by, and it gave me such a shot of motivation! It was around that point that I thought to myself, "Okay, I've got this. I can do this."
Mile 10, however, was even longer than mile 7, and mile 11 wasn't much better. I struggled to keep running and ended up taking a walking break somewhere in mile 11. Even though my legs felt fine, I was SO HOT. I filled my handheld bottle at each water stop the last 4 miles. I was grateful for the fact that I had worn a sleeveless tech shirt and pitied the people I saw who had worn long sleeves (what were they thinking?!). Still, when I passed the mile 11 marker, I tried to put the thoughts of how hot I was out of my head and focused on the fact that only TWO MILES were left! When I saw that I finished mile 11 in 12:10, I knew I had to finish stronger than that. I tried to push myself and was aided by the course, which had a nice downhill towards the end of the race. I smiled the entire time I ran down that hill, knowing I was so close to the finish and so close to achieving my dream. I never saw the mile 12 marker, but my Garmin said 11:57 for that mile, which was better, but I knew I could do more.
Just in time, the song "God Is Enough" came on, and I focused on nothing but those words and the feel of my feet hitting the pavement. By the time the song was over, I had the mental boost I needed to give it my all at the end. When I rounded the final corner and saw the finish up ahead and saw my parents and Stephen and Charlotte, I kicked it up a notch. I sped across that finish, giving a yell of victory and throwing up my arms in triumph. I finished my first half marathon in 2:36!
Crossing that finish line was amazing. I couldn't believe I had done it! My legs were fatigued, I was dripping sweat, and I smelled rotten, but I had finished, and I had the medal to prove it (though I'm showing everyone the back of it and not the front--oops):
I ended up running that last mile in 11:27, the same exact pace as mile 1! I placed 18/22 in my age group, which is obviously not great, but I didn't run the race to place first.
Running the half marathon was a wonderful experience. I actually had fun, and it wound up not being as hard as I thought it would be. Yes, it was challenging, but it wasn't impossible. I reached my goal.
If I can run 13.1 miles, I can reach my goal weight!
My splits, for those interested:
Mile 1: 11:27
Mile 2: 11:55
Mile 3: 11:41
Mile 4: 11:53
Mile 5: 11:54
Mile 6: 11:43
Mile 7: 12:07
Mile 8: 12:01
Mile 9: 12:02
Mile 10: 12:09
Mile 11: 12:11
Mile 12: 11:57
Mile 13: 11:27
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
A Reason to Run
It's half marathon week! I vacillate between being incredibly nervous and incredibly excited about Saturday's race. Mostly I am just ready to cross that finish line! While I have some lingering doubts about whether or not I can actually finish the half marathon, for the most part I feel like I've done what I could to prepare. I didn't always meet my goals for my runs during the week, but I faithfully completed all of my long runs, including two 9 milers and a 10 miler this past weekend. Of course, that means that come Saturday I'll still be running 3.1 miles longer than I have in training, but I'm trusting the training and adrenaline to carry me through. I know one thing: I WILL cross that finish line, no matter what! I may have to walk, hobble, or slowly jog across the finish, but I will finish.
Just a little less than 2 years ago, I decided not to run the half marathon I'd been training for. Honestly, I've regretted it ever since. I can't believe I put in all that work, all that time, and didn't run the race! But I can't change the past, and I have to admit that I've enjoyed the whole process a lot more this time around. What's interesting to me is that last time I was training I did walk/run intervals, but this time I'm running without planned walking breaks, and I would think that I would enjoy the walk/run method more. I'm not really sure why running has been more enjoyable this time, but maybe it's because I don't feel any pressure to finish this half marathon. I did feel pressure last time, as imaginary as it may have been. I am doing this for ME and only me, so I don't have anything to prove to anyone else.
I am running because I love to run. I am running because it makes me feel strong and happy and free. I am running because I am grateful for these legs that God has given me, and I want to keep them healthy. I am running because I am not the same girl who used to sit on the couch and stuff her face with junk while watching The Biggest Loser. I'm not the same girl who used to go shopping for clothes and come home crying because once again the number on the jeans was bigger than it had ever been before. That girl didn't dream of running a half marathon; she couldn't even imagine running half a mile.
When Saturday comes, I'll cross that finish line with a smile on my face and perhaps tears in my eyes, and I'll know that I had it in me to become THIS girl all along.
Just a little less than 2 years ago, I decided not to run the half marathon I'd been training for. Honestly, I've regretted it ever since. I can't believe I put in all that work, all that time, and didn't run the race! But I can't change the past, and I have to admit that I've enjoyed the whole process a lot more this time around. What's interesting to me is that last time I was training I did walk/run intervals, but this time I'm running without planned walking breaks, and I would think that I would enjoy the walk/run method more. I'm not really sure why running has been more enjoyable this time, but maybe it's because I don't feel any pressure to finish this half marathon. I did feel pressure last time, as imaginary as it may have been. I am doing this for ME and only me, so I don't have anything to prove to anyone else.
I am running because I love to run. I am running because it makes me feel strong and happy and free. I am running because I am grateful for these legs that God has given me, and I want to keep them healthy. I am running because I am not the same girl who used to sit on the couch and stuff her face with junk while watching The Biggest Loser. I'm not the same girl who used to go shopping for clothes and come home crying because once again the number on the jeans was bigger than it had ever been before. That girl didn't dream of running a half marathon; she couldn't even imagine running half a mile.
