15k for 35

I've always wanted to be a runner, but I've never really put that much effort into it. When I dated a guy who was a legit runner (like wake-up-and-run-a-marathon legit runner), I thought it would magically rub off on me.

It didn't.

Lofty goals I made of running longer and longer distances until I finally made it to a marathon. That was well over ten years ago and the longest distance I made it up to was a 10k....way back in 2010.

I made another lofty goal a couple years ago when I made my 35 by 35 list - run a marathon by my 35th birthday. It's six months away, and running a marathon doesn't seem likely.

But running a 15k isn't so far-fetched. And it just so happens that every year during Germanfest in Muenster, TX, (which, being at the end of April is right around my birthday) they have a 15k Fun Run.

I am going to do this 15k. It's the perfect goal for my 35th birthday. Tonight I started by doing Run 1 in the Couch to 5k app. I have used this app before but have never made it through the entire series.

This means I will have to run (and again, I use the term run very loosely) in the cold, dark winter months. Wish me luck. And please help me stay on track.

Running Again

I used to be a runner. I use the term rather loosely, as it's really just fast walking. But I've done it enough to at least have a few posts under the tag "running" here on my blog. It started with my first 5K in 2006, when I had grand visions of eventually working my way up to a marathon. Well, ten years later I've done multiple 5Ks and one 10K. However, I've never become a "runner".

I thought I would become one, though, when a Wednesday night social run popped up right next door to me. I walked by that first week and thought, "Yeah, I'm totally going to do this!" Week by week I'd walk by the guy putting up the signs as I made my way home from work. And each week passed with me never participating.

My co-worker and I have been sharing workouts since we started a GRIT 29 Day Challenge in February, and continue with the GRIT classes in March and April. We wanted to continue being active, so we decided to start going to the Wednesday night social run (which was fitting because today is National Start Walking Day, which we celebrate at the City with all employees getting a t-shirt and doing a 1-mile walk; it's one of my favorite days). 

My last run, according to my Nike Running app, was 40 weeks ago.I thought I would be terrible, but it helped to have a buddy to run with. She walked when I wanted to walk and stayed with me the whole time. We finished at a good time, considering the large gap in time between running stints.

We'll do it again next week.

Honey Run 5k

The last 5k I did I didn't actually do. Amber and I had signed up for the Blacklight Run in Bonner's Springs. Unfortunately, the weather was super bad at the time of the race--massive rain and thunderstorm. Amber stuck it out but I did not. This was way back in August.

Saturday was my first time running since that 5k in August. I really just signed up because it was put on by the Sustainability Office of the City of Denton. It was an outdoor course at the Clear Creek Nature Reserve and it was one of the loveliest runs I've done! The weather was perfect and the setting so nice. I was in a good mood all day, and I'm pretty sure it was that runner's high. However, I didn't stretch enough or have enough protein afterward, and have been a little sore.

I finished in about the same time I do for all my races. Imagine what I could do if I actually trained and built some endurance! Speaking of which, I'm starting a 6-week 5k training program in the morning. And it starts early, like 5:30 am early.

Back in the Groove

I may have been in funk the past few weeks. Lots of reasons for this, none all that interesting to delve into. Suffice it to say I let more than a few things go by the wayside as I embraced the funk. I started coming out of it last week, but really kicked it to the curb today. I think it all started with me making the choice to walk to work. It really is a fabulous feeling. Tonight I decided to take my first jog/run of the year. The weather was  nice and I felt great as I was running around downtown. When I got home I did all the things I've been putting off--folding and putting away my laundry, doing the dishes, straightening my living room, cleaning off my counter of the clutter that overtakes it, cleaning out my fridge and taking out the trash. I felt like I do on Saturday mornings--productive and useful.

Funks are a natural part of life (at least of mine). I don't generally mind them, but I also love being back in the groove.

Glow Run 5k

The Glow Run 5k in Lawrence was kind of amazing. First of all, similar to sporting events, everything is better at night. Add on to that glow sticks and amazing people to run with, and you have all the makings of a perfect time.

 We re-used our tutus from the Color Vibe and snazzed them up with colored tights.

I'm so proud of Amber and how far she's come! It was April when I suggested to her doing a 5k, telling her all she needed to do was get an app on her phone and start slowly. Amber has amazing motivation and dedication, and after our first 5k she just kept going. She's been eating better and exercising, and since April she has lost over 50 pounds!

