“The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” Quote by John Bingham.
If you had asked me in July 09' if I wanted to run or train to be a runner I would have said no. But in August I signed up for 5k training. My main reason was to find a way to stay physically active when classes started back. Besides, a friend from work said she would do it with me.
Crossing the finish line today at the Isaac Dickson Hot Chocolate 10K was an incredible experience, even emotional. The last 1/2 mile or so was a hill that called for energy I really didn't think I had left. But with the help of my FF group cheering me on I ran across the finish line with a chip time of 1:22:02. My goal was to complete the race in 1 1/2 hour or less but my eyes couldn't even register the clock time as I neared the top. All I knew is that I couldn't stop. I had to keep going and somehow, with their help, I did.
Mile #1 I thought was this was a long mile and I only have to do it 5 more times.
Mile #2 my thoughts were if I can make it mile 3 then I will be 1/2 way done.
Mile #3 my mind said if you can make it to four, then its just one more mile to 5, and then the finish line.
Mile # 4 now just one more mile and then the goal is finish line.
Mile #5 all that's left is the finish line, just make it to there.
Mile #6 only 0.2 miles left (and it's all uphill!)
Mile #6.2 I DID IT!!!! I REALLY DID IT!!!! (this was after some water and more normal breathing).
There are lots of runners out there, very incredible athletes. I don't claim to be one of them, but I do claim to be someone that now knows what its like to set a goal, physically train for it, and see the hard work pay off on race day. Its hard for me to explain the physical, mental, and emotional processes your mind goes through during events like this 10K. What do I recommend? Find something that does that for you! It might not be running or it might be running. It may be something you've never given much thought to, but I promise when you find a niche that suits you your life will change in some way.
Next up is a 5k, training starts Feb 9. If you're interested in joining I can tell you all the details.
Already some friends and I are exploring the ideas of when (maybe later this year/fall) we want to train for a 1/2 marathon. We know it'll be hard, take much endurance, and make us feel terrible. But in the long run, every pain we feel will be worth every effort!
Thanks for reading and following my runs. I plan to sleep like a baby tonight!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
10K Training Complete - Mission Accomplished!
OMG! We made it. Completed the 10K training program and finished every course we started. Hooray to my running groupie friends!!!
Tonight was the last group run before our 10K. However, it wasn't our last run together because I know we'll start training for another race soon.
4 1/2 miles was the course, except it was the one I dislike. It goes by the store after about 2 miles and it's oh-so-tempting to stop!
Shin splints hurt! Hard to run with pain searing up the front of your legs. Brandee and I have both been dealing with that lately. Increased mileage is probably playing into it. Also, we both need fitted for actual running shoes. But we can't make any changes right before the race.
Saturday runs (even though I'm not a morning person) always go much better for me. Super glad the race is on a Saturday morning!
The first 2 miles or so seemed hard tonight but the closer we were to finishing, the better and faster we ran. I like a strong finish!
Keep reading, Asheville's Hot Cocoa 10K is just around the corner!
Tonight was the last group run before our 10K. However, it wasn't our last run together because I know we'll start training for another race soon.
4 1/2 miles was the course, except it was the one I dislike. It goes by the store after about 2 miles and it's oh-so-tempting to stop!
Shin splints hurt! Hard to run with pain searing up the front of your legs. Brandee and I have both been dealing with that lately. Increased mileage is probably playing into it. Also, we both need fitted for actual running shoes. But we can't make any changes right before the race.
Saturday runs (even though I'm not a morning person) always go much better for me. Super glad the race is on a Saturday morning!
The first 2 miles or so seemed hard tonight but the closer we were to finishing, the better and faster we ran. I like a strong finish!