When Saturday comes, I'll cross that finish line with a smile on my face and perhaps tears in my eyes, and I'll know that I had it in me to become THIS girl all along.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Friday Five: Favorite Running Tunes
I love listening to music when I run, and having my cute little Sansa Clip Zip makes it even better because I hardly notice I'm using an mp3 player (I really should write a review of this product. Maybe I will!). Anyway, it's easy to get tired of hearing the same old songs every time I run, so I try and change up the music once a month or so. Here are 5 of my current favorite running songs, in no particular order because I can't rank them by how much I love them. The links will take you to YouTube videos of each song.
1. "Princess of China" by Coldplay. For some reason I am OBSESSED with this song. I play it about 3 or 4 times a day, which means it inevitably gets stuck in my head. There's no deep meaning or anything; it's just a fun little ditty.
2. "God is Enough" by Lecrae. Lecrae is a Christian hip hop artist, and he is the bomb diggity, yo. (I am so white.) I also listen to this song obsessively. It's an awesome running song. Go listen to it. You won't be sorry!
3. "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" by Coldplay. I know, another Coldplay song, but I just bought their Mylo Xyloto album recently because Amazon had it on sale for $0.25! Best quarter I ever spent. ("I shut the world outside until the lights come on/Maybe the streets alight, maybe the trees are gone/I feel my heart start beating to my favorite song.")
4. "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele. I love me some Adele, and this is my favorite Adele song. I think my good bloggy friend Andrea really likes this one, too. (Hi, Andrea!) I don't really know what this song means (besides the typical angsty Adele my-life-was-ruined-by-a-boy stuff), but I would love to know how one goes about setting the rain on fire. That would be awesome.
5. "Start Over" by The Afters. The lyrics in this song are so great and encouraging, especially when trying to push through a workout. ("The impossible is possible/But your fear is so responsible/for keeping you down,/keeping you down...You only fail/If you never try/You'll never live/Tryin' not to die.")
Now I must know: what are YOUR favorite workout songs? I'm always looking for new music!
1. "Princess of China" by Coldplay. For some reason I am OBSESSED with this song. I play it about 3 or 4 times a day, which means it inevitably gets stuck in my head. There's no deep meaning or anything; it's just a fun little ditty.
2. "God is Enough" by Lecrae. Lecrae is a Christian hip hop artist, and he is the bomb diggity, yo. (I am so white.) I also listen to this song obsessively. It's an awesome running song. Go listen to it. You won't be sorry!
3. "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" by Coldplay. I know, another Coldplay song, but I just bought their Mylo Xyloto album recently because Amazon had it on sale for $0.25! Best quarter I ever spent. ("I shut the world outside until the lights come on/Maybe the streets alight, maybe the trees are gone/I feel my heart start beating to my favorite song.")
4. "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele. I love me some Adele, and this is my favorite Adele song. I think my good bloggy friend Andrea really likes this one, too. (Hi, Andrea!) I don't really know what this song means (besides the typical angsty Adele my-life-was-ruined-by-a-boy stuff), but I would love to know how one goes about setting the rain on fire. That would be awesome.
5. "Start Over" by The Afters. The lyrics in this song are so great and encouraging, especially when trying to push through a workout. ("The impossible is possible/But your fear is so responsible/for keeping you down,/keeping you down...You only fail/If you never try/You'll never live/Tryin' not to die.")
Now I must know: what are YOUR favorite workout songs? I'm always looking for new music!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Not Every Run Is the Best Run
With my half marathon less than two weeks away, the pressure is on! On Saturday I had another 9 miler on my schedule, and I was looking forward to it all week. Then Saturday came, and I didn't want to do it. I had to go a little later in the morning (around 9:30) because Stephen had to take our dog to the vet, and it was already near 70 degrees by that point. (Apparently we're skipping spring and going straight to summer. Lame.) I knew it was going to be hot, and I have gotten so used to running in 40- and 50-degree weather that I knew the heat would be a rude awakening. Still, I knew I had to do it if I was going to be ready for my race, so to the park I went.
This run was the first one where I was using energy gels. The last 9 miler was tough because I didn't drink enough and then had serious gastrointestinal issues later on. I decided that the Gatorade G2 may be the reason my stomach was always upset after my runs, but I still needed to replenish my electrolytes, so I decided to buy some Gu energy gels. I bought 3 flavors: vanilla bean, lemon sublime, and strawberry banana. I brought the vanilla bean and lemon sublime with me and planned to take them around miles 4 and 7. I also brought 2 16-ounce bottles of water with me. I run a few laps around the park's trail and then run in a nearby neighborhood, so I left my water bottle by my car so I could just stop briefly to drink some water before continuing my run. I felt good about my plan to stay hydrated and fueled, so I started my playlist and began my run.