I ran the whole race, setting my best time yet for a 5k (the course was actually only 2.75 miles)! Amber's friend Bridget and I just kept running, knowing that if we stopped we wouldn't get going again. With it being race day and the adrenaline and the atmosphere, I felt great! Thanks to Amber for keeping me motivated!

Running Buddy

I've always been a solo runner. Like my general attitude in life, it's easier if I can just get up and run when I want and not have to coordinate with someone else. However this also means there is no outside motivation or accountability to anyone other than myself. And that means I don't do a whole lot of running.

Amber, after our Color Vibe 5k in June, got the running bug and got us signed up for another 5k. We're doing the Glow Run 5k in Lawrence in October. I haven't been running since our last 5k. This morning, however, I took advantage of Amber's motivation and running schedule and met up with her at Gage Park to do a morning run.

We set her Nike app to a 5k distance, and it turns out that running with a buddy is awesome! It actually speeds up your time, as Amber ran her fastest 5k she's ever done. I found motivation to run. And we were able to talk during our running and walking spurts. It was kind of awesome, and I'm already looking forward to our run next Saturday (despite the creeper in the park following us in his car).

We unfortunately have different schedules during the week, so I'll be on my own to keep the motivation going Monday thru Friday.

Color Vibe 5k

Amber was initiated into her first 5k this morning with a lot of color. We participated in the Color Vibe 5k, where the run is for charity and the contestants get hit with colored powder while running. The race isn't timed, but is more just a chance to have fun and support a good cause. And get covered in color!





It was hot and muggy (the race started at 9, which is far too late for a summer race) but thankfully there was a breeze most of the time. At the last color station we both "stop, dropped and rolled" in the powder and it was awesome. We finished strong across the line, and then proceeded to dance and get more color-covered at the after-party. It was a blast and both of us can't wait to do another one!

SoJo 5k

A few months ago I talked my family into running a 5k. It was meant to be a competition, because some of us are fairly competitive and I thought it would make us all try harder. But on race day, the competition didn't matter. It was just awesome to see my mom and sister out there with me, doing something they'd never done before. They always show up at my races and cheer me on at the end and take pictures; this time I cheered them on as they crossed the finish line, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Training

I have decided that I am going to run the Pioneer Day Deseret News 10k on July 24th. I ran this two summers ago and it was pretty awesome. This time around, though, I'm attempting to train for real for it. I perused the internet and found an 8-week training schedule that I should be able to follow. It involves 3 running days, two cross train days, and two days of rest each week.As the weeks go on my mileage increases. Today was run number 2, and it went pretty well. I'm not running the whole 2 miles at this point, but I hope to be able to work up to at the training progresses.

This is part of my Thirtieth Year Goal to exercise more and get in shape!

Making Excuses

Saturday morning I participated in the SoJo 5k. When I signed up a month ago it was a way to lose a little weight before heading to Portland. Also because I need motivation for running and a race that I'm registered for is a good way to get that motivation. And for the first week I was awesome at it, full of motivation and running three times that week.

But then it came to a screeching halt. I started taking a new medication that gave me crazy intense headaches, making running a near impossibility. By the time it all got figured out, two weeks had passed and I had only ran twice. Then I was in Portland the days leading up to the race....

So I showed up to the race not quite ready. But ya know what, I got a time within seconds of the time of my last 5k a year and a half ago. Even though I knew I gave it my all while in the moment, I can only imagine how much better I could be if I actually was ready for it.

Running Again

I have decided I need to start being active again. I was sadly super un-active all summer long, and it's showing. In my clothes especially and they way they don't quite fit the way they used to. I'm pretty sure I weigh at least 10 pounds more than I did in the spring, and even then I was about 10 pounds over what I used to be.

So I have registered for the South Jordan Marathon/Half Marathon/5k on October 15th. I'm of course doing the 5k. Remember when I used to do those? And when I once ran a 10k? I let my own busyness and, mostly, laziness stop me from doing either of those earlier this year. I figure that I set aside time in my day to do things that don't really matter--watch a tv show (Vampire Diaries premieres this week!), surf youtube, peruse Facebook, take a nap--that I can at least set aside 20-30 minutes to go for a jog.

That's what I did tonight. And it felt great. There's this cool website, mapmyrun.com, that lets you map your run. My walk/jog tonight was 2.39 miles; my jogged stretch of the exercise was really great--I actually didn't want to stop!