Keep reading, Asheville's Hot Cocoa 10K is just around the corner!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
5 miles @ 34° temp
Saturday 1/16/10
My running friend B texted me to say her sitter had canceled and she couldn't make it. We were both disappointed! The group was down to about nine runners even though the temp was higher than it had been for a few weeks. I got it into my head that because B wasn't there that I should try to stay with the other runners. Mistake #1. Running is an individual sport. That's what they preach to us. It isn't about what anyone else is doing, its about what works for each individual. Luckily, what works for B and I are very similar paces. But I tried to keep pace with other runners and wore myself out the first mile. Problem with that was it made for 4 difficult miles because I gave too much on mile #1. I think it was a good lesson/reminder about pacing. The hardest time to pace yourself is usually in events because there's so many people moving forward that its easy to follow the crowd, regardless of how it suits your running plan.
Another difficult part of the run was because I started having back pains earlier in the week and woke up in pain several times Friday night with it. It didn't bother me too bad while running but after finishing I realized it might have not been the best idea. Its not much better, actually worse today. I am way past due on a chiropractor visit. Hopefully he can see me this week and have me aligned for Saturdays big day.
More later on this week as my friends and I prep for the Hot Cocoa 10k!!!!
My running friend B texted me to say her sitter had canceled and she couldn't make it. We were both disappointed! The group was down to about nine runners even though the temp was higher than it had been for a few weeks. I got it into my head that because B wasn't there that I should try to stay with the other runners. Mistake #1. Running is an individual sport. That's what they preach to us. It isn't about what anyone else is doing, its about what works for each individual. Luckily, what works for B and I are very similar paces. But I tried to keep pace with other runners and wore myself out the first mile. Problem with that was it made for 4 difficult miles because I gave too much on mile #1. I think it was a good lesson/reminder about pacing. The hardest time to pace yourself is usually in events because there's so many people moving forward that its easy to follow the crowd, regardless of how it suits your running plan.
Another difficult part of the run was because I started having back pains earlier in the week and woke up in pain several times Friday night with it. It didn't bother me too bad while running but after finishing I realized it might have not been the best idea. Its not much better, actually worse today. I am way past due on a chiropractor visit. Hopefully he can see me this week and have me aligned for Saturdays big day.
More later on this week as my friends and I prep for the Hot Cocoa 10k!!!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
*Only* 5 Miles
I just replied to a friend's status on FB that said "I am going to try...although I highly doubt I will run 6 miles...I am thinking 3.5." My reply was, "I think its only 5 miles tomorrow." I hit the comment button and then laughed, I just said ONLY 5 miles. *Smile*
Tomorrow's run is tapering down to 5 miles from 6 - 6 1/2 to give our bodies a little rest before the big day. Hopefully it'll be a great run and get us all excited about the Hot Cocoa race.
Tomorrow's run is tapering down to 5 miles from 6 - 6 1/2 to give our bodies a little rest before the big day. Hopefully it'll be a great run and get us all excited about the Hot Cocoa race.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Almost race time
I can't believe. 2 weeks away from the race. The last few runs have been super cold!
Tuesday (1/5/10) was a "brick wall" run, for me. I finished the 4 miles, but I was fighting a brick wall the entire time. Incredibly difficult run - 25 degree temp, windy, and mentally not into it.
Saturday's (1/9/10) run was great. It was cold, 12 degrees when we started. 12 of us set out for 6 miles and I think almost everyone finished. I managed to find my rhythm and that made for a superb run.
We only have 3 more group runs until we all head to Asheville for the hot cocoa race. Its starts at 7 a.m. (shivers!) but most of us are spending the night there on Friday so we don't have to wake up too early.
Then its decision time. Train for another 5K or do a 1/2 marathon?! I kinda want to try the 1/2 but not sure my friends will do it with me. I need them to keep me going. I'll let ya know!
Tuesday (1/5/10) was a "brick wall" run, for me. I finished the 4 miles, but I was fighting a brick wall the entire time. Incredibly difficult run - 25 degree temp, windy, and mentally not into it.
Saturday's (1/9/10) run was great. It was cold, 12 degrees when we started. 12 of us set out for 6 miles and I think almost everyone finished. I managed to find my rhythm and that made for a superb run.