The first few miles weren't too bad, but it wasn't five minutes before I already had sweat running down my face. Despite a forecast that called for a chance of rain, the sun was out in all its brightness, and I could feel beads of moisture start to form on my forehead and in the crooks of my arms. But I knew dwelling on how hot I was would only make this the world's longest run, so I tried to distract myself with my music and just run. This worked most of the time, but I still watched my Garmin a lot more than I have in the past. I took my first Gu (the vanilla bean) at 3.75 miles, and it was so yummy! I really didn't expect it to taste very good, so I was pleasantly surprised at its taste. It was a very sticky, gooey substance, and I chased it down with a considerable amount of water before starting my run again. (I'm going to have to figure out a way to run and fuel/hydrate at the same time, but I'm not there yet. Even in past races I've always walked through water stations because I end up choking if I try to run and drink at the same time, but other runners seem to manage it.) After my brief break I headed into the neighborhood. Here I managed to tackle some hills and kept a relatively steady pace the whole time. With the exception of my first mile, which I consider a warm-up, all my miles were between 11:45-11:55, and I was happy with that. Still, I wanted the run to be DONE! It was hot, and I was not enjoying myself as much as I have on previous runs. I toyed with the idea of quitting at 7 miles, but I knew I had to finish this distance so I would be set to run 10 miles this week. I told myself the morning of my race could be really hot, and I certainly wasn't going to let heat prevent me from running the race, so why let it prevent me from finishing this training run?
I took my 2nd Gu and more water at mile 7 and headed back into the park to finish the last 2 miles. Not too long after I had taken the Gu, my stomach started to feel unsettled. I realized I had probably drunk too much water too quickly, and it was all sitting in my stomach like a brick. I ended up taking a walking break (my first one) for about a minute and a half before running again and actually felt much better. When my Garmin beeped to signal the completion of mile 8, I looked down and saw 12:26 as my time. I thought, "Oh, no you don't, Erin, you're not going to finish this run at a snail's pace!"
So I finished mile 9 in 11:15, the fastest mile of the whole run. :)
My run on Saturday wasn't my best run, but I still got out there and gave it my all. If I do the same thing the day of my race, I know I'll finish and finish strong.
FTC disclosure: Gu did not compensate me in any way for my review of its product. The opinions in this post are entirely my own.
This run was the first one where I was using energy gels. The last 9 miler was tough because I didn't drink enough and then had serious gastrointestinal issues later on. I decided that the Gatorade G2 may be the reason my stomach was always upset after my runs, but I still needed to replenish my electrolytes, so I decided to buy some Gu energy gels. I bought 3 flavors: vanilla bean, lemon sublime, and strawberry banana. I brought the vanilla bean and lemon sublime with me and planned to take them around miles 4 and 7. I also brought 2 16-ounce bottles of water with me. I run a few laps around the park's trail and then run in a nearby neighborhood, so I left my water bottle by my car so I could just stop briefly to drink some water before continuing my run. I felt good about my plan to stay hydrated and fueled, so I started my playlist and began my run.
The first few miles weren't too bad, but it wasn't five minutes before I already had sweat running down my face. Despite a forecast that called for a chance of rain, the sun was out in all its brightness, and I could feel beads of moisture start to form on my forehead and in the crooks of my arms. But I knew dwelling on how hot I was would only make this the world's longest run, so I tried to distract myself with my music and just run. This worked most of the time, but I still watched my Garmin a lot more than I have in the past. I took my first Gu (the vanilla bean) at 3.75 miles, and it was so yummy! I really didn't expect it to taste very good, so I was pleasantly surprised at its taste. It was a very sticky, gooey substance, and I chased it down with a considerable amount of water before starting my run again. (I'm going to have to figure out a way to run and fuel/hydrate at the same time, but I'm not there yet. Even in past races I've always walked through water stations because I end up choking if I try to run and drink at the same time, but other runners seem to manage it.) After my brief break I headed into the neighborhood. Here I managed to tackle some hills and kept a relatively steady pace the whole time. With the exception of my first mile, which I consider a warm-up, all my miles were between 11:45-11:55, and I was happy with that. Still, I wanted the run to be DONE! It was hot, and I was not enjoying myself as much as I have on previous runs. I toyed with the idea of quitting at 7 miles, but I knew I had to finish this distance so I would be set to run 10 miles this week. I told myself the morning of my race could be really hot, and I certainly wasn't going to let heat prevent me from running the race, so why let it prevent me from finishing this training run?
I took my 2nd Gu and more water at mile 7 and headed back into the park to finish the last 2 miles. Not too long after I had taken the Gu, my stomach started to feel unsettled. I realized I had probably drunk too much water too quickly, and it was all sitting in my stomach like a brick. I ended up taking a walking break (my first one) for about a minute and a half before running again and actually felt much better. When my Garmin beeped to signal the completion of mile 8, I looked down and saw 12:26 as my time. I thought, "Oh, no you don't, Erin, you're not going to finish this run at a snail's pace!"
So I finished mile 9 in 11:15, the fastest mile of the whole run. :)
My run on Saturday wasn't my best run, but I still got out there and gave it my all. If I do the same thing the day of my race, I know I'll finish and finish strong.