My First 10k

As I rounded the corner of South Temple onto 2nd East, running along the parade route in front of those who had camped over night to get good seats, I passed a girl who had made a sign for the runners. It said: Pain is Temporary, Pride is Forever. I had to smile as I passed it, thinking how true it was.

For me, race day is always about personal accomplishment. It's about making a goal and doing something that I had previously thought I couldn't do. And I do feel like my pride for finishing will be something I can have with me forever.

The race itself was actually pretty good. It's mainly a downhill course, which made me feel like I was doing pretty good until I got to the flat parts and realized I was kind of going slow. At about mile 1 1/2, I realized I had to go to the bathroom, but since it was my first 10k I wanted my time to be a real time. So I just powered through. Twice I stopped to walk for about 2-4 minutes, in between mile 2 and 3 and then right after I got to mile 4. I wanted to make sure I had enough energy to finish hard. And I was feeling pretty good and had really hit my stride, controlling my breathing and avoiding side-aches.

But then, right about at mile 5, it hit me.

I had a small side-ache, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. And my body sort of gave out. That last mile was brutal, and was spent with me running, then stopping to walk, then running, then walking. As I got closer to the end and could see the finish line, I felt like I couldn't go anymore. I stopped running and this guy looked at me said, "C'mon, you're SO close! You can do it!" And I knew I was SO close, so I willed my body to just go for it.

I ran across the finish line as my mom and sister cheered me on. I threw up my arms in satisfaction, as if I was the first to cross. I was sweaty and tired, but I felt awesome.

My Full Moon Wishes

Tonight the full moon in the summer sky is shining into my kitchen, illuminating the table and counters through the blinds. It somehow seems magical, and that I'll wake up in the morning either a princess or with all my dreams having come true. At this point, I'll settle for the nagging unresolved issues currently going on in my life to be resolved. And to magically be ready to run a 10k in the morning.

My Running Conundrum

As I prepare for the 10k in a week and a half, I am attempting to sort of "train" for it. Mind you, I use that word rather loosely, as I don't really have a set plan, just to run 2-3 times a week for as long as my body will allow me. It's the most "training" I do.

My conundrum is this. It's good for me to run in the morning, because I get awfully sweaty after running and need to take a shower post-haste. And since I'm a morning-shower person, you think this would be perfect. But the warmth of my bed usually means that my snooze button gets more of a workout than me.

So I've started running at night. I actually like this, as it's cool and I can catch the sun setting. I also like not having a set time of when I have to get back. The one drawback to this: I then come home, take a shower (just to get all the sweat off me before bedtime) and I'm all sorts of awake from the shower and runner's high. I then lie in bed forever wishing my body to fall asleep.

And lately, I've been too busy studying for my stats test or such to even run at night, plus the trying to not eat anything two hours prior to my running. I go to bed with the intention of running in the morning, and then the conundrum starts. My bed is too warm. I'm too tired. My stomach is too empty. No running gets done. Whatever will I do.

Don't Interrupt my Running

Tonight, because I've officially registered for the Deseret Morning News July 24th 10k, I went for a run. I have three and a half weeks before the big day and really need to get into a running mode. As I was in the zone, listening to my music and concentrating on the road in front of me, a car slowly pulled up beside me and asked if I lived in the area. Not wanting to break my stride, I kept running as I took out my ear bud and said yes. He then asked if I knew where a street was, I said no, all while I kept running along. He looked annoyed that I didn't know, then drove away without even saying Thanks! Excuse me, but I'm sorta running here, I don't really feel like having a street/what direction is it conversation with you.

It's That Time of Year

I just got back from a run/walk a little bit ago. It's of course that time of year, when the weather starts getting warmer and people get stir-crazy to be outside (notwithstanding the snow storm that descended on Salt Lake yesterday), when 5ks and marathons start gearing up. I have officially signed up for the Race for the Cure with my work, since breast cancer genetic testing is sort of our bread and butter, and when I get paid next week will also register for the Salt Lake City Marathon 5k event.

I might have bit off more than I can chew, as the events are three weeks apart and today was my first attempt at running since probably last year's 5k. But with the coming of race season also comes the realization that my winter fat is, well, fat, and hopefully these two races can help with that. Also, I like getting the t-shirts.

Distraction

This morning I got up to go for a jog/run, and an hour (or so) after I had initially planned to go I was out the door with my running shoes on. I rounded the corner and when the track at Taylorsville High came into view I saw a bunch of guys, presumably getting ready for football season, on the track. No way was I going to run with a bunch of highschool boys!