We only have 3 more group runs until we all head to Asheville for the hot cocoa race. Its starts at 7 a.m. (shivers!) but most of us are spending the night there on Friday so we don't have to wake up too early.
Then its decision time. Train for another 5K or do a 1/2 marathon?! I kinda want to try the 1/2 but not sure my friends will do it with me. I need them to keep me going. I'll let ya know!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Back on da' streets
I hadn't ran in 2 weeks, until tonight. Snow and ice had surprisingly showed up and a few runs were canceled. Then the holidays arrived and I missed a run or two due to that. I was a little nervous about having the energy to run the 4.5 miles tonight.
The first couple miles were easy. I think a slice of disappointment from earlier in the day was propelling me along, each step of the way. It was almost effortless. And it felt great! It was great to see friends, to step into rhythm, and to feel like part of a team. Even if I was (and always am) one of the rear runners.
The second half of the run was a little harder. The cold seemed to slice my lungs and make it harder to breathe. We were running some back streets without much lighting so the training director was driving around slowly, shining her lights and making sure we all made it back safely. She had some water that she handed me which really helped.
Tonight was a good run!
Two friends and I have been asked to coach the next 5K group. I think I'm going to sit out on the coaching part, for now, but we were all kinda pleased that they asked us. We've come a few miles since joining the training this summer. I want to focus on my own running a little more before coaching.
Tonight we were given our shirts and socks, freebies from the program. That was pretty exciting. I definitely needed more socks and the shirt will come in handy too. Its a good feeling when you're handed a shirt you've literally earned by running your miles.
What about you? Anyone else out there running and reading this little blog?
The first couple miles were easy. I think a slice of disappointment from earlier in the day was propelling me along, each step of the way. It was almost effortless. And it felt great! It was great to see friends, to step into rhythm, and to feel like part of a team. Even if I was (and always am) one of the rear runners.
The second half of the run was a little harder. The cold seemed to slice my lungs and make it harder to breathe. We were running some back streets without much lighting so the training director was driving around slowly, shining her lights and making sure we all made it back safely. She had some water that she handed me which really helped.
Tonight was a good run!
Two friends and I have been asked to coach the next 5K group. I think I'm going to sit out on the coaching part, for now, but we were all kinda pleased that they asked us. We've come a few miles since joining the training this summer. I want to focus on my own running a little more before coaching.
Tonight we were given our shirts and socks, freebies from the program. That was pretty exciting. I definitely needed more socks and the shirt will come in handy too. Its a good feeling when you're handed a shirt you've literally earned by running your miles.
What about you? Anyone else out there running and reading this little blog?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The last week
Okay, last Tuesday was group run. We did 3 1/2 miles from FF down 127, turned between the hospitality house and hospital and then ran to the "bank" corner. The neat thing was running with Carrie (FF trainer). She really helped me pace the hills and make it to the top.
Wednesday I did a couple miles on the treadmill.
Thursday... hmmm... I walked through the airport (SLACKER!).
Friday... hmmm.... I didn't walk anywhere (BIG SLACKER!).
Saturday.... no comment.
Sunday, I walked through the airport again. ;-)
Monday was a no-go.
Tonight was group run again. Brandee was back after missing a few runs. She's close to my age and we have a similar pace so it's always fun to run together. We tried focusing on the hills again today and were mostly successful. We might be slow, but up we go!
Wednesday I did a couple miles on the treadmill.
Thursday... hmmm... I walked through the airport (SLACKER!).
Friday... hmmm.... I didn't walk anywhere (BIG SLACKER!).
Saturday.... no comment.
Sunday, I walked through the airport again. ;-)
Monday was a no-go.
Tonight was group run again. Brandee was back after missing a few runs. She's close to my age and we have a similar pace so it's always fun to run together. We tried focusing on the hills again today and were mostly successful. We might be slow, but up we go!
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