FTC disclosure: Gu did not compensate me in any way for my review of its product. The opinions in this post are entirely my own.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Best Run EVER
Saturday I was slated to run 7 miles again. About 2 miles into the run, I decided to make it 8. I felt good, and when I realized that mile 3 was faster than my previous 2 miles by 30 seconds, I felt REALLY good. I enjoyed the weather (cloudy and upper 40s) and the scenery and the time to zone out. When it was all said and done, I was thrilled to see that my average pace was faster than my standard 12 min. mile. Here are my times for each mile:
Mile 1: 12:02
Mile 2: 12:03
Mile 3: 11:33
Mile 4: 11:31
Mile 5: 11:21
Mile 6: 11:30
Mile 7: 11:11
Mile 8: 11:25
Did you see that mile 7?! I was ecstatic when I saw that time. I know by most runners' standards, that pace is a snail's pace, but I hardly EVER run that fast, and the fact that I ran that fast in my seventh mile is even better! I finished that run feeling amazing. I can't remember enjoying a run so much!
Take that, stupid scale! :)
Mile 1: 12:02
Mile 2: 12:03
Mile 3: 11:33
Mile 4: 11:31
Mile 5: 11:21
Mile 6: 11:30
Mile 7: 11:11
Mile 8: 11:25
Did you see that mile 7?! I was ecstatic when I saw that time. I know by most runners' standards, that pace is a snail's pace, but I hardly EVER run that fast, and the fact that I ran that fast in my seventh mile is even better! I finished that run feeling amazing. I can't remember enjoying a run so much!
Take that, stupid scale! :)
Friday, February 17, 2012
There's No Turning Back
I can't undo it. I'm committed.
What am I talking about, you ask? Well, I mailed in the registration for my first half marathon! I am running the Andrew Jackson Half Marathon on March 31! (Let's not talk about how that's NEXT MONTH, shall we?) When I was first looking for a race to register for, I dismissed this one almost automatically because it is so soon. However, the only other race that is going to be held in the near future and a feasible distance from me is the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville. I seriously considered this one, until I realized that 1) The registration fee is over $100, 2) there are THOUSANDS of people who run in the race, and 3) we'd have to pay not only for the registration but also for a hotel near the start, and there was no way I was going to shell out $300-$400 total totorture myself run a half marathon! So the Nashville half was out, and the Jackson half was back on the table. Sure, I could wait until later in the year to run in a different race (there are several in the fall), but I feel like I have good momentum right now and am ready to conquer this baby!
March 31, here I come! All of you are invited to come cheer me on. I'll be the one bringing up the rear. :)
What am I talking about, you ask? Well, I mailed in the registration for my first half marathon! I am running the Andrew Jackson Half Marathon on March 31! (Let's not talk about how that's NEXT MONTH, shall we?) When I was first looking for a race to register for, I dismissed this one almost automatically because it is so soon. However, the only other race that is going to be held in the near future and a feasible distance from me is the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville. I seriously considered this one, until I realized that 1) The registration fee is over $100, 2) there are THOUSANDS of people who run in the race, and 3) we'd have to pay not only for the registration but also for a hotel near the start, and there was no way I was going to shell out $300-$400 total to
March 31, here I come! All of you are invited to come cheer me on. I'll be the one bringing up the rear. :)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Just Keep Running
This weekend I was supposed to run 7 miles. I wasn't looking forward to it. For one thing, I only ran once this past week, and for a measly 2.5 miles, so I wasn't exactly prepared to run 7. Also, despite the fact that January was one of the mildest Januarys I can remember, all of a sudden winter decided to show up, and it was going to be COLD over the weekend. I'd more than likely end up running 7 miles inside, which would mean at least 90 minutes on the dreadmill. Finally, we had plans to go to Memphis to visit my family to celebrate my mom's birthday (she's a Valentine baby), and I knew if I was going to run I would have to get up early because we needed to leave the house around 11. This list of excuses is typically enough for me to just give up on running for the day, but I knew I had to do it if I was going to stay on top of my half marathon training, so I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m.
Yes, that's right, I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. on a SATURDAY. I used to think people who woke up early on the weekends to go and run were crazy. Now I am one of those people. And I probably am crazy.
But I was a crazy person running on the treadmill by 6:20, and I was actually feeling pretty proud of myself. Of course, it's easy to feel proud of yourself when you actually haven't run the 7 miles yet. Around mile 2.5 I started to think that I might lose my mind if I had to spend 4.5 more miles staring at the closet door. Even though I had a movie playing on my Kindle Fire, I was bored to tears. When I hit the 3 mile mark I decided to brave the winter weather and take my run outdoors. I changed into warmer clothes, grabbed my mp3 player and Garmin, and headed out the door.
Approximately 5 minutes later, I came back inside, convinced that I would a) die of frostbite or b) get blown away by the tremendous wintry gusts if I stayed outside. I changed back into my original clothes and hopped back on the treadmill, steeling myself for the torture that lay ahead.
But somehow, it wasn't torture. Sure, I was dripping with sweat and huffing and puffing and still staring at the closet door, but the run really wasn't terrible. In fact, I even enjoyed parts of it! Who knew?! :)
95 minutes later, I had logged 7.5 miles (7 mile run with .25 mile warmup and cool down). The best part was it was just a little past 8:00 a.m. when I finished, so I still had the whole day to look forward to! I am so glad I didn't skip my run. Whenever I am tempted to skip a workout, I remember that I always regret skipping a workout but I never wish I hadn't worked out. Mind over matter, friends!
Yes, that's right, I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. on a SATURDAY. I used to think people who woke up early on the weekends to go and run were crazy. Now I am one of those people. And I probably am crazy.
