It Is Working

I have now lost a total of 10 pounds since I started running.  Another goal achieved!

Longest Run in 5 Years

I did a 5 mile run today.  I haven't run that far since before we had kids.  The first 2.5 miles I didn't feel good.  I can't explain it, just uncomfortable.  Once I hit the 2.5 mile mark I settled into a good pace and felt strong for the last half of the run. 

During this run I realized how mental running can be. I was anxious all day about my 5 mile run in the windy conditions.  This anxiety translated into doubt during the first part of my run.  I learned how important mental preparation is and will approach my runs differently in the future.

The Easter Bunny brought me a sign that is now hanging on my closet wall.  It says;
"Believe that you can and your are half way there" - Theodore Roosevelt

That is 100% correct!!!

Busy Week

I had an extremely busy with work, but managed to get all of my runs in. To do so I had to do one on my lunch break.  I accomplished one of my goals this week.  I ran a total of 10 miles! (4, 3, 3)  I am proud of that because it wasn't easy to make the time.  My nutrition management plan (because I am NOT on a diet!!!) was not very good though.  Gotta do better this week to achieve my goal of 10 lb. weight loss by May 1. 

Marathon...Really?

Last night Kristi proposed the idea of running a marathon next spring.  She did her homework and wants to do Galveston.  Being an island on the Texas coast it is safe to say the course is very flat.  I told her she was crazy, but there is this little voice in the back of my mind that says "you can do do it".  Wow, 4 weeks ago I was scared of a 5k, now I am considering a marathon.  I am not committed to the idea by any means, but it is something I want to do someday.  That is the cool thing about running.  You prove to yourself daily that you can do anything you set your mind too. 

Runner vs. Person Who Runs

I have continued to gradually increase my mileage.  I am sticking with the 10% rule as I increase.  I really dont want ot get injured.  Got in 9 miles this week (4, 2, 3) and all felt good.  

I am beginning to realize that there is a difference between a runner and a person that runs.  The difference...when you are a runner, running becomes a part of your life.  That happened to me this week.  I was working at the fire station and picked up an OT shift the next day.  Good news except that I had a 2 mile run scheduled and I didnt have my shoes with me.  All of a sudden that run was a priority.  Kristi brought my shoes to me and I got my run in by doing laps around that station.  It was incredibly boring but it felt so good to get it in.  4 weeks ago, that wouldn't have happened.

Seton's Soles 5k

I ran my first 5k in several years today.  I didn't sleep good last night and was nervous before the race.  I felt better once I warmed up and the my "competitive juices"flowing.  I had a great plan.  Run a comfortable first mile and then negative splits the rest of the way.  Just be patient and run my race.  Great plan...until the gun went off!  I went out way too fast.  After 1/2 mile I got it under control and ran a good race.  The hill in the third mile killed me.  I still finished strong, but it hurt bad.  When I running again I hoped to run my first 5k under 35 min.  After several training runs I was confident I could do that, and I was right.  I finished in 30:05.  I am very proud of my performance, but frustrated that I couldn't save 6 seconds somewhere along the way to finish under 30.  Oh well,  I'll make it next time. 

Fighting Off Injury

I have developed a mild case of Achilles Tendinitis.  This is really nothing new.  It started years ago when I was running alot and never really got better.  It just gets aggravated when I run.  Kristi convinced me to see a chiropractor that does "soft tissue treatments".  One of her friends used him and said that he works miracles.  I was all for trying it because I have no intentions of slowing down.  He did a very thorough assessment and found several areas that were "injured" that I didn't even know about.  Plantar fascia, calf muscle, hip flexor, back...then the treatment began.  It was not your standard cracking and popping chiropractic adjustment.  Think deep tissue massage, with tools!!  I am pleased to report that it did provide some relief when completed, but not without a price.  The treatment is more painful than the injury.  Kristi took the picture below while he was working a knot out of my calf.

Week 2 Review

My second full week is complete and I am feeling good.  I stuck with my training plan and increased my weekly mileage by 3/4 of a mile.  I complete a training 5k for my long run.  It gave me confidence that I can run that distance and I am confident that I can finish my race next weekend under my goal of 35 min.  That is a very conservative goal, but you gotta start somewhere.   I also ran my first "tempo".  I happened by accident.  I had a 2 mile run scheduled for Saturday.  I had been up most of the night at work an really didn't feel like running.  when I started I really didn't feel good, but after 1/2 mile I got into a groove and complete the run with an average pace of 10:20.  I am getting stronger with every run.  I can't wait to run my 5k next weekend.