I've Been Absent, Not Gone

I haven't posted in a while because I really haven't had anything good to post.  I trained for the Firefly 10k for months and felt like I was going to die after mile 3.  The heat was overwhelming.  That experience in conjunction with my lack of weight loss had me discouraged for a while. 

I am getting back on track now.  I joined Weight Watchers (again) about 3 weeks ago and have since lost 9 lbs.  I have been running some, just not on a training plan.  I am focusing on my nutrition right now since I learned that exercise alone is not enough.  I will start my training program for the Las Vegas Rock and Roll Half Marathon at the end of July and my new goal is to be below 200 lbs. when we go to Vegas. 

Test Yourself 5k

We ran the Test Yourself 5k yesterday monring.  The weather was unseasonable cool for May and it was perfect for running.  However, I didn't get much sleep at work on Friday night and didn't feel like running at all.  I didn't know the course at all, which always bothers me.  I like to know what lies ahead. 

Once we got started I felt pretty good.  The first half of the course was great.  At the turn around we headed up hill, and it was uphill the rest of the way.  I pushed hard and ran a good race.  I finished in 29.35, which I am calling my new PR.  The race a few weeks ago was not an official course and my Garmin measure it short.  This course was exactly 3.1 and certainly challenging. 

...AND ONE TO GROW ON

I  had a 6 mile run scheduled today.  Kristi also had a long run planned and said she wanted to run with me.  It was a good thing because I didn't really feel like running.  We headed out and the battery on my Garmin died in the first 1/2 mile.  That was also a good thing.  Kristi tracked our pace and distance,  I just ran.  I felt strong after 2 miles and we kept a very steady pace.  I made it to 6 miles without walking and Kristi continued.  I walked for about 15 seconds and said screw it, I want to finish with Kristi.  we went 1 more mile and then walked back to the car.  It was an awesome run.  I ran farther and faster than I planned.  I have never run with Kristi before and I loved it.  Running with a friend is the great, especially when it is your best friend.  Thanks for pushing me babe!  I love you!

Cougar Prowl 5k

I had a 3 mile training run scheduled last Saturday, but I felt like racing.  I had a very tight window to fit it in.  I had to be at work at 10:00 for a concert.  Kristi found me a 5k that started at 8:00.  I learned from my last race and this time I had a plan.  I needed to average 9:40 pace to break 30 minutes.  I did a good warm up and felt great when it started.  I was in control of my pace the enire time and had a little left for a kick at the end.  I finished in 28:40.  Another goal achieved!!!

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.