But I was a crazy person running on the treadmill by 6:20, and I was actually feeling pretty proud of myself. Of course, it's easy to feel proud of yourself when you actually haven't run the 7 miles yet. Around mile 2.5 I started to think that I might lose my mind if I had to spend 4.5 more miles staring at the closet door. Even though I had a movie playing on my Kindle Fire, I was bored to tears. When I hit the 3 mile mark I decided to brave the winter weather and take my run outdoors. I changed into warmer clothes, grabbed my mp3 player and Garmin, and headed out the door.
Approximately 5 minutes later, I came back inside, convinced that I would a) die of frostbite or b) get blown away by the tremendous wintry gusts if I stayed outside. I changed back into my original clothes and hopped back on the treadmill, steeling myself for the torture that lay ahead.
But somehow, it wasn't torture. Sure, I was dripping with sweat and huffing and puffing and still staring at the closet door, but the run really wasn't terrible. In fact, I even enjoyed parts of it! Who knew?! :)
95 minutes later, I had logged 7.5 miles (7 mile run with .25 mile warmup and cool down). The best part was it was just a little past 8:00 a.m. when I finished, so I still had the whole day to look forward to! I am so glad I didn't skip my run. Whenever I am tempted to skip a workout, I remember that I always regret skipping a workout but I never wish I hadn't worked out. Mind over matter, friends!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
February 2012: Week 1 Report
Weight on Feb. 1: 177.8
Weight on Feb. 8: 179
GAIN of 1.2 pounds
The run took me 74 minutes to do, but that is a typical pace for me, so I wasn't surprised. I loved having my Garmin with me because it helped me keep a consistent pace and beeped whenever I completed a mile. It's such an awesome tool!
The reason I didn't get more workouts in is because I really slacked off on getting up at 5:30. I did wake up early enough to do my Bible reading every morning but one, but I definitely need to get out of the bed by 5:30 like I was in January if I'm going to get those workouts in. And part of the reason I had a harder time getting up early is because I didn't do a good job of abiding by my 10:00 p.m. curfew, which made sleeping in all the more tempting. Discipline has such a domino effect. Slip up on one thing, and it causes you to slip up in other areas, too.
I've given myself a stern inner talking to, however, and I WILL post a loss for next week's weigh-in, even if it's half a pound!
Monday, January 23, 2012
January 2012: Week 3 Report
Last week's weight: 180.6
This week's weight: 180.4
Total loss: .2 pounds
Total lost in January : 3.8 pounds
Can I just say that I am REALLY ready to say goodbye to the 180s?? Do you know how long I've been in the 180s? Since August. That's five months, friends, and that's enough! I WILL end this month under 180 pounds!
What went well this week:
1. Time with God. I had good time with the Lord every day this past week, and that is HUGE. Even if other things didn't go as planned, I made sure that I spent time reading God's Word.
2. Exercise. I got in 182 minutes of exercise this past week, including a 4 mile run on Saturday. I felt GREAT after completing that run, since it was the first time since my 4 mile race that I have run that distance. I plan to run 5 miles this weekend, which will be my longest post-pregnancy run.
What went badly this week:
1. Tracking. I did track every day but Saturday, but there were a few days that I did not track all of my meals, and I know that it was more than likely intentional on my part because I knew inputting those calories would show that I ate above my allotted range. Of course that line of thinking is stupid because I still went over my calories whether or not the numbers showed it, so I just need to stop trying to lie to myself.
2. Weekend munchies. Weekend eating=age-old problem I still haven't conquered. I tend to be lazier about tracking and therefore less stringent about nutrition, which means I eat things that aren't the best choices and then wonder why I don't lose any weight. I can exercise all I want, but if I'm not putting good things into my body, it's a waste.
If I were giving myself a grade for the past week, I'd give myself a C. This week will be better!
This week's weight: 180.4
Total loss: .2 pounds
Total lost in January : 3.8 pounds
Can I just say that I am REALLY ready to say goodbye to the 180s?? Do you know how long I've been in the 180s? Since August. That's five months, friends, and that's enough! I WILL end this month under 180 pounds!
What went well this week:
1. Time with God. I had good time with the Lord every day this past week, and that is HUGE. Even if other things didn't go as planned, I made sure that I spent time reading God's Word.
2. Exercise. I got in 182 minutes of exercise this past week, including a 4 mile run on Saturday. I felt GREAT after completing that run, since it was the first time since my 4 mile race that I have run that distance. I plan to run 5 miles this weekend, which will be my longest post-pregnancy run.
What went badly this week:
1. Tracking. I did track every day but Saturday, but there were a few days that I did not track all of my meals, and I know that it was more than likely intentional on my part because I knew inputting those calories would show that I ate above my allotted range. Of course that line of thinking is stupid because I still went over my calories whether or not the numbers showed it, so I just need to stop trying to lie to myself.
2. Weekend munchies. Weekend eating=age-old problem I still haven't conquered. I tend to be lazier about tracking and therefore less stringent about nutrition, which means I eat things that aren't the best choices and then wonder why I don't lose any weight. I can exercise all I want, but if I'm not putting good things into my body, it's a waste.
If I were giving myself a grade for the past week, I'd give myself a C. This week will be better!