I sat on my porch to weigh my options--run in the neighborhood, or make my way down to the path along the river--when I got distracted by a potato bug. It was stuck on its back so I kindly rolled it over to its legs side. I was then fascinated by this little bug and continued watching it. Once more it got wrong-side up and I turned it right-side down. By this point my motivation for running was pretty much gone.

So not only am I an extreme procrastinator when it comes to exercising (always saying I'll eat better and start my routine the next day, or week...) but I'm also like a six-year old and very easily distracted. My body and disposition are working against me! In the words of Stephanie Tanner, "How Rude!".

Looking For

Just got back from my first run in New York since getting back. As I've said before, I don't really enjoy running. Maybe it's just because I'm not at the level I'd like to be and so I feel frustrated with it. But this morning I was looking for that feeling I got before and after my 5k race--excitement, anticipation, drive, purpose; I sadly feel like those are currently missing right now in my life. I liked the rush of getting ready for something, doing it, and then knowing that my family was waiting for me at the end.

I unfortunately didn't capture what I was looking for. It was hot and, since wearing my pedometer, sadly learned that it takes 6 laps and not the 4 I had always thought to make a mile. But, after checking when I got home, it is just 4 laps for a mile; maybe the track I run on is smaller than normal, maybe my pedometer is wrong. Who knows.

Race Day....Means Blisters

The long-awaited 5k race day arrived this morning ...a little early, considering I got to bed later than I was planning. But I somehow still made it thru.

Here's what was different about the race this year:
--different race route, which I like oodles more than the original. There's more running in the heart of downtown, and there's nothing cooler than running right down State Street towards the capital

--different starting point: the City Building

--my time--36:10--which seems to be getting higher with each time I do it

--my body, which has a little added weight to it this year (which might account for my slower time)

--stopping the running and walking; the previous two years I've "ran" the entire way. This year, though, I thought if I walked for a bit I could finish faster in the end. It sort of worked, but that might be because I walked the uphill part (a new aspect of the new course) and started running again when it was a slight downhill. It was a tough choice, but honestly, at that point in the race my "running" was pretty equivalent to walking fast.

--using my ipod this year. It pretty much changed everything. Music is a powerful motivator.

--no signs telling me what mile I was on. Very frustrating.

And what was the same:
--my pink running shoes. I've had them since my first 5k in 2006. Seeing as how I got a nasty blister on the bottom of my foot, I think it's time to get some new ones.

--the great weather. Every year I've done it the weather has been great, and considering we had snow just a few days ago, I was very thankful for the beautiful race-day weather.

--feeling like I couldn't go on anymore but somehow finding the will to keep moving my feet

--people finishing so fast that they could've ran a 10k in the time it took me to do the 5k

--the feeling of excitement and elation when starting and crossing the Finish Line. I'm not one of those people who enjoys running; I get no sort of runner's high or satisfaction after a run. Unless I'm in a race. And then it's all just so exciting. I can last a lot longer when I'm running with a ton of other people thru the streets of Salt Lake.

Ivy and Elliett ran the Kids Marathon 1k. They were very excited to be doing the same thing as Aunt Julie. Emily ran with Elliett and I ran with Ivy, even though I tried talking her out of it. (So if you're counting, that means I ran a 6k today!)

Running Like a Fool

Like the fool that I am, I registered for the Salt Lake City Marathon's 5k event. It's on April 18th and is the reason I'm staying in Salt Lake for such a long time after my work was done. This will be my third time doing it, and when I first did it in 2006 I had dreams of getting better every year, going from the 5k to the half marathon and eventually to the marathon. Sadly, this has not happened; I actually ran slower the second year I did it! But I'm back this year after missing last year, and I must say that I am definitely a fool. I haven't been running for quite some time and am trying to cram it all in in just two weeks. I don't think it'll work out all that well, but I knew that I couldn't just wake up the morning of and try to do it.

So I've been running (I should really call it jogging, or walking fast) three times since registering a week ago. Since I don't live near a track like I do in New York, I have to settle for running along the sidewalk in the neighborhood. This is slightly embarrassing for me, as I don't like exercising in front of random people, but I'm slowly getting over that each day. And it's a good thing I'm at least trying to train for it, because that first run was pretty brutal; I didn't make it very far without panting and the deep desire to stop. But it's been getting a little better with each run, and hopefully by the time race day comes I'll be somewhat better prepared for it. Because really, I'm just doing it for the free t-shirt.