Monday, January 2, 2012
2012 Goals
I like making goals for the new year. There's something exciting about a new year and a fresh start. Unfortunately, I don't have the greatest track record when it comes to meeting my yearly goals. In 2009 I made 18 (!) goals. What in the world was I thinking making so many goals? No wonder I didn't achieve some and forgot about others! In 2010 I slashed my number of goals by more than half, but I completely stopped tracking my progress on most of them and therefore have no idea how I fared with the ones that required lots of record-keeping. I was smarter this year in that I only made 3 goals for 2011, but still I did not meet any of them. #3 (Complete Couch to 5k and run in 3 races) is the one I came closest to meeting, as I did manage to complete Couch to 5k but only ran in one race. And while I would have loved to have made it to my pre-pregnancy weight and read through the Bible, I'm okay with the fact that those goals did not happen. I made progress on each of those goals, so they weren't completely failures. Furthermore, my life changed in a big way this year, and I'm just now starting to feel like a routine is taking shape.
With that being said, I'm not going to make a ton of goals for the year. Instead, I want to focus on making goals each month that will help me accomplish my year-long goals. There are 3 big goals I want to accomplish this year, and I think I can create monthly mini goals to make them reality.
1. Get to my goal weight. I am determined that 2012 will be the last year this appears on my list of goals. I want to go into 2013 with "maintain my goal weight" as a goal. I have been at this weight loss thing for almost 4 years. It's time. Right now my goal weight is between 155-160 pounds.
2. Run a half marathon. I set this goal in 2010, and I came really close to achieving it only to give up on it only 3 weeks before the race. At the time I think it was the right decision, but I REALLY wish I had just sucked it up and run the race. It's going to happen this year, even if I have to walk some/all of it!
3. Read through the Bible. I'm fortunate in that my Life Group (aka Sunday School class) at church is going through this chronological plan in 2012, so there will be a lot of support and accountability for this goal. It's been a few years since I've read through the Bible, and I'm looking forward to the chronological approach in particular. If anyone else is interested in doing this, please let me know in the comments! We can be a support for each other!
Are you making goals for the new year? Share them with me!
With that being said, I'm not going to make a ton of goals for the year. Instead, I want to focus on making goals each month that will help me accomplish my year-long goals. There are 3 big goals I want to accomplish this year, and I think I can create monthly mini goals to make them reality.
1. Get to my goal weight. I am determined that 2012 will be the last year this appears on my list of goals. I want to go into 2013 with "maintain my goal weight" as a goal. I have been at this weight loss thing for almost 4 years. It's time. Right now my goal weight is between 155-160 pounds.
2. Run a half marathon. I set this goal in 2010, and I came really close to achieving it only to give up on it only 3 weeks before the race. At the time I think it was the right decision, but I REALLY wish I had just sucked it up and run the race. It's going to happen this year, even if I have to walk some/all of it!
3. Read through the Bible. I'm fortunate in that my Life Group (aka Sunday School class) at church is going through this chronological plan in 2012, so there will be a lot of support and accountability for this goal. It's been a few years since I've read through the Bible, and I'm looking forward to the chronological approach in particular. If anyone else is interested in doing this, please let me know in the comments! We can be a support for each other!
Are you making goals for the new year? Share them with me!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Race Report: Right Road 4 Miler, Part 2
I know you're all on the edge of your seats, anxious to know if I achieved my two goals of finishing and having a faster final mile than first mile. As I mentioned in my previous post, mile 3 was my most challenging mile, but I was determined not to let that discourage me from finishing strong. However, I was struggling and kept looking at my watch to see how much farther I had to go. I am so glad that Haley was with me because it's possible I would have just walked the rest of the race if she hadn't been there.
Finally, we started to get closer and closer to the finish line, and when we turned the corner and I actually saw it, I audibly sighed with relief. Seeing that bright finish sign must have given me the extra motivation I needed because I decided to put it into high gear and finish really strong. I picked up the pace and soon I felt my breath quickening, my feet flying, my arms pumping. I could see the clock up ahead, and it read 47:30. I was determined to end at 48:00 or less, so I ran as hard as I could, feeling as though my lungs might burst. I saw my mom and Stephen and smiled, thrilled that I was almost done. My eyes were fixated on the clock as the seconds ticked by, and I wasn't sure I would make it by the time 48:00 flashed on the clock.
Then my feet zoomed past the finish and a man told me, "48 flat, great job." I finished the race in exactly 48 minutes! I was so completely relieved to be finished, as evidenced by the photo Stephen took just after I crossed the finish line:
I'm so happy that I decided to begin my 30th year with a race!
Finally, we started to get closer and closer to the finish line, and when we turned the corner and I actually saw it, I audibly sighed with relief. Seeing that bright finish sign must have given me the extra motivation I needed because I decided to put it into high gear and finish really strong. I picked up the pace and soon I felt my breath quickening, my feet flying, my arms pumping. I could see the clock up ahead, and it read 47:30. I was determined to end at 48:00 or less, so I ran as hard as I could, feeling as though my lungs might burst. I saw my mom and Stephen and smiled, thrilled that I was almost done. My eyes were fixated on the clock as the seconds ticked by, and I wasn't sure I would make it by the time 48:00 flashed on the clock.
Then my feet zoomed past the finish and a man told me, "48 flat, great job." I finished the race in exactly 48 minutes! I was so completely relieved to be finished, as evidenced by the photo Stephen took just after I crossed the finish line:
Haley, being the sweetheart that she is, totally let me finish before her even though she could have beaten me by a wide margin. She said it was my birthday so I should finish first. :)
So, I could check goal #1 off my list, but what about goal #2? Thanks to my handy Garmin, I was able to see my times for each mile. Here they are:
Mile 1: 12:04
Mile 1: 12:04
Mile 2: 11:56
Mile 3: 12:14 (the hardest mile)
Mile 4: 11:30
Goal #2 met! Mile 4 was a solid 34 seconds faster than mile 1! It was definitely the sprint at the end that allowed me to meet this goal. I would have liked to have had all negative splits, but I'm happy with how the race turned out. I'm also glad it's over, but I'm already looking for a 5k in Jackson that I can run in November. :)
Post-race pics with Haley and the hubs:
I'm so happy that I decided to begin my 30th year with a race!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Race Report: Right Road 4 Miler
October 22, my 30th birthday, was the day for my big race--my first 4 mile race and first race post-pregnancy. In fact, my last race was the 5k I ran on March 27, 2010, at which I got my 5k PR (33:12), so it has been a LONG time since I ran a race. Fortunately for me, one of my longtime friends from my hometown saw that I was running this race and asked if she could run it with me and I said, "Yes, please!" I have never run with a partner but knew it would be nice to have the company.
The race didn't start until 9 a.m., but my entourage (my parents and Stephen, plus my friend Haley) arrived at 8:25, so we had plenty of time to spare. Haley and I got our race shirts and then stood around in the chilly weather (I'm guessing it was mid-to-upper 40s before we started). We took a few photos to commemorate the event:
I was really feeling anxious about the race, especially because I only ran a total of ONE MILE all week long while on vacation, so I knew I wasn't as prepared as I could have been, even though I had run 50 minutes last Saturday. Having my family and Haley there really helped distract me from my nerves, but I was so ready to just start the race! Finally, 9:00 a.m. arrived, and we were off. Haley had pledged to stay with me the whole time despite the fact that her mile pace is about 2 minutes faster than mine. I told her she didn't have to stick with me, but she said she was there to support me and would stick with me, and she was true to her word.
Running with a partner was interesting because I had someone to talk to and I also was able to see how my running "personality" is different. Haley spent the whole race enjoying herself, taking in the scenery, saying hi to people, chatting away. I, on the other hand, was in my own little world and wouldn't have known if Elvis had walked by, so little was I focused on the scenery or anything around me. My eyes were fixed on the road straight in front of me, and with each step I concentrated on my breathing and on not dying. :) If someone were to compare the two of us as we ran, I have no doubt it would be obvious which person was having more fun. Hint: it wasn't me.
But you know what? I DID have fun. I wore my new birthday present from my husband, the Garmin Forerunner 305, and I loved being able to see my time for each mile, even though they were SLOW miles. I had a blast talking with Haley during the race, and I got swept up in the excitement that comes with the start of a race and the rush of the runners all around me. Even though this race was longer than a 5k, I didn't feel as though I was out there longer, which was a relief. The most difficult mile was mile 3. I was starting to feel like my legs had lead in them, and there was a hill that left me feeling winded enough that I had to walk for about a minute. As I walked, I was tempted to walk the rest of the race, and that's when I knew I had to start running again or I knew I never would.
Going into the race I only had two major goals: 1) finish and 2) finish the last mile at a faster pace than the first mile. I secretly hoped to finish the race in 45 minutes, but I knew that would be pushing it.
To be continued...
The race didn't start until 9 a.m., but my entourage (my parents and Stephen, plus my friend Haley) arrived at 8:25, so we had plenty of time to spare. Haley and I got our race shirts and then stood around in the chilly weather (I'm guessing it was mid-to-upper 40s before we started). We took a few photos to commemorate the event:
Running with a partner was interesting because I had someone to talk to and I also was able to see how my running "personality" is different. Haley spent the whole race enjoying herself, taking in the scenery, saying hi to people, chatting away. I, on the other hand, was in my own little world and wouldn't have known if Elvis had walked by, so little was I focused on the scenery or anything around me. My eyes were fixed on the road straight in front of me, and with each step I concentrated on my breathing and on not dying. :) If someone were to compare the two of us as we ran, I have no doubt it would be obvious which person was having more fun. Hint: it wasn't me.
But you know what? I DID have fun. I wore my new birthday present from my husband, the Garmin Forerunner 305, and I loved being able to see my time for each mile, even though they were SLOW miles. I had a blast talking with Haley during the race, and I got swept up in the excitement that comes with the start of a race and the rush of the runners all around me. Even though this race was longer than a 5k, I didn't feel as though I was out there longer, which was a relief. The most difficult mile was mile 3. I was starting to feel like my legs had lead in them, and there was a hill that left me feeling winded enough that I had to walk for about a minute. As I walked, I was tempted to walk the rest of the race, and that's when I knew I had to start running again or I knew I never would.
Going into the race I only had two major goals: 1) finish and 2) finish the last mile at a faster pace than the first mile. I secretly hoped to finish the race in 45 minutes, but I knew that would be pushing it.
To be continued...
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Surviving the Dreadmill
Oh, treadmill, aka dreadmill. How I love to hate thee. I was super excited about our treadmill in the beginning and welcomed the opportunity to be able to run inside at home without having to go to the gym. The treadmill was a faithful companion to me while I was pregnant, and I logged lots of miles walking away while watching my all-time favorite show, Gilmore Girls. (Gilmore Girls makes all forms of exercise palatable, I think.) However, the current treadmill setup does not allow for watching DVDs, and I seem to have somehow lost the adapter that allowed me to hook up my mp3 player to the treadmill. I tried running on it with my headphones, but I got so sweaty that they kept coming out. (Ew, gross, I know.) All that to say, I've been running in silence, which is a new thing for me. And it's a struggle. This morning the last thing I wanted to do was get on that dreadmill again, but with it being so dark in the mornings, I haven't felt safe running in my neighborhood with its limited supply of streetlights. So the treadmill it was. I'm sure I'm not alone with my mixed feelings regarding this piece of exercise equipment, so I've compiled a list of tips to help you survive that time on the tread.
1. Set a minimum goal, either time or distance. This morning I told myself I HAD to run for at least 10 minutes and then I could stop if I wanted to. Once 10 minutes came, I decided that I may as well run a full mile since that would be less than 2 more minutes, so I did that, but then I decided hey, why not run for 15 minutes? Then I decided to go for 1.5 miles, and before I knew it I had clocked 2 miles on the treadmill when all I'd planned was 10 minutes! (FYI: this little tip works for any kind of exercise. Give yourself 10 minutes, and odds are you'll more than likely do much more than that.)
2. Change it up. Setting the treadmill at one pace and leaving it there the whole time is a surefire recipe for boredom. I love to change up the pace or the incline when I am feeling like quitting. I'll even change the pace every 10 seconds or so if I'm really desperate, and it makes clockwatching more enjoyable.
3. Finish faster than you started. This is a good general rule to follow when running anyway, but I have a hard time gauging my pace outside. However, the treadmill tells me exactly how fast (or rather slow, as the case may be) I am going. When I'm on the treadmill I make sure that I increase my pace so that I am not ending my run at the same pace that I began it. This also ensures that I will have negative splits. This morning, for example, I started out at 5 mph and ended at 5.7 mph. I finished my first mile in 11:45 and my second in 11:15. I'm pretty proud of that.
4. Cover up the display. If I am looking at the display on the tread every.single.minute, I know it's time to cover it up or I will go insane. Just throw a towel on there and resist the urge to peek underneath it every other second.
5. Use music to motivate. Even though I am not using music right now, I've used it a lot in the past and have found it to be HUGE boost when I need it. Tell yourself you can't look at the clock until you've made it through 2 whole songs, or change the pace every time a song changes. If you create a playlist, put some of your favorite workout songs in the middle or toward the end, to give yourself the drive to finish strong.
Now it's your turn. I'd love to hear how you make it through a boring workout!
Friday, September 30, 2011
No Turning Back
In approximately 22 days, I'm going to turn 30. I know what you're all thinking: "No way is Erin almost 30! She's gotta be only 25 or so!" That IS what you were thinking, right? I thought so.
:)
Anyway, I am not really at all depressed about turning 30. In fact, I'm kind of excited. It's a whole new decade, a whole new phase of life. I thoroughly enjoyed my twenties, so why shouldn't my thirties be the same? Plus, I'm going into my 30th year probably in better health than I was when I turned 20! I decided that I needed to celebrate this milestone in some special way, but I wasn't sure what to do. Stephen and I are going on a little trip to St. Louis, but we'll be back before my actual birthday, and I still wanted to do something to mark the day I turn 30.
Finally I figured out what that "something" will be. I signed up for a 4 mile race! This race, to be precise. I considered doing a 5k but then saw this race and thought I would challenge myself even more and go for the 4 mile distance! I've never run in a 4 miler before, and I don't even think there are that many races offered in that distance, so I'm seizing the opportunity. I registered today so there's no turning back! I can't change my mind. I may finish dead last (which is looking like a real possibility at the moment, with only 7 people registered), but I am going to finish and be PROUD.
Look out, 30, I'm coming for you!
Anyway, I am not really at all depressed about turning 30. In fact, I'm kind of excited. It's a whole new decade, a whole new phase of life. I thoroughly enjoyed my twenties, so why shouldn't my thirties be the same? Plus, I'm going into my 30th year probably in better health than I was when I turned 20! I decided that I needed to celebrate this milestone in some special way, but I wasn't sure what to do. Stephen and I are going on a little trip to St. Louis, but we'll be back before my actual birthday, and I still wanted to do something to mark the day I turn 30.
Finally I figured out what that "something" will be. I signed up for a 4 mile race! This race, to be precise. I considered doing a 5k but then saw this race and thought I would challenge myself even more and go for the 4 mile distance! I've never run in a 4 miler before, and I don't even think there are that many races offered in that distance, so I'm seizing the opportunity. I registered today so there's no turning back! I can't change my mind. I may finish dead last (which is looking like a real possibility at the moment, with only 7 people registered), but I am going to finish and be PROUD.
Look out, 30, I'm coming for